The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the purpose of marketing? What does it accomplish? Whom does it serve? According to John Berger, the author of Ways of Seeing, the purpose of marketing is to keep the machines of capitalism moving: to keep the rich rich and the poor poor. It is accomplished by evoking envy and giving a promise of a better life. Continue reading to learn more about Berger’s view.
What makes art an effective form of social commentary? How has art been used to assert social status? Sometimes art reflects the views of the artist and those who buy the art. That can make art a rather powerful medium. According to John Berger, the author of Ways of Seeing, the way we see art has historically been manipulated by a privileged minority to preserve their social and economic dominance. Keep reading to learn Berger’s view on how art has been co-opted for social purposes.
What factors are at play when we’re interpreting art? Why do different people see art in different ways? Images are inherently subjective—our experiences and beliefs influence what we see. When we look at visual art, we often place ourselves within images, which influences how we interpret their meaning. Keep reading to learn more about the factors that influence the way we interpret art.
In your mind, do positive thoughts or negative thoughts usually win? How can you give positivity the advantage? Positive thoughts are the key to a happy life because they lead to positive words and actions. When you think positively, you treat yourself and other people better, enjoy healthier relationships, make better choices, and are resilient in the face of adversity. Joyce Meyer asserts that positivity is difficult because the devil attacks your mind with negativity. But there’s something you can do about. Keep reading to learn how your mind is a battlefield—and how to win the war.
Where does spiritual doubt come from, and where can it lead? What’s the difference between doubt and unbelief? When Jesus called Peter to walk on water, Peter did it—for a moment. According to Joyce Meyer, doubt caused Peter to sink. In Battlefield of the Mind, Meyer discusses what doubt is, how it differs from unbelief, and how we can fight both doubt and unbelief. Read more for a concise discussion of doubts about God.
What is the difference between nude and naked when it comes to art? What deeper meanings do nudity and nakedness symbolize? Not all naked paintings are nudes. According to art critic John Berger, to be naked is to be yourself and to be seen by others for who you are—it’s vulnerability and honesty. To be nude, on the other hand, is to hide oneself and be seen by others as an object—usually for sexual fantasy. Keep reading to learn about three key distinctions between nude and naked.
What is a victim mentality? Where does it come from? How can it impact our lives? Joyce Meyer argues that the devil attacks our minds with negative thoughts. One category of negativity is self-pity, or a victim mentality. Not only does this mentality trap us in a dark mindset, it makes us believe that we can’t make choices and changes. Keep reading to learn more about the pitfalls of self-pity.
Are you more like Jesus today than you were yesterday? What can you do to think like Christ? What difference would it make in your life? Joyce Meyer explains that Jesus is the paragon of maintaining a positive mind in the face of suffering. Therefore, as we try to live a positive life ourselves, we should try to emulate his mindset. While this may seem like an impossible task, Meyer reminds us that God invites all Christians to share the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Read more to learn about the steps toward having the mindset of Christ.
What can we learn from European art history? How has art shaped social order? According to art critic John Berger, throughout history, the way we see art has been manipulated by a privileged minority to preserve their social and economic dominance. He argues that understanding the dominant form of art from this period in Europe is key to understanding Western history and social order. Keep reading to learn more about Berger’s ideas.
Do you own your thoughts? Are they mostly positive or negative? Thinking positive is paramount to living a happy and successful life because our thoughts become self-fulfilling prophecies. That’s the position of Joyce Meyer, who implores us to take ownership of our thoughts—focusing on God and remembering that the devil tries to keep our minds negative. Keep reading to learn how to keep a positive mindset.