The World's Best Book Summaries
Is the world more peaceful today than in years past? What do the statistics tell us? In his book Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker defends the assertions in his previous book that world violence has declined. He updates the data to show that he was right in 2011 and that he’s still right, as of 2018 when his more recent book was published. Continue reading to learn why Pinker believes that we’re in an unprecedented time of peace.
What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s “Wokenomics”? What are the dangers of progressive politics? Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy argues that corporations have devised an elaborate scam: advertising a hollow fight for social justice in order to reap unprecedented profit and power. Ramaswamy calls this fusion of progressive ideals and capitalism Wokenomics. Read on for an overview of Ramaswamy’s Wokenomics, including why companies use it for profit.
Why was Abraham Lincoln dabbed as “Honest Abe”? Why is honesty important in leadership? A major part of Lincoln’s legacy was his moral code, especially when it comes to telling the truth. Lincoln didn’t just hold himself to a high honesty standard but encouraged everyone around him to do the same, which earned him the nickname “Honest Abe.” Here’s how Abraham Lincoln’s honesty policy benefited him in his life and career.
Should the U.S. deploy troops to defend Taiwan if China launches an invasion? Why or why not? The U.S. and Taiwan are deeply connected in the conflict between China, with the U.S. backing Taiwan in policy for decades. However, generations of tension between China and Taiwan have escalated recently, leaving Americans wondering how to respond if China launches an invasion. Read on to learn about the U.S. and Taiwan relations and the pros and cons of defending against a Chinese invasion.
What are inclusive political institutions? Why do they create prosperous nations? In the book Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson explain that inclusive nations—those with free and fair economies and governments—succeed. According to them, inclusive political and economic institutions are the backbone of a thriving nation. Read on to learn why inclusive political institutions create a powerful and wealthy nation, according to Why Nations Fail.
Why have Taiwan and China relations deteriorated recently? Will the conflict lead to war? What will be the United States’ role? Decades of tension between China and Taiwan have reached a boiling point recently, leading to a higher probability of war. Many expect the United States to defend Taiwan if China launches a full-on invasion, but some aren’t sure if military intervention is worth the risks. Keep reading to learn about the status of Taiwan and China’s relations and the consequences of the conflict.
What are the main points in the gun control debate in the U.S.? Why are background checks central to the conflict? Since 1993, all firearms dealers have been required to consult the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to verify that a prospective customer is legally eligible to own firearms before the sale. However, there are differing points of view on the flaws within the NICS system. Read on to learn the five main problems with the NICS and how gun control and rights advocates respond.
What are extractive political institutions? How do they come into power? What makes a nation extractive? According to the book Why Nations Fail, political institutions determine how a nation creates the rules that citizens live under. Whether a country adopts extractive or inclusive institutions also determines who wields power in society and how they wield it. Read on to learn how and why extractive political institutions are created, according to Why Nations Fail.
Want an overview of the Why Nations Fail book? What are the book’s key ideas and takeaways? In the book Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson try to answer why some nations have wealth and high standards of living while others struggle with poverty and instability. They argue that the answer to this question has to do with freedom and fairness in a nation’s economy and government. Keep reading for an overview of the Why Nations Fail book by Acemoglu and Robinson.
Why are background checks important for gun purchases? Does this system really help to prevent gun violence? The background check required before a gun sale is meant to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands. However, critics of the background check system point out flaws like private sale loopholes and incomplete or incorrect data on potential gun buyers. Keep reading for an overview of background checks for gun control and whether the system is working or broken.