The World's Best Book Summaries
What is human progress? Can it be defined objectively? What’s “better”? Psychologist Steven Pinker believes that humanity is on the path of progress. But, exactly what that means can be hard to pin down. He tackles the definition in his book Enlightenment Now. Keep reading to learn what human progress is, according to Pinker.
What does it mean to be “anti-Enlightenment”? What kind of attitudes or paradigms fit into this category? According to Steven Pinker, four forces are standing in the way of humanity’s progress: religion, anti-scientism, tribalism, and declinism. He believes that the world is on the right track but argues that these enemies of progress must be stopped if human advancement is to continue. Continue reading to learn more about Pinker’s argument.
What book might help you change your relationship with yourself? What series is like a comforting cup of tea? Grace could tell you. She’s a host and writer for Shortform’s YouTube channel. We interviewed her recently to learn a bit about her relationship with books.
Is the world getting better or worse? Have lifestyles around the world improved over time? What do the data on disease, hunger, and mortality indicate? Steven Pinker argues that the world is getting better for humans everywhere. He looks at data in several categories, including lifestyle and health. According to Pinker, we see improvements in both of these areas. Keep reading to learn why Pinker is optimistic.
Are you looking for Dan Kennedy quotes? What are some of the best quotes from The Ultimate Sales Letter? Dan Kennedy is a direct-response marketing consultant, speaker, and author of dozens of business books, including The Ultimate Sales Letter. The book provides time-tested foundational strategies in the art of persuasive writing that translate across media in the ever-evolving world of sales and marketing. Take a look at these quotes from Kennedy’s book, along with a bit of context and explanation.
What’s the state of the environment? What’s the outlook for the future? Steven Pinker believes that the world is getting better. One of his measures of Enlightenment progress is the state of the environment. This assessment is perhaps the one that poses the greatest challenge and is the basis for the strongest pushback against his argument that things are getting better. Keep reading to learn why Pinker is optimistic about the environment.
What are sales letters? Are they effective? How should one be written and used? You don’t have to attend an elite institution to learn how to turn words into money, says multimillionaire entrepreneur Dan Kennedy in The Ultimate Sales Letter. Whether you’re a new business owner or just interested in writing persuasively, you can use Kennedy’s strategies to sell. Continue reading to learn what a sales letter is, how to write a sales letter, and how to use a sales letter strategically.
Why are some people opposed to technology? Are fears about artificial intelligence and bioterrorism valid? Steven Pinker addresses some of the concerns of the anti-technology movement in his book Enlightenment Now. He says that it’s important to allay their fears because, not only are their fears unfounded, they stand in the way of progress. Keep reading to learn Pinker’s views on anti-technology.
When you’re trying to sell your product, should you be completely transparent about the price? Is it okay to use techniques that some regard as manipulative? The Ultimate Sales Letter provides time-tested foundational strategies in the art of persuasive writing that translate across media in the ever-evolving world of sales and marketing. Author Dan Kennedy leans into strategies that some would label as trickery or bullying to get people to respond to a sales letter. Read more to learn his approach and alternative views of honesty in marketing, and determine for yourself whether you have to choose between being ethical
Is the world becoming more democratic? How can we tell? What do the data indicate? In his book Enlightenment Now, psychologist Steven Pinker provides statistics to help us understand the state of democracy in the world. He considers factors such as human rights and capital punishment. Keep reading to learn why Pinker believes that the world is headed in the right direction when it comes to democracy.