Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Oliver Sacks and the Extraordinary Savant Twins

What was so extraordinary about the savant twins Michael and John? What did the twins teach Oliver Sacks about the brain’s hidden abilities? In the book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, psychologist Oliver Sacks talks about his experience with savant twins Michael and John. These twins had some amazing abilities surrounding numbers and even seemed to communicate with each other using them. Here is the story of the savant twins, Michael and John, as told by Oliver Sacks.

What Is an Intellectual Disorder? Oliver Sacks’ Studies

What is an intellectual disorder? Why did psychologist Oliver Sacks find intellectual disorders especially interesting to study? What did he learn about concrete and abstract thought? In his book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Oliver Sacks explains that working with intellectually disabled patients was special to him. He was interested in the differences between concrete and abstract thought and trying to help intellectually disabled patients live lives rich with creativity and joy. Here are a couple of Oliver Sacks’ stories about his experiences working with patients with intellectual disorders.

Aphasia vs. Agnosia: Explanation and Case Studies

What is the difference between aphasia vs. agnosia? What are some examples of each? In his book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Oliver Sacks examines multiple cases of aphasia and agnosia. He describes the behaviors of patients with each condition and explains the differences between the two. Here are Oliver Sacks’ case studies and an explanation of the difference between aphasia vs. agnosia.

Ernest Hemingway in Paris: Young, Poor, and Happy

What was Ernest Hemingway’s time in Paris like? How did living in Paris affect Hemingway’s writing? In A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway details his life in Paris in the 1920s. During this time, he described himself as young, poor, and happy. Here is an overview of what it was like for Ernest Hemingway in Paris.

The Psychology of Self-Control: How Willpower Works

What role does the prefrontal cortex play in willpower? Why does having a larger prefrontal cortex give you an advantage in life? Can we train our brains to increase self-control? The psychology of self-control starts in the prefrontal cortex. Although it may not seem fair, those with more developed prefrontal cortexes have more willpower and tend to be more fit and successful than those with a smaller prefrontal cortex. However, there are ways you can work to strengthen your self-control. Keep reading for more information about the psychology of self-control and tips to strengthen yours.

How to Improve Willpower: Train your Brain

How can you improve willpower? Are there methods that can help you increase your level of self-control? While it is true that some people are biologically predisposed to have more self-control due to the size of their prefrontal cortex, that doesn’t mean that those with a smaller prefrontal cortex are doomed. It is possible to improve your willpower ability with some training. Keep reading if you want to know how to improve willpower.

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway: Book Overview

What happens in Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast? What was it like to be a writer in Paris in the 1920s? In Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast, Hemingway describes what it was like to live in Paris in the early 1920s as a writer. He talks about his relationships with other writers, the struggles of poverty and hunger, and what it was like to be part of the “Lost Generation.” Here’s an overview of Hemingway’s vignettes.

Willpower: Why Thought Suppression Doesn’t Work

Why does thought suppression always fail? What methods can you use to strengthen willpower without trying to force yourself not to think about something? When you try to suppress your thoughts and desires, they come back stronger. This is why so many diets fail and one of the reasons it’s so hard to get out of an anxiety or depression spiral. Luckily, there are some hacks you can use to stop thinking about the elephant in the room. Continue below to learn more about thought suppression and willpower techniques.

Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway’s Friendship

What was the relationship between Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway? What did Hemingway think of Stein? Why did their friendship come to an end? In his memoir A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway described his friendship with the writer Gertrude Stein. He and his wife Hadley would often visit each other’s houses and discuss topics such as writing and social issues. However, Hemingway and Stein ended up falling out. Here goes the story of Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway’s relationship.

Social Proof Theory: We’re All Lemmings

What is social proof theory? How can you use social proof to your advantage? Social proof theory is the innate belief humans have that says: if others enjoy something then it must be good. This is why Amazon reviews are so helpful and why we’re more likely to save electricity if our neighbors are doing it too. Social proof can be dangerous but it can also be used for good. Here’s a background on social proof theory and how you can use it to make positive changes in yourself and others.