What Is a True Believer? 4 Types Drawn to Mass Movements

four people of various ages standing next to each other and facing the camera illustrate what a true believer is

What is a true believer? What types of people are most susceptible to joining mass movements? In his book The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores the psychology behind mass movements and their followers. He identifies several groups of people who are particularly drawn to these causes, including the marginalized, the unfulfilled, the guilt-ridden, and the self-interested. Read more to dive deeper into Hoffer’s insightful analysis of what makes a true believer.

How to Start a Social Movement: 2 Forces You Must Leverage

a black and white drawing of people from the back walking in the same direction illustrates what causes mass movements

What drives people to join social movements? What makes individuals willing to sacrifice everything for a cause? In The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores what causes mass social movements to start and gain momentum. He examines the psychological factors that lead people to dedicate themselves to a collective cause, often at great personal cost. Keep reading to learn how to start a social movement by understanding the two powerful forces behind them.

AI Hype: How to Sort Through the Fantasies & Exaggerations

a ChatGPT conversation in which ChatGPT admits it's not as powerful as one might think illustrates AI hype

Is AI really as advanced as we think it is? Are we overestimating its capabilities? In their book Rebooting AI, Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis explore the gap between AI hype and reality. They discuss how narrow AI differs from the strong AI we often imagine. The authors also explain why we tend to overestimate AI’s abilities. Keep reading to discover the truth behind AI’s current capabilities and the potential risks of relying too heavily on narrow AI systems.

How Unconventional Thinking Leads to Disruptive Changes

A woman in red separated from a group of silhouettes to demonstrate unconventional thinking

Are you an unconventional thinker? Why does unconventional thinking often go unrecognized? The book Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire explains that unconventional thinking is a characteristic of creativity. However, thinking this way can pose challenges because people are averse to nonconformity. Here’s a look at the challenges and importance of unconventional thinking.

Is Political Polarization a Threat to Democracy? 3 Key Factors

abstract silhouettes of people facing each other illustrates the question "Is political polarization a threat to democracy?"

Is political polarization a threat to democracy? How does extreme partisanship affect our ability to govern effectively? In his book Why We’re Polarized, Ezra Klein explores the dangers of extreme political polarization. He argues that this phenomenon transforms politics into a zero-sum game between opposing parties. This dynamic makes compromise and power-sharing nearly impossible. Read on to get Klein’s analysis of the three key drivers fueling this polarization, and discover how they’re reshaping our political landscape.

Threats to Democracy: 3 Ways Public Confidence Is Lost

the back of a man who's looking at government buildings illustrates concerns about threats to democracy

What are the greatest threats to democracy today? How do healthy democratic states descend into illiberalism and authoritarian rule? Three significant factors that can erode public trust in democratic systems: extreme polarization, the decline of democratic norms, and wealth inequality. Each of these threats poses unique challenges to the stability and effectiveness of democratic governments. Read more to explore how these threats impact our democratic institutions.

Starbucks’s Social Responsibility: 3 Efforts to Make a Change

A Starbucks sign in front of grass, representing Starbucks's social responsibility

How does Starbucks help the environment and society? How was Starbucks involved in the 2008 American presidential election? Howard Schultz says that customers are drawn to Starbucks because of its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. In 2008, Starbucks took on three new social initiatives to reach out to the public and help people in need. Discover more about Starbucks’s social responsibility efforts.

Key Differences Between Democracy and Dictatorship

people behind a wire fence on the left and free people on the right depict the differences between democracy and dictatorship

How are democracies and dictatorships different? How is the size of their power base related to the way different leaders operate? In The Dictator’s Handbook, Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith say the primary goal of all leaders is to get power and keep it. This is true in all political systems; the differences between democracy and dictatorship can be seen in how power is gained and who holds leaders accountable. Keep reading to understand these crucial distinctions and to gain a deeper grasp on why democracy is a superior system.

2 Ways Democracy and Economic Inequality Are Connected

people standing on stacks of coins of different heights illustrate the link between democracy and economic inequality

Is economic inequality eroding the foundations of democracy? How does the widening wealth gap affect our social fabric? Democracy and economic inequality are increasingly intertwined in modern society. We draw insights from a philosopher and an economist to understand the complex relationship between these two factors, examining how growing social divisions and reduced social mobility can threaten democratic systems. Continue reading for perspectives on this crucial issue shaping our world today.

How to Protect Democracy: 3 Strategies to Stave Off Threats

a security guard in front of a large granite building labeled "Democracy" illustrates how to protect democracy

Are you concerned about the state of democracy in your country? Do you wonder how to protect democracy in an increasingly polarized world? Shortform’s Master Guide to Threats to Democracy explores practical solutions to safeguard democratic institutions. We’ll examine several approaches that aim to strengthen democracy and foster a more inclusive political landscape. Read on to discover how you can play a role in protecting and revitalizing democracy in your community and beyond.