The World's Best Book Summaries
Why is there so much suffering in the world? Are humans predisposed to be unhappy? According to yogi master Sadhguru, suffering is the result of feeling separated from the outside world. At the root of this cycle of suffering is our deep unconscious knowledge that we belong in union with everything in the universe, but we’re not living that way. Here’s how humans create their own suffering, according to Sadhguru.
What makes a story good? What basic human longing does it fulfill, and how does it fulfill it? Robert McKee began teaching stories in a university class and has since become one of the most sought-after lecturers on the topic. In his book Story, he discusses why people love stories and shows writers how to take advantage of this obsession. He also explains why writers should learn story theory. Continue reading to learn McKee’s ideas on what makes a story good as well as the purpose of story theory.
Where do self-serving behaviors come from? Are humans selfish by nature? Many people believe that humans are hardwired to be selfish, and there’s scientific evidence to back that up. But just because we’re born with an innate desire to serve ourselves, that doesn’t mean we have to live a completely selfish life. Keep reading to learn where selfishness comes from and how we can rise from it.
Want to know how to get into a flow state? What does Steven Kotler recommend? What are the stages of flow? According to journalist Steven Kotler, you can’t enter a flow state, or a state of deep focus, on command. In his book The Rise of Superman, he explains how to get into a flow state, based on following the four stages of flow. Read on to learn how to get into a flow state, according to Kotler’s advice.
Why is there a lack of emotional intelligence in relationships? What is Romanticism and how does it affect relationships? According to The School of Life, emotional intelligence is missing in most modern relationships because we’ve developed an unhealthy view of love and marriage. The authors argue that, rather than focusing on emotional intelligence, most relationships focus on Romanticism, which is unrealistic and unhealthy. Read on to learn more about the lack of emotional intelligence in relationships, according to the authors.
What is the subversion of expectation? How does it keep a story going? How does it impact the audience? One of the main ingredients in a story is the subversion of expectation. This element is extremely important. Robert McKee maintains that it’s the source of all energy in a story. Read more to understand what subverting expectations means and how to do it in a story.
What’s the importance of trust in relationships? How does trust encourage honesty and motivation? If your relationships at work or in your personal life need a little improvement, you likely need to build some trust. Trust goes a long way for someone, and it’s the key to keeping a relationship standing when something wants to tear it down. Below we’ll explore why trust is important in relationships, both in a professional and personal sense.
What is good versus evil? Is morality relative or fixed? Good and evil are common topics found in religion, ethics, psychology, philosophy, and more. To many, good and evil define what is right and wrong in the world. But it can be hard to determine what exactly tips the scale of morality. We’ll explore the good versus evil debate below by examining their definitions and how someone becomes good or evil.
What’s the relationship between a flow state and brain waves? How do your brain waves change when you enter a flow state? According to Steven Kotler’s book The Rise of Superman, in a flow state, the brain waves you produce temporarily change, allowing you to perform at your best. He specifically describes five of the brain waves that are positively affected by entering a flow state. Read on to learn more about how achieving a flow state affects brain waves, according to Kotler.
Why are neurotransmitters important? How do they impact our abilities and daily lives? In The Rise of Superman, journalist Steven Kotler explains how athletes are able to perform seemingly superhuman feats—it all comes down to mastering flow, or a state of deep focus, he says. He further explains why neurotransmitters are important for achieving this state of flow and boosting performance. Read on to learn why neurotransmitters are important for brain performance, according to Kotler.