The World's Best Book Summaries
How can we understand what science doesn’t explain? How can we find meaning in our everyday lives? For Jordan Peterson, meaning and experience are strongly connected. In his book Maps of Meaning, he illumines the path from experience to myth and, ultimately, to meaning. Keep reading to learn about Peterson’s theory on meaning and experience.
What’s the difference between science and mythology when it comes to how we understand the world and ourselves? What are their distinct goals? Jordan Peterson contends that science plays a role in helping us understand objective reality but that we need myths to inform our subjective judgments. Myths provide meaning that science cannot. Read more to understand Peterson’s argument.
Is there any point in getting upset when hardships come your way? When you complain, what are you subconsciously admitting to? Stoicism teaches that you should think rationally about every situation you encounter and always choose the best response possible. That includes challenging situations. Stoic philosopher Epictetus says that, as a reasoned person, you have a toolbox for such times. Read more for Epictetus’ advice on how to face challenges in life.
Does your brand have a strong voice? Does it appeal to your target customers? Should it include humor? To write good marketing material, you must hone and convey your brand’s voice. A strong brand voice offers an identity for the customer to align with, and it can be the deciding factor when customers are choosing between you and your competitors. Read more to learn how to create a brand voice.
In giving up the myths of our ancestors, have we lost something vital to the human experience? Without myths, how can we frame our basic moral beliefs? In Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, Jordan Peterson contends that myths are vital to how humans confront and make sense of a chaotic world. He warns that, by turning a blind eye to the value of our mythological inheritance, we run the risk of denying our capacity for good and evil. Continue reading for an overview of this intriguing book.
When someone insults you, how should you respond? Should you be proud of your family? Epictetus and other Stoic philosophers had an opinion about things outside of yourself. They believed that those things aren’t important. So, external things shouldn’t cause you pain, pride, or any number of reactions you might be tempted to have. Keep reading to understand Epictetus’ view of external things and see how it might give you peace of mind.
Do you want to establish a daily writing routine but don’t know how to start? How strict should you be? Does it matter what time of day you write? Are you naturally a bad writer? Trick question: There’s no such thing. In Everybody Writes, bestselling author, speaker, and digital marketer Ann Handley explains that writing is a practice—not a talent—and that anyone can improve their writing through consistent work and practice. Keep reading to learn how a daily writing routine will make you a better writer.
Are we stardust? What assumptions do physicists make? Why should people study the cosmos? Science educator Neil deGrasse Tyson finds it exciting to know there’s so much left in the universe to discover. In his book, he says that the study of astrophysics gives us a valuable perspective on ourselves while revealing the nature of the universe in which we live. Continue reading for a few Astrophysics for People in a Hurry quotes, along with some context and explanation.
What’s in your control? What isn’t? How can understanding this help you make decisions and find peace in life? Stoicism teaches how to live a happy and fulfilling life through thoughtful, rational action. According to the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, control is a major aspect of this. Specifically, you must control what you can and stop worrying about the rest. Continue reading to understand what this means and how it’s done.
Why is astrophysics important? In the big scheme of things, how special are Earth and human beings? Neil deGrasse Tyson shows how astrophysics has stripped humanity of its archaic belief that we hold a special place at the center of the universe. Still, it affirms what we share in common and provides a vast new frontier for discoveries that may transform how we understand reality. Read more to understand this perspective from Tyson’s book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.