The World's Best Book Summaries
What’s situational anxiety? Is there a way to treat it? Situational anxiety happens when you feel abnormally nervous about a new situation or environment. This could range from interviewing for a new job to meeting a new group of people at a party. Continue reading for situational anxiety treatments that’ll help you.
How powerful is math? What’s the difference between benign math models and dangerous math models? In Weapons of Math Destruction, Cathy O’Neil notes that not all mathematical models are dangerous. When implemented responsibly, mathematical models can be powerful tools that enable organizations to make effective decisions that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Below we’ll define mathematical models to show the power of math.
What are the different types of pesticides? What’s the difference between herbicides and insecticides? In Silent Spring, Rachel Carson discusses how and why chemicals are applied to the environment. She also describes how insecticides and herbicides are used, and the harmful effects they have on the environment and humans. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of pesticides that are dangerous.
Do you have a fear of failure? Do you strive to be a perfectionist? The thought of failure is so terrible that it sometimes prevents people from working towards their goals. The only solution to overcoming the fear of failure is to accept that failure is normal. Continue reading to learn how to address this fear.
What are the consequences of emotional suppression? What are some ways to accept your emotions, even if they’re negative? The act of suppressing your emotions happens when you avoid or distract yourself from uncomfortable feelings. When you don’t let yourself experience negative emotions—such as guilt, frustration, and grief—you might channel those emotions into unhealthy habits. Below we’ll explore the consequences of emotional suppression and how to allow yourself to feel uneasy emotions.
What’s the definition of mathematical models? Are math models biased toward a specific group of people? In Weapons of Math Destruction, data scientist Cathy O’Neil details the insidious ways mathematical models are being used to determine everything from interest rates to prison sentences. She contends that, while mathematical models can efficiently sort through vast amounts of information, they can produce dangerous results. Let’s take a look at O’Neil’s definition of a mathematical model.
What’s Brené Brown’s advice on empathy and shame? In her words, how does empathy help you overcome shame? Brené Brown is a world-renowned author who’s known for her work on shame, wholeheartedness, and leadership. In most of her books, she discusses the concept of empathy, and where it falls in human nature. Read below for more about Brené Brown on empathy.
Are there safe alternatives to pesticides? Can we use predators as pest control? Rachel Carson argues that while pesticides use chemicals to control plant, insect, or animal populations, many biological control methods are just as effective, less expensive, and less harmful to the environment. While she does not advocate eliminating pesticides entirely, she suggests using them in more targeted ways. Check out Carson’s suggestions for alternative methods of pest control.
What are the main challenges in data science? How can mathematical models be dangerous? A mathematical model is a mathematical simulation of a real-world event. Three characteristics make them dangerous: they’re opaque, they don’t incorporate feedback, and they operate on a large scale. Keep reading to learn more about the challenges in data science and math models.
Are your relationships getting in the way of your self-improvement? How do you evaluate your relationships? Sarah Knight argues that as an adult, you have a choice about who you spend your time with. She explains that in every relationship, you have three choices for how to move forward: Maintain the relationship, improve it, or end it. Continue reading to decide what to do with the relationships in your life.