The World's Best Book Summaries
How do people become con artists? What are some con artist traits you should look out for? Con artists are among the most manipulative people you’ll ever meet. According to Maria Konnikova’s book The Confidence Game, con artists are created because of psychological tendencies and their environment. Keep reading to learn why con artists do what they do.
What’s behind the latest FIFA controversy? What are the specific issues with women’s soccer teams? As the FIFA Women’s World Cup approaches, players are embroiled in battles and controversies with officials around equal rights and equal treatment. From clashes over LGBTQ+ rights to the pursuit of equal pay, women’s soccer has been shaken by conflict. Read on to discover some of the recent issues and how they might affect the upcoming World Cup.
What’s behind the pet store ban on animal sales? Why are some people for or against the bans? A growing number of US cities, counties, and states are banning pet store sales of dogs, cats, and other animals to combat puppy mills and animal maltreatment. Advocates believe these bans are vital for reducing abuse, but puppy mill owners are finding loopholes to circumvent the restrictions. Read on to learn more about the drive to ban the retail sale of animals in pet stores.
How can a country rich in resources be so poor? Why is the energy industry a bad investment for developing countries? You would think that a country rich in natural gas and oil would also be rich in money, but you’d be wrong. The natural resource curse refers to the idea that countries rich in natural resources tend to suffer the most because the money often goes to authoritarian governments, rather than the people. Read below to learn about the natural resource curse and how it came about.
Is it possible to live forever? How much would immortality cost? Is cell rejuvenation the answer? A growing number of billionaire entrepreneurs are investing in research to try to increase the human lifespan, some even aiming for immortality. The initiatives involve medical research, biohacking routines, and attempts to create robotic avatars into which human consciousness can be transferred. Here’s a look at cell rejuvenation research, along with some alternative lifespan-extending options.
What’s behind the huge number of Dollar General stores? Are dollar stores capitalizing on poverty or adding value to society? Dollar stores are the fastest-growing food retailers in the US and are working to become the top dog of one-stop-shopping for America’s poorest citizens. In particular, the number of Dollar General stores is exploding as the retailer opens three new stores a day. Read on to learn what’s behind this massive number of Dollar General stores and why it has some experts concerned.
Whom can we trust to report climate science accurately? Why would anyone twist the facts? Steven E. Koonin argues that climate science is frequently misconstrued, and he attempts to diagnose the root of this problem. He accuses various parties of distorting climate science and explains some of the biases and motivations that appear to be behind the misrepresentations. Continue reading to learn who’s not telling the whole truth about climate change—and why.
Is the state of climate science worse than the state of the climate itself? How could it be made more useful? According to Steven Koonin, climate science is in big trouble. He argues that climate science is frequently misconstrued, and he attempts to diagnose the root of this problem and propose a remedy. Continue reading to learn Koonin’s suggestions for repairing climate science.
Why is child labor in the U.S. on the rise? How much has child labor increased in recent years? Between 2015 and 2022, the number of children employed in violation of child labor laws in the U.S. tripled from 1,012 to 3,876. Most minors in these exploitative work situations are migrant children who have fled violence and poverty in their home countries to pursue better circumstances. Keep reading to learn what’s behind this increase in child labor violations in the U.S.
What’s Richard Feynman’s approach to science? What should scientists do with doubt? What’s every scientist’s responsibility? According to Richard Feynman, science is a serious business. Feynman is known for having fun and enjoying his work, but he also has a reputation for integrity in his field. In his memoir, he writes about the importance of intellectual honesty and accountability in science. Continue reading to learn Feynman’s views on the practice and profession of science.