The World's Best Book Summaries
Are revolutions justified? How do tyrannies rise? What lessons can we learn about government in history? In The Lessons of History, Will and Ariel Durant provide an overview of government in history. They examine Plato’s “five regimes” and show how this model played out in Greece and Rome. They also comment on revolutions, democracy, and tyranny—through the historical lens. Read more to learn about the government in history.
Have you ever wondered how some people are so good at getting others to do what they want? Do you wish you could wield the same power? What are some persuasion tips that can help? There are many elements that could contribute to one’s persuasion factor. Some may be out of your control (e.g. personal affinity), but most aren’t. You can significantly level up your persuasion game by just knowing what tactics to use and when to use them. In this article, we’ll take a look at some high-level persuasion tips by Scott Adams.
What is the story of morality in history? How have morals and vices changed over time? In The Lessons of History, Will and Ariel Durant dedicate a chapter to morality in history, following its path from the hunting era to industrial times. They argue that morals reflect what is needed for the individual and society to survive at a given time. Read more to learn about morality in history.
Have you considered biology’s place in history? How has humanity’s struggle to survive been a factor? In The Lessons of History, Will and Ariel Durant assert that biology is a driving force in history. Specifically, there are three biological forces that shape human behavior and thus human history: competition, selection, and the need to reproduce. These forces are part of life’s struggle to survive. Read more to learn how the struggle to survive shapes human history.
What is the main argument of The Color of Law book? Why are the policies of the government primarily responsible for racial residential segregation? The main argument of The Color of Law book is that the racial residential segregation of African Americans is a direct result of unconstitutional, discriminatory government policy and not due to personal choices. Past government actions like segregated public housing, exclusionary zoning laws, and racial discrimination by federal agencies laid the foundation for residential segregation. Read on to discover how The Color of Law book highlights the central role of public policy in residential segregation.
What is social proof theory? How can you use social proof to your advantage? Social proof theory is the innate belief humans have that says: if others enjoy something then it must be good. This is why Amazon reviews are so helpful and why we’re more likely to save electricity if our neighbors are doing it too. Social proof can be dangerous but it can also be used for good. Here’s a background on social proof theory and how you can use it to make positive changes in yourself and others.
What is the relationship between labor market discrimination and income inequality? What was the impact of discrimination in unions on racial income inequality? Labor market discrimination depressed Black wages and ensured they missed out on the high wages available to white employees. Discrimination in labor unions that shut out African Americans deprived Blacks of a powerful voice that could ensure wage parity. Read on to learn more about how labor market discrimination leads to racial income inequality.
What was the role of residential segregation in enabling the racial wealth gap? Why does the racial wealth gap persist today? Residential segregation contributed to the racial wealth gap because it prevented American Americans from building wealth through the ownership of property in high-value neighborhoods. The Black wealth gap has persisted because historical segregation has created a vicious cycle that ensures Blacks are less upwardly mobile than whites. Read on to learn more about the role of segregation in creating the racial wealth gap.
What are empathy neurons? How can empathy result in the spread of bad habits? Mirror neurons are also referred to as empathy neurons and are responsible for keeping track of what others around us do, say, think, feel, and want. This instinct can also cause you to be positively or negatively influenced by those around you. Keep reading to learn more about mirror neurons, empathy and influence.
What are the available solutions to housing discrimination? How can housing discrimination be prevented? Financing integration, banning exclusionary zoning, and reforming discriminatory laws are all practical solutions to housing discrimination. Housing discrimination can be prevented by making people understand that segregation hurts everyone, and by educating people about the existence of residential segregation. Read on to discover the solutions to housing discrimination outlined below.