History Archives

How to Deal With North Korea: The Wild Card Among Adversaries

Why is North Korea such a threat to the world? Why haven’t economic strategies halted its aggression? What’s the answer to the North Korea problem? In Battlegrounds, General H. R. McMaster offers solutions to America’s foreign policy ills. He identifies North Korea as the riskiest “hot spot” in the world and recommends a coordinated effort to neutralize the threat. Read more to learn about McMaster’s ideas on how to deal with North Korea.

Foreign Policy Failures: America’s 2 Misguided Assumptions

Has the U.S. been naive in its foreign policy since the end of the Cold War? Is overwhelming military force the answer to every threat? General H. R. McMaster describes how poor fundamental assumptions have clouded U.S. foreign policy in ways that are detrimental to itself and other nations. He discusses how these flawed assumptions have led to foreign policy failures in multiple corners of the world. Continue reading to learn about McMaster’s take on U.S. foreign policy.

Nietzsche on Happiness: Balancing Joy & Discomfort

What is Friedrich Nietzsche’s happiness philosophy? What are his thoughts on pursuing happiness? In Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Friedrich Nietzsche explains his views on life, love, happiness, and ultimately human existence. According to Nietzsche, you should focus on finding happiness and joy for yourself while allowing room for discomfort. Read on to learn about Nietzsche’s philosophy of happiness, including a brief learning exercise.

Chris Hadfield’s Missions in Space: From 1995 to 2012

How important were Chris Hadfield’s missions in space? What was his role in these space missions? In An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, retired astronaut Chris Hadfield looks back on three space missions that changed his life and can change yours. These missions marked Hadfield as one of the most important astronauts in the Canadian Space Agency’s history. Continue reading to learn the details of Chris Hadfield’s missions.

Why Black Homeowners Face Discrimination in Appraisals

The Millionaire Next Door and Wealth-Building

Why do Black homeowners face discrimination in appraisals? Have you or someone you know experienced bias in the home appraisal process? Black Americans regularly receive lower home valuations and suffer a host of economic, social, and educational consequences as a result. To address the discrimination that Black homeowners face in home valuations, the first step is diversifying the appraisal industry, which is 97 percent white. Read on to learn more about why Black homeowners face discrimination in home appraisals in the U.S.

Cultural Myths: What We Learn From Roland Barthes’s Essays

Are there hidden messages in the way news is reported? What myths does Hollywood perpetuate? Many of Roland Barthes’s essays provide concrete examples of how myths are used to reinforce cultural norms and values. Particularly, these essays seek to unmask class, gender, race, beauty, and political constructs. Read more to see how Roland Barthes’s essays shed light on cultural myths.

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson: Book Overview

When and how did our solar system form? Why is the universe fine-tuned for life? What do scientists know about the origin of life? Scientists have learned a ton about the universe and the Earth. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson covers the major discoveries and theories and points out what we still don’t know. Keep reading for an overview of this accessible guide to science and natural history, from the big bang to the arrival of hominids on Earth.

History of the Cosmos: The Big Bang, Stars, & Our Solar System

What’s the theoretical basis for the big bang? What’s a supernova? Why is Earth’s moon important? Consider the matter, energy, stars, and planets that make up our universe. At some point, they came into existence. Scientists have developed certain understandings about the big bang, the life cycle of stars, and the formation of the solar system. Continue reading for a brief history of the cosmos.

Prince Harry and Diana: How Her Death Affected Her Son

What was Prince Harry and his mother Diana’s relationship like? How did Harry cope with her unexpected death in 1997? In Spare, Harry describes his relationship with his mother as loving, but her unfortunate death in a car crash left him in pain. It wasn’t until years later in therapy that he finally confronted the trauma he endured after her death. Read below to learn more about Prince Harry and Diana’s relationship.

The Ice Age Cycle: What Do Scientists Know About It?

What causes ice ages? How much of the Earth has been covered by ice? Are we in an ice age now? The geological history of the Earth indicates that ice covers much of the planet at times and, at other times, it doesn’t. Author Bill Bryson looks into the ice age cycle to understand what scientists know and how. Keep reading for a brief overview of the ice age cycle.