The World's Best Book Summaries
Why do people care about their status? Is social status important? The Status Game by Will Storr explains that on a basic level, people play status games because we’ve evolved to do so. But the reasons that people care about status are more numerous and nuanced than that. Below we’ll explore some of the reasons that explain the importance of social status.
Have you tried treatment programs for alcoholism, only to find that you’re still looking for solutions? Is drinking in moderation the way to go? Annie Grace says that, to break free from alcohol dependence, you must see alcohol as it truly is: an addictive drug that poisons your mind and body. When you change your beliefs, you’ll overcome addiction by no longer even wanting to drink, and you’ll enjoy a fulfilling life free of alcohol. Continue reading to learn how to quit drinking without rehab or formal treatment programs.
What does bell hooks have to say about self-love? What are the five practices of healthy self-esteem? According to All About Love by bell hooks, self-love is the first step to living by a love ethic. A love ethic empowers you to transcend fear, which often serves as a tool to uphold systems of control and dominance. To learn how to practice self-love, keep reading.
Have you ever felt humiliated in public? What triggers social humiliation? If you ever try to fit into a new group, you’ll likely feel humiliated if your efforts don’t work out. This is a common consequence of status games, according to Will Storr. Continue reading to learn more about the psychology of social humiliation.
What are common investing mistakes that are easy to make? How can you avoid these pitfalls? While safe investing sounds straightforward in theory, investing is more complicated in practice. As The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks points out, that’s because investors often succumb to emotional or intellectual pitfalls when investing. Let’s look at the primary investing mistakes that you must avoid to maximize your success.
How did J. Robert Oppenheimer struggle with mental health? Was he ever diagnosed with specific conditions? In American Prometheus, biographers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin provide an in-depth look into the life of the man best known for his work on developing the atomic bomb. The authors discuss how J. Robert Oppenheimer’s adolescent years were marked by emotional instability. Read more to learn about Oppenheimer’s mental health struggles in his youth.
Why is faith important? What can spirituality do that nothing else can? Chasing career achievements, wealth, and prestige isn’t completely satisfying. The older you get, the more that’s true. Arthur Brooks advises that, as you age, you should dedicate yourself to life success—in other words, living a well-rounded life full of contentment and love. Faith, he says, is a major part of this. Keep reading to discover the difference that a belief in something greater can make in your life.
What are the benefits of developing a friendship in relationships? Are friendships the purest form of love? In All About Love, bell hooks suggests that romance isn’t the idealized concept of love. Instead, friendships are the form of love people should practice. Here’s how developing your friendships enhances your romantic relationships.
What are the benefits of focus? How does focusing give you purpose in life? Fostering a more focused mind provides a wide range of benefits. In The Power of Unwavering Focus, Dandapani asserts that mastering focus will help you to: improve your work performance, overcome stress and anxiety, deepen your relationships, live with more purpose, and experience more joy. Let’s look at the benefits of staying focused in life.
How important is vulnerability? Why is it vital for healthy relationships, effective leadership, and a fulfilled life? Brené Brown studies, promotes, and lives vulnerability. In her bestselling books, if vulnerability isn’t the main theme, it still features prominently. We’ve put together a collection of quotes from her books that will help you know why it’s a quality worth understanding and practicing. Continue reading for 33 Brené Brown vulnerability quotes that will give you a glimpse into her insights.