The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the Zeigarnik effect? How can you leverage it to be more creative? Creative insights might seem random, but you actually can deliberately spark them by leveraging a peculiar neural phenomenon called the Zeigarnik effect. It’s when your brain continues to work on unsolved problems—even when you don’t realize it. Here are four ways to unleash your creativity using the Zeigarnik effect.
What do Margaret Atwood and Michelle Obama have in common? Why should you consider joining a book club? What movie is much better than the book? Rina could tell you. Based in Texas, she is the SEO Team Manager at Shortform. We interviewed her recently to learn a bit about her relationship with books.
Why is rest so important for your brain? What are the best ways to let your brain relax? Chris Bailey, the author of Hyperfocus, argues that brain rest is essential for productivity. He discusses why rest matters, the two ideal methods of rest, and the importance of sleep when it comes to cognitive performance. Continue reading to learn how to relax your brain.
Is the future predetermined by the laws of physics? Is free will an illusion? What is scientific determinism? We could predict the state of the universe at a given time—even a time in the future—if two things were true: we have a unifying theory of physics, and we’re able to measure the state of the universe at any given time. This would be “scientific determinism,” and physicist Stephen Hawking explains its limitations in A Brief History of Time. Read more to learn Hawking’s insights on this intriguing matter.
What’s the difference between focused and diffuse thinking? How can you leverage these two modes to maximize learning? Authors Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski offer a number of tips for enhancing your learning that are based on your brain’s ability to alternate between different modes of thinking. They assert that your brain operates in two separate modes, each of which contributes to learning and problem solving in different ways. They call these two modes “focused thinking” and “diffuse thinking.” Read on to learn these ways of improving your learning ability.
What is the difference between meditation and mindfulness? How do you get started with these practices? Productivity expert Chris Bailey argues that meditation and mindfulness can contribute to your productivity by training you to focus. He makes a distinction between the two practices and explains how you can reap their benefits by making them daily habits. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness and how to make them a part of your daily routine.
Do you know how to learn effectively? What are some practical study habits you can use to learn more? In their book Learning How to Learn, Oakley and Sejnowski explain how neural pathways are created in your brain. Then they suggest four learning strategies that take advantage of the way your brain stores information: embracing a multisensory learning style, making up metaphors, skimming books first, and diversifying your studies. Keep reading for details on these strategies.
What is “scatterfocus”? What are the benefits of letting your mind be in the scatterfocus state? “Scatterfocus” is intentional mind-wandering—letting your mind roam free without any point of focus. According to Chris Bailey, the author of Hyperfocus, practicing “scatterfocus” can actually help you improve your ability to focus your attention. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of intentional mind-wandering, why you resist it, and why you should do it anyway.
What are some practical ways to study more efficiently? What study habits can help your brain perform better? Authors Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski explain how neurons work in your brain and how stronger synapses make it easier to recall information. Then they discuss four study habits you can use to promote neuron growth: exercising between study sessions, testing yourself with active recall, practicing spaced repetition, and getting enough sleep. Keep reading for details on how to study efficiently.
Would you like to learn more, faster? How can you make the best use of your brain’s memory capacity when you study? Your memory capacity is limited. It takes up mental space and energy. Learning How to Learn authors Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski share two study tips that help you leverage your memory capacity. Keep reading for two learning strategies for students.