The World's Best Book Summaries
What are the origins of psychology? Where did early ideas about consciousness come from? Psychology is the study of human thought and behavior, as well as the mental processes that underpin them. In its infant form, psychology dealt with the concept of human consciousness before experimentation and behavioral observation. Below we’ll explore that transition by discussing the history of basic psychology.
Are gender and sexuality cultural or biological? Is fatness unhealthy, or is that just a cultural narrative? In Cynical Theories, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay contend that social justice scholarship and activism changed from a force for good to a dangerous movement. One of the ways in which it’s a threat, they say, is the movement’s rejection of science in order to advance its agenda. Keep reading to learn about the anti-science positions of the Social Justice Movement.
What was Solomon Asch’s conformity experiment? Why do people fold under peer pressure? The Psychology Book notes that one of the most influential experiments in social psychology is the Asch Paradigm. Created by Solomon Asch, the experiment was founded to see how easily people conform to others in a group, even if they know they’re wrong. Let’s look at what this experiment tells us about human conformity, with additional insight from the Stanford Prison experiment.
What are the effects of psychedelics on the brain? Why is it hard to describe the psychedelic state? According to How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan, the psychedelic state is incredibly difficult to describe because of how transcendent and hallucinatory it is. Further, there have been reports that individuals who’ve used psychedelics interpret and filter information differently than those who haven’t. Continue reading to learn more about what psychedelics do to the brain.
What is the Trauma Stewardship book by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky about? What are the negative impacts of caring for trauma patients? In Trauma Stewardship, Laura van Dernoot Lipsky discusses the warning signs of secondary trauma that caregivers may experience. By replenishing your energy for healthy caregiving, you can cope with the trauma that you witness. Read below for an overview of Trauma Stewardship.
What is differential psychology? Where do IQ tests come from? The field of differential psychology, which arose in the 20th century, examines differences in people’s personalities and intelligences. This has led to modern-day IQ and personality tests, trait theory, and research into personality disorders. We’ll discuss some of the most prominent figures and concepts of differential psychology below.
What are the six different kinds of intelligence every team needs? How do these types of “genius” contribute to project development? Patrick Lencioni’s The 6 Types of Working Genius argues that there are six distinct types of working intelligence and that all successful teams consist of members each possessing a combination of each type. By properly identifying which traits your team members have, you can maximize both productivity and individual fulfillment. Keep reading for an in-depth look at each kind of intelligence.
What is trauma stewardship? How can secondary trauma impact a caretaker’s life? Many people who care for people with trauma often don’t take care of themselves. This results in secondary trauma, which can be treated by practicing trauma stewardship. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of secondary trauma, according to Trauma Stewardship by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky.
What are the ten types of Saboteurs? How do they sabotage your fulfillment and happiness in life? In Positive Intelligence, Shirzad Chamine explores the concept of Saboteurs and their detrimental impact on our well-being. Chamine examines ten distinct types of Saboteurs to show readers how these antagonizing thoughts hinder personal growth and happiness. Read on to learn about each of the ten types of Saboteurs, according to Chamine.
What, exactly, is an ideology? What are its limitations? How can people find meaning and direction without them? According to Jordan Peterson, ideology should be dropped. In Beyond Order, he discusses the pitfalls of ideology and recommends an alternative path toward civil society and personal fulfillment. Read more to learn why Peterson urges us to abandon ideology.