The World's Best Book Summaries
Do you want to increase your status? How can you play the status game safely? The Status Game by Will Storr claims that it’s impossible to disengage from status games completely—despite the risks of playing them. But it is possible to protect yourself from the dangers of status games. Let’s explore how to increase status without getting hurt.
What is the outgroup homogeneity effect? Why do cliques and groups form rivalries with one another? The outgroup homogeneity effect is when members of a group see themselves as unique individuals but believe outsiders are all the same. However, it’s likely that these in-group members aren’t as unique as they think they are. Below you’ll learn more about the outgroup homogeneity effect, according to The Status Game by Will Storr.
What causes social inequality? How does status cause inequality? When a group playing a status game feels threatened by another group, it feels justified in demonizing its enemies and destroying lives to protect its status. The result is deep-rooted inequality where minorities suffer while an elite class thrives. Let’s dive into what causes social inequality, according to The Status Game by Will Storr.
Do you worry about your position in society? Why shouldn’t you care about what others think of you? In The Status Game, Will Storr writes that a status game is successful when it generates status for its members and for the group as a whole. Though there are plenty of reasons to play status games, they have a dark side. Find out why you shouldn’t care what others think of your status in society.
What is the Anthropocene Epoch? How big of an impact have humans had on the planet? We might soon officially be living in the Anthropocene Epoch, a period in Earth’s history in which human activity has changed the entire planet. It means we’ve affected the planet as much as the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs and as much as the repeated Ice Ages. Keep reading to learn how new epochs are declared and why some think we shouldn’t call this epoch the Anthropocene.
What is car bloat? Why do Americans tend to prefer huge cars? What are the negative consequences? Car bloat—a trend toward ever-larger vehicles—is taking over US roads, and it shows no signs of slowing. The trend of Americans buying bigger, heavier vehicles is amping up car prices and damaging the environment, public health, and roads. Let’s take a look at what led to car bloat and why it’s a problem.
What are the best servant leadership examples? How can churches and businesses be socially responsible? Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf gives advice about how different kinds of institutions can fulfill their unique social responsibilities. He also discusses what you can do as an individual to fulfill your social responsibility. Keep reading for servant leadership examples in churches, universities, foundations, and individuals.
Why are nonprescription birth control pills so important? How much will they cost? What do anti-abortion groups think about the decision? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a nonprescription birth control pill for the first time. This is a huge deal, especially in a post-Roe v. Wade country where abortion access is restricted in many states. Continue reading to learn about this OTC birth control pill, the impact it will have, and how much it might cost.
What is Robert K. Greenleaf’s Servant Leadership about? Why are modern institutions failing? In Servant Leadership, Robert K. Greenleaf argues that institutions and individuals fail the people they’re meant to serve and employ. His solution is the servant leadership philosophy that fixes institutional problems from within. Read below for a brief overview of Servant Leadership.
What does it mean to think and behave rationally? What difference does rationality make? In his book Rationality, Steven Pinker argues that rationality and reason are essential. But, people often misunderstand them and end up acting irrationally even when they think they’re not. Carl Sagan would likely agree with Pinker, although he would come at it from a different angle and context. Keep reading to learn about the importance of rationality, according to Pinker and Sagan.