The World's Best Book Summaries
What is victim blaming? Why do people sometimes blame the victim, and not the perpetrator? Victim blaming is a phenomenon whereby a victim of a crime or an accident is accused of the incident. There are several theories as to why people blame victims. Keep reading to understand the psychology of victim blaming.
What is the power of Now? Why is it so difficult to keep your attention in the present moment, without drifting off either into the future or the past? The Now is the present moment—each individual moment in the innumerable sequence of moments that makes up our lives. Practicing the power of Now is experiencing each of these moments with your full and undivided attention, without being distracted by your internal monologue (whether that includes thoughts of your to-do list, replaying an interaction from this morning, or running commentary and analysis of the present). Here is how living in the
What is a codependent caretaker? How can you tell if you are one? Sometimes, actions that seem generous and kind can actually be insidious. Genuinely caring for someone is not the same thing as caretaking, which is defined as giving care to others with your own needs in mind. From there, it’s a slippery slope towards codependent caretaking. Learn more about codependent caretaking and why it happens below.
What is the ego? How does identifying with your ego prevent you from seeing the world clearly and objectively? According to Eckhart Tolle, ego is your “I,” or self—how you distinguish yourself from others. The ego creates your identity from your social status, job, possessions, education, appearance, relationships, personal and family history, beliefs, and membership in political, national, racial, and religious groups. While your ego is an indispensable part of your self, identification with it can cloud your perception of objective reality. Here is how giving the power to your ego can sabotage your inner peace and cloud your interpretation
What is the victim mentality? How can you tell when someone’s actions stem from a place of victimhood? The victim mentality is the collection of beliefs, attitudes, and thinking patterns that emphasize your powerlessness in the face of circumstances and other people’s actions. In their book The Oz Principle, authors Craig Hickman, Roger Connors, and Tom Smith distinguish between two types of victim behavior: passivity and selfishness. In this article, we’ll discuss what being a “victim” means in the context of “the Oz Principle,” and what the consequences of victimhood are.
What does it mean to sell experiences? Why do people identify more with experiences than material goods? Sales specialist Daniel Pink says that you should always try to get buyers excited about the experience of using a product rather than about the product itself. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that experiences are easier to relate to and that customers are motivated by emotions. Here is why you should sell experiences, not products.
What is the Einstellung effect? How does it prevent you from solving problems? The Einstellung effect is when you have such a fixed idea about problems that you can’t see new solutions. Basically, you default to the same old solutions because you think it’s the same old problems. Your brain needs a reset so that you can see each problem individually and in fresh ways. The book Think Like a Rocket Scientist offers two suggestions to get unstuck. Read more to learn about the Einstellung effect and effective problem-solving.
How often do you think about the past, future, something that isn’t helping you with the task at hand? Are you in control of your thoughts, or are they taking you on a ride? Many of us spend unnecessary time and energy in repetitive and unproductive thoughts, fantasizing or worrying about the future or ruminating about the past. As a result, we often lose sight of what is happening in our immediate awareness. To prevent this from happening, take control of your thoughts by practicing being present in the moment. Here is how staying present can help you assume control
Are you fascinated by the human mind? What are the top psychology books you should start with to learn more about the subject? From the mysteries of the unconscious mind to the puzzling phenomenon of personality, the study of psychology offers thought-provoking insights into the human condition. Learning about psychology can help you improve your relationships, strengthen your confidence, and understand why you do the things you do. Absorbing the research of professors and authors—with the help of the top psychology books below—will benefit you in almost every area of your life. Keep reading for our list of top psychology
Do you want to know how to become happier? What science-backed tips can help you become happier? In The Happiness Advantage, author Shawn Achor offers his tips for how to become happier, based on research in positive psychology and neuroscience. He shows how happiness can dramatically improve your health, personal relationships, and career. Here are some great tips for how to become happier.