Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity (Overview)

Why does inequality exist, and when did it start? Is inequality a necessary evil of any large, complex society? David Graeber and David Wengrow attempted to answer these questions by looking at historical and anthropological research. They found that our beliefs about the evolution of societies have been wrong. They discuss their findings in the book The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity. Keep reading for an overview of this thought-provoking book.

The Rise of the British Empire: From Obscurity to Center Stage

Why did Spain and Portugal decline in power? How did England take their place as the economic center of Europe? As the Middle Ages gave way to the early modern period, Europe began to enjoy global economic dominance. One power, in particular, emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries: England. Historian Peter Frankopan explains how this small nation became so powerful. Read more to learn about the rise of the British Empire.

Why Is the Rule of Law Important to Modern Democracies?

Why is the rule of law important to modern democracies? Where does it come from? A major component of modern liberal democracy is the rule of law. Francis Fukuyama explains where the rule of law comes from, how it affects the political order, and how its absence (or weakness) leads to authoritarianism. Read more for a discussion about the rule of law and its importance to society.

Islam in the Middle Ages—From the Prophet to the Crusades

How did Islam start? What made it grow so successfully? What difference did the Crusades make? In The Silk Roads, historian Peter Frankopan writes about Islam in the Middle Ages in the context of the relationship between the East and the West. He discusses how Islam started and grew, the Abbasid Caliphate, and the Crusades. Keep reading for this brief but engaging history.

How to Schedule Your Day Around Your Brain’s Energy Levels

When is your energy at its peak? What kind of tasks should you do in the morning? David Rock claims that, when you’re aware of the fluctuation of your brain’s energy levels, you can plan your day around your ebbs and flows, enhancing your productivity. He looks at the science behind your brain’s energy use and gives you approaches to work in tandem with your energy levels. Keep reading to learn how to schedule your day by leveraging your brain’s energy.

The 5 Features of a State: Francis Fukuyama Explains

In political science, what’s a state? What are its distinct features? How is it different from a tribe? Francis Fukuyama argues that a stable democratic society requires a strong state. He identifies five characteristics that a state has: a strong central authority, a stratified class system, a complex religion, a composition based on territory, and the centralized and exclusive control of police and military forces. Let’s take a look at the definition and the features of a state, according to Fukuyama.

Shortform Reads: Into the Woods With a Book

What two authors can describe a simple smile with deep nuance? What kind of hat did Daniel Boone actually wear? What makes Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations more accessible? James could tell you. Based in Iowa, he’s a book guide writer at Shortform. We interviewed him recently to learn about the books he reads, why he reads them, and what he gets out of them.

C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity Quotes That Will Make You Think

Are you looking for C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity quotes? What excerpts capture some of the best ideas from the book? In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis sets out to explain and defend Christian beliefs to a skeptical modern audience through a series of essays—originally delivered as a series of radio addresses in the United Kingdom between 1941 and 1944. Keep reading for a few quotes from this classic book that are sure to make you think.

Abolishing the Federal Reserve: A Proposed 2-Step Strategy

If we were to abolish the Federal Reserve, how should we go about it? What are some alternatives to the Fed? Edward Griffin believes the Fed destabilizes the economy and encourages banks to engage in fraudulent practices that harm the public and benefit the elite. In his book, The Creature from Jekyll Island, he identifies four major problems with the Fed and insists that it should be abolished. Read more to learn Griffin’s proposed two-step strategy to abolish the Federal Reserve.

Managing Emotions in the Workplace: A Key to Productivity

How can you be better prepared to go into a stressful situation? Once you’re in one, what should you do? Your emotions impact your energy and your energy impacts your productivity. When you understand how your brain’s limbic system works, you can improve how you regulate your emotions and enjoy more energy and productivity as a result. Continue reading to learn about managing emotions in the workplace, including some practical advice on what to do before and during emotional situations at work.