The World's Best Book Summaries
What is mimetic desire? Where did the theory originate? What are some examples of mimetic desire? In Wanting, Luke Burgis explores the ideas of René Girard, an academic whose theory of “mimetic desire” seeks to explain where our desires originate. According to Girard’s theory, we don’t form our own desires—rather, we imitate what other people want or have. Read on to learn more about what mimetic desire is, its origins, and examples in our daily lives.
What is Neuralink technology? What can this technology do? What are brain-computer interfaces? Neuralink is a medical research company working to develop a safe, effective, and affordable brain-computer interface (BCI). BCIs allow people to control devices such as computers and smartphones with their thoughts, but in theory such devices have extensive applications and possibilities. Read on to learn about Neuralink technology, what it can do, and what the future holds for the company.
Looking for an overview of Wanting by Luke Burgis? What are the key takeaways from the book? In Wanting by Luke Burgis, he explains how to apply René Girard’s theory of “mimetic desire” to your own life. By doing this, you’ll learn how to push both yourself and others to chase meaningful desires instead of misleading ones, says Burgis. Read on for an overview of the theories and advice in Wanting by Luke Burgis.
What’s causing the shortage of skilled labor in the U.S.? What are some possible solutions? As the overall labor shortage begins to ease in the U.S., there’s still a chronic shortage of skilled labor. In the long term, efforts to resolve the shortage focus on educating young people about the trades to clear up misconceptions and increase interest. Keep reading to learn what’s causing the shortage of skilled labor and some proposed solutions.
What causes chronic dissatisfaction both personally and in society at large? What are some ways to overcome it? In Wanting, author Luke Burgis argues that most of our desires in society are inauthentic. According to the theory of “mimetic desire,” we’re hardwired to pursue false desires because we mimic what others in society want, leaving us chronically dissatisfied. Read on to learn more about the causes of chronic dissatisfaction and how to overcome it, according to Burgis.
Are billionaires ethical? Is it possible to be a billionaire without exploitation? How do people become so rich? According to a survey, most Americans see billionaires as neither good nor bad for the country. However, there’s a growing number of those who doubt that it’s possible to be an ethical billionaire, claiming the ultra-wealthy unfairly influence policy-making and don’t use their riches for the greater good. Read on to learn if billionaires are ethical, based on arguments for and against billionaires in the U.S.
What’s causing the record-high credit card debt in America? Why are Americans spending so much yet saving so little? Credit card debt in America rose to $890 billion in 2022, with total household debt hitting a record high of $16.5 trillion. Credit is a survival tool for most Americans—and the debt tied to it is so ubiquitous in the U.S. that it’s become normalized. Read on to learn more about credit card debt in America, including tips for managing debt.
What is a pointless job? How can you identify one? What are the common characteristics and categories? In Bullshit Jobs, David Graeber argues that many jobs in contemporary industrial societies are, in fact, pointless. This flies in the face of our conventional economic thinking, in which jobs exist largely to fulfill a pre-existing need that adds value to society. Keep reading to learn how to identify pointless jobs, according to Graeber.
Are there different kinds of empathy? What is social intuition? How important is attention when it comes to social interactions? In Focus, Daniel Goleman discusses various directions of attention. One way we can direct our attention is toward others. According to Goleman, an effective focus on others builds several life skills: empathy, social intuition, and the ability to read body language. Keep reading to learn how focusing on others can help you develop these skills.
Why is misinformation bad? What are the consequences of spreading bad information? How can you stop it? Misinformation and disinformation are everywhere, leading to inaccurate beliefs and distorted worldviews. However, refuting these forms of false information can be extremely difficult. Read on to learn why misinformation is not only bad, but at times dangerous, and how you can stop it from spreading.