The World's Best Book Summaries
What is mimetic desire? Where did the theory originate? What are some examples of mimetic desire? In Wanting, Luke Burgis explores the ideas of René Girard, an academic whose theory of “mimetic desire” seeks to explain where our desires originate. According to Girard’s theory, we don’t form our own desires—rather, we imitate what other people want or have. Read on to learn more about what mimetic desire is, its origins, and examples in our daily lives.
Are you looking for The Brain That Changes Itself quotes by Norman Doidge? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In The Brain That Changes Itself, Norman Doidge explains that the brain is plastic, meaning it can change its own structure and connections in response to stimuli. His book conveys complex ideas in a way that a layperson can understand and illustrates them through stories of real people whose lives have improved thanks to the power of neuroplasticity. Below is a selection of passages with explanations.
Do you consider yourself a good judge of character? How reliable are our social judgements? When we judge other people, we inadvertently but inevitably do that through the lens of personal biases. This results in generalizations and inaccurate judgments about people that can cause us to overlook the true reasons for their behavior. Keep reading to learn how to be a good judge of character.
How do you make someone obsessed with you? What are some psychological tactics you can use to make all their attention fixated on you alone? According to Robert Greene, the author of The Art of Seduction, the key to making someone invested in you to the point of obsession is to create a hook. You create a hook by crafting an illusion that you’ll lure the target into. With this in mind, here’s how to make someone obsessed with you, according to Robert Greene.
How is attention like a muscle? How is it like a camera? Daniel Goleman argues that attention is a complex and underappreciated cognitive resource in our modern society overrun with distractions. He shares three characteristics of attention: it’s indivisible, it’s like a muscle, and it’s like a camera. Keep reading to learn what Goleman means and to understand attention better.
Do you struggle with negative self-talk? How can you stop talking negatively to yourself? Negative self-talk or inner voice can severely affect your self-esteem and close you off from the joys life has to offer. This can, in turn, reinforce your negative state, pulling you further and further into the rabbit hole of negative thinking. Psychologist Ethan Kross explains how to quiet your negative inner voice by redirecting your attention.
How should you deal with our modern influx of information? Are there efficient ways to keep, process, and use information? Your brain can handle only so much. To compensate for this limitation, neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin recommends that you create systems to categorize information and store it outside of your brain. That frees up your brain to be more creative and productive. Here’s Levitin’s advice on how to deal with information overload.
What is the critical period of brain development? At what age does the brain become set in stone? Can structural changes happen in the brain after the critical period is over? During the critical period, unused parts of the brain can change themselves to perform functions different from their original functions. In the past, the belief was that once this critical period was over, the brain was set in stone. However, we now know that the brain retains its potential for structural change. Here’s why the brain doesn’t become set in stone once the critical period is over.
What is the definition of self-compassion? Why is self-compassion so important? In Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff says that many people are too hard on themselves and need to boost their self-worth. She explains that people need to practice self-compassion to do so. Let’s look at Neff’s definition of self-compassion so you can appreciate yourself more.
Looking for some sales persuasion techniques? What are the best techniques for convincing a customer to buy something? Author Phil M. Jones has written seven best-selling business books and emphasizes the quality of conversations as the key to persuading customers. In Exactly What to Say, he shares his best sales persuasion techniques and key phrases that appeal to the customer’s subconscious mind. Read on for Jones’s best sales persuasion techniques, according to the advice in Exactly What to Say.