Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Human Motives: Why We Hide Our True Reasons

What are your true reasons for doing what you do? What do you want people to think your reasons are? In The Elephant in the Brain, software engineer Kevin Simler and economics professor Robin Hanson controversially argue that human behavior is driven by selfish motives—and that your own brain is hiding them from you. They contend that humans evolved to appear selfless even as they put themselves before others. Read more for this intriguing discussion about human motives.

The Importance of Interpersonal Skills in Business

Are you winsome at work? Are people drawn to you and your ideas? Do you have presence and influence? Startup success hinges on your ability to win over others. That’s the view of entrepreneurs Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba, authors of The Unfair Advantage. They discuss how you can determine whether interpersonal skills are your unfair advantage, and they provide tips on how to improve these skills. Continue reading to learn about the importance of interpersonal skills in business.

What Is the Greatest Virtue? Here’s Aristotle’s Answer

What is the greatest virtue? What makes it so great? Does Aristotle’s theory hold water? In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses virtues, both moral and intellectual. He argues that one virtue rises above all the others: wisdom. Unlike other virtues, it’s an end in itself and, thus, the best way to achieve happiness—the goal of life. Read more to understand Aristotle’s opinion about the greatest virtue.

Norms of Society: How Humans Regulate Each Other

Why did social norms develop? How do they work, and what role do they play? If you make too much noise in a library, you probably won’t get escorted out by security. Instead, you’ll likely earn some dirty looks or shushing from your fellow patrons. Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson explain how norms of society, such as this example of group enforcement, regulate human behavior. Read more to learn how norms of society play a role in our lives.

Shortform Reads: The Good, the Bad, and the Obscure

What author might have discovered the “holy grail of physics”? What books are fun bedtime reading for the whole family? Timothy could tell you. Based in Idaho, he’s a book guide writer at Shortform. We interviewed him recently to learn a bit about his relationship with books, and he has some fascinating recommendations ranging from the classic to the obscure.

Startup Assets: Your Unfair Advantage?

How much can you invest in your startup? How much of a financial leg up can you give your new business? If you have sizable assets to invest in your startup, you have a leg up over the competition. Valuable assets are one of the unfair advantages identified in the book The Unfair Advantage by entrepreneurs Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba. The authors discuss a potential drawback of assets, how to know if your assets are your unfair advantage in particular, and how to improve and make the most of your assets. Keep reading to learn about the unfair advantage

The Virtue of Wisdom: Self-Sufficient & Divine

What did Aristotle say about wisdom as a virtue? Why did he believe it was superior? In an effort to prove that wisdom is the greatest virtue of all, Aristotle explains how the virtue of wisdom is superior to moral virtues. He claims that wisdom is superior because it’s self-sufficient and divine. Let’s take a look at Aristotle’s view on the virtue of wisdom as presented in his Nicomachean Ethics.

The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life

Do doctors actually care about you? Why do people buy Teslas? What’s the hidden purpose of education? In The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life, Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson argue that human behavior is driven by selfish motives hidden behind altruistic pretexts. They argue that, because we’re a cooperative social species, our brains evolved to hide our true motives not just from others, but from ourselves so as to balance our selfishness with our need to get along. Keep reading for an overview of the book.

Best Apologetics Books, Websites, & Podcasts: Equip Yourself

Do you feel equipped to answer challenges to your faith? How could you do a better job of explaining what you believe and why? Apologetics are sound arguments designed to justify your beliefs. You need facts and reason at hand to solidify the foundation of your faith and respond to questions and challenges from others who see things differently. Here’s some good news: established facts and reasoned arguments for biblical Christianity exist, and many people have already done a lot of the hard work to bring them together. I’ve assembled what I think are the best apologetics resources. Keep reading

Importance of Knowledge in Entrepreneurship

Is knowledge your secret weapon? How can you leverage your learning to strengthen your startup? If you have considerable or specialized knowledge, you have a leg up over the competition. Knowledge is one of the unfair advantages identified in the book The Unfair Advantage by entrepreneurs Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba. The authors discuss a potential drawback of knowledge, how to know if knowledge is your unfair advantage in particular, and how to improve and make the most of your knowledge. Continue reading to learn about the importance of knowledge in entrepreneurship.