Darya Sinusoid, Author at Shortform Books

Early Modern English: Major Linguistic Developments

What is Early Modern English? What are the major linguistic developments that took place during this period? The Early Modern English period extends roughly from 1500 to 1800 CE. The major developments during this period were the Great Vowel Shift, the invention of the printing press, and the English spelling reform. It was also the time of William Shakespeare, who made a remarkable contribution to the standardization and exaltation of the English language. Read about the key events and linguistic developments that took place during Early Modern English.

Opportunity Gap: The Existential Unfairness

What is the opportunity gap? What are the main factors that contribute to societal disparities in access to resources and opportunities? The opportunity gap can be defined as unequal access to resources and opportunities due to factors such as race, income, and ability. When we’re talking about it, we’re essentially talking about privilege. If you are privileged, even if you worked hard to get where you are, your success is greater than those who began without those privileges. Read about the opportunity gap and why it’s important to reflect on opportunities and privilege.

Stoicism Exercises: Learn to Think Like a Stoic

What is the Stoic secret to staying calm and imperturbable in times of adversity? Can anybody cultivate the Stoic mindset? What are some Stoicism exercises you can practice? Stoicism is a philosophy of personal ethics which teaches the cultivation of self-discipline and mental toughness as a way of overcoming life’s challenges. The following Stoicism exercises will help you consider how you can bring to mind the teachings of Stoic philosophy. These exercises will help you consider your own life challenges through the lens of Stoicism philosophy.

Start Small, Aim Big: 3 Ways to Grow a Small Business

Do you want to grow your small business but not sure where to start? What are some viable growth options for a small business with a limited budget? Growing your business usually isn’t as hard as starting it. Below we will share two ways you can grow your small business in an effective and manageable way. Here are three ways you can grow your small business.

The Curious Characteristics of the English Language

What are the characteristics of the English language that made it easier for people all over the globe to adopt and spread it? What quirks and features of English make it unique? In its development and evolution over time, the English language proved to be remarkably flexible and adaptable. These characteristics gave English a versatility that would later be a major asset as it spread to nearly all corners of the globe. Interestingly, these same characteristics of flexibility and adaptability can sometimes bedevil both native and non-native speakers of English. In this post, we’ll explore some unique and defining characteristics

Lead With Purpose: Remind Them of the Why

What does it mean to lead with purpose? And what can you, as a leader, do to instill a strong sense of purpose in your team? To lead with purpose means to lead with an acute awareness of the end goal. Leaders who lead this way provide their subordinates with a constant stream of reminders of the company’s mission, answering the question, “why do we do what we do?” Keep reading to learn how to lead with purpose.

The Social Construction of Race: Fiction in the Making

We often hear that race is a product of social construction, but what does that mean? Is there a scientific basis for the existence of race as a biological feature? When we talk about the social construction of race, we are referring to the notion that race is not an essential feature of the human species, but a socially manufactured reality. In other words, race is fiction, an illusion. Yet, this illusion shapes many, many people’s realities. Keep reading to understand the social construction of race.

Stoicism and Emotions: Are You Allowed to Feel?

What is Stoicism’s take on emotions? How would a true Stoic deal with an unhelpful emotion? In Stoicism, emotions aren’t something you are supposed to mute or suppress. The Stoic approach is to feel the emotions but to take a pragmatic approach to deal with them. When unhelpful emotions take over, feel them but don’t be swamped by them—control them. Keep reading to learn about Stoicism’s take on emotions.

Do You Know the Key to Small Business Profitability?

What is the key to small business profitability? What are some things you could do to amp up the profits of your venture? In order for your small business to survive, you must be able to make a profit. Ensuring the profitability of a small business can be boiled down to two principles: 1) be mindful of what you spend your money on and 2) keep thinking of ways to generate more income. Read about the two basic principles of small business profitability.

The 10 Rules of Ikigai Are the Key to Happiness

What are the 10 rules of ikigai? How can applying these rules help you live a happier and more fulfilling life? In their book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia outline 10 rules or commandments of ikigai. Use these rules as a map for fulfilling your life purpose in loving community with other people and the world around you. Keep reading for the 10 rules of ikigai, according to Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia.