The World's Best Book Summaries
Do you know how to make a point? How can you compel your audience with your point? No matter who you are or what platform you’re using, compelling change begins with making a point. Joel Schwartzberg’s book Get to the Point! gives advice for identifying what you want to say, and then discussing what to do with it. Read below to learn how to make a point with Schwartzberg’s advice.
Why is eyewitness testimony so unreliable? Is it possible to use leverage to get what you want—without taking unfair advantage of others? In The Great Mental Models Volume 2, Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish draw on models from science to help you figure out yourself and the world around you. They show how the theory of relativity can help you understand somebody you disagree with, and they explain how you can use leverage to get what you want in life. Keep reading to learn the importance of understanding others in a way that benefits everyone.
Do your pitches need some work? Do you know how to make a pitch that people will remember? Whether you work in sales or you’re giving a presentation at work or in school, it’s important to know how to give a convincing pitch. Joel Schwartzberg’s book Get to the Point! can help you write up and present great pitches. Here are a few tips on how to make a pitch that won’t waste anyone’s time.
What do Stoics believe? Perhaps more importantly, how do they live on a day-to-day basis? The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman is presented as a daily devotional to share insights from the ancient Stoic philosophers on how to live a good life. They explain that Stoicism isn’t merely a set of beliefs—it’s a way of life. Read more for our overview of The Daily Stoic, including an exercise designed to help you put Stoic principles into practice today.
What is a good pitch? How can you powerfully pitch your point? A good pitch is the key to getting your point across. In the book Get to the Point!, Joel Schwartzberg argues that knowing how to pitch to your audience can help build rapport. Check out these seven strategies to help keep the audience focused on your point.
Why is change hard? How is momentum both a help and a hindrance to change? How can understanding friction help you remove barriers to progress? In The Great Mental Models Volume 2, Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish argue that the laws of motion and thermodynamics can help us understand why change is hard. They discuss how the principles of inertia, momentum, and friction play a role in our lives. Continue reading to see how these lessons of physics can help us understand resistance to change.
What is delayed gratification? What are some ways to practice delaying gratification? Why does your brain thrive on instant gratification? Author Anna Lembke discusses practicing delayed gratification in her self-help book, Dopamine Nation. According to her, overindulgence is fueled by the pursuit of instant gratification, and learning how to delay gratification leads to a happier and more satisfying life. Keep reading to learn Lembke’s ways to practice delayed gratification by pursuing long-term rewards.
Should college students choose a career-oriented program or a major they enjoy more? What kind of mindset will help them succeed? In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz argues that college students can actively create a high-quality education for themselves. He recommends that they connect with inspiring professors, follow their interests, and expect and embrace failure. Continue reading to learn about these three tips for college students.
Do you do each task to the best of your ability? Are you committed to doing the right thing? The Stoic philosophers taught that people should pursue virtuous living. They saw this as both a daily imperative and a lifelong commitment. In The Daily Stoic, authors Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman explain that you should strive to do your best on each task and avoid getting sidetracked. Continue reading for the Stoics’ advice on how to practice virtue today and every day.
Do you look down on others? Do you have empathy for all kinds of people, or does bias sometimes get in the way? Radio personality James O’Brien has been known for his ability to argue his guests into submission and prove his own rightness. In his book How Not to Be Wrong, he explains how he realized his misguided beliefs about himself and others and ultimately changed course. Continue reading to learn how to overcome bias as O’Brien has.