The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the first level of reading from How to Read a Book? Why do many adults still read at an elementary reading level? In How to Read a Book, Mortimer Adler describes elementary reading as the most basic form of reading. Unfortunately, once you’re taught how to read as a child, you are rarely taught how to read better. This leaves many adults in the elementary reading stage. Here’s what it means to read at the elementary reading level.
How are your decision-making skills? Do you know what probabilistic thinking is—and how it can help you make better decisions? An important element of productivity is the ability to make better decisions. At its root is the ability to predict the future with some accuracy. Probabilistic thinking is one way to do this. Read more to learn how you can make better decisions using probabilistic thinking.
Do you find yourself giving in to temptation too easily? What are the four traps that undermine willpower? There are four main traps that undermine willpower: the “I’m-making-progress” trap, the too-much optimism trap, the halo trap, and the moral licensing trap. Learn about the four types of willpower traps and how to stop giving in to temptation.
Why should you examine a book’s structure? How can x-raying and categorizing a book help you level up your reading skills? According to Mortimer Adler in How to Read a Book, examining a book’s structure is part of inspectional reading. Adler says that if you can’t articulate the book in one sentence and make an outline of the major points, then you can determine that a book is poorly written. Continue reading for more of Adler’s tips on how to examine a book.
Would you like to increase focus and stop getting derailed by distractions? Have you tried mental models? You can learn how to be more focused by using mental models: narratives that you create in your mind. You might already be doing this—but not realizing how you can leverage this technique. You actually can train yourself to increase focus. Read on to learn how to be more focused by using mental models.
What does it really take to become successful? What are some of the most common traits that all successful people share? If you really want to bring success into your life, you should act accordingly and that means working both hard and smart. Most people aren’t cut out for that kind of dedication which is why most people aren’t successful. The good news is that you can cultivate these qualities through practice and dedication. Here are three traits that successful people have in common.
Are you trying to improve your self-control? Does your willpower seem to vanish at crucial moments? The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal is all about why humans struggle with willpower and how to strengthen it. Willpower is like a muscle and it can be improved if you’re willing to put in some work. Here are some willpower challenges to help increase your self-control.
Have you read the Smarter Faster Better book by Charles Duhigg? Do you know its eight principles for improving productivity? The Smarter Faster Better book explores ways to boost personal and workplace productivity. It outlines how to build a productive team and combine different types of goals. It also tells how the makers of Disney’s Frozen avoided box-office disaster by innovating productively. Read more for a brief introduction to the Smarter Faster Better book.
Would you say you are happy in your life? What are some things you can do to cultivate a happier, more joyful outlook? Like anything worthwhile, it takes effort to cultivate a mindset of ongoing happiness. It won’t happen overnight, but it’s definitely under your control to a great extent. Without further ado, here are five simple practices to help you live a happy life, no matter the circumstances.
Looking for How To Stop Worrying and Start Living quotes? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In How To Stop Worrying and Start Living, Dale Carnegie offers timeless advice to stop worry from ruling your life. The following How To Stop Worrying and Start Living quotes highlight some of his key recommendations. Keep reading for How To Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie.