Rousseau: Human Nature Is Good—Contrary to Public Opinion

Rousseau: Human Nature Is Good—Contrary to Public Opinion

What was Rousseau’s view of human nature? How did his philosophy find its way into the mainstream? In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the traditional Christian view of innate sinfulness began to give way to a new school of thought in the West. According to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, human nature is essentially good. This philosophy took hold in Western thought, and it ultimately transformed society. Read more to learn about Rousseau’s view of human nature, morality, and the self.

Decoding Greatness by Ron Friedman: Overview & Takeaways

Decoding Greatness by Ron Friedman: Overview & Takeaways

Do you want to make something memorable? What if you could recreate what you admire? What’s the surest road to success? In Decoding Greatness: How the Best in the World Reverse Engineer Success, Ron Friedman provides a step-by-step process to help you succeed. The key is to find work you admire, take it apart to see how it’s made, and then create your own version of it. Keep reading for an overview of this book that will inspire you, whether you’re an artist looking to hone your craft or an entrepreneur hunting for the next big business idea.

First Impressions: How to Use the Halo Effect to Your Advantage

First Impressions: How to Use the Halo Effect to Your Advantage

What’s a great way to make a good first impression? How might you connect with people better if you knew what they care about? Peter D. Andrei says the key to rhetoric is understanding how people think. He discusses several cognitive biases in the context of persuasive communication. One of these is the halo effect, and he explains how to use the halo effect to your advantage. Continue reading to learn Andrei’s strategies and see how they might help you communicate more persuasively.

How to Build Up Confidence by Proving Yourself Wrong

How to Build Up Confidence by Proving Yourself Wrong

Are you lazy, unskilled, or hard to get along with? How can you prove yourself wrong about any of these beliefs? Behavioral science expert Grace Lordan urges you to make and implement a plan to transform yourself into the person you want to be. She discusses how to recognize and address internal obstacles by getting confident about your abilities and potential. Read on to learn how to build up confidence in yourself and your dreams.

Will We See the End of Nation-States? A Forecast for the Digital Era

Will We See the End of Nation-States? A Forecast for the Digital Era

If nations ceased to exist, what would take their place? How could such a societal change happen? James Davidson and William Rees-Mogg believe that technological developments will profoundly impact social structures in the 21st century. Circumstances will favor small, efficient organizations over large ones. Ultimately, we’ll see the end of nation-states as they’re replaced by city-states and individuals. Read more to understand why Davidson and Rees-Mogg expect nation-states and national governments to decline and ultimately disappear.

How to Expand Your Business: 3 Ways to Break New Ground

How to Expand Your Business: 3 Ways to Break New Ground

Would you like to increase your business’s earning potential? Do you feel like you’ve gone as far as you can with the products and services you already have? It might seem as though you’ve tapped out your customer base and have nothing new to offer. Veteran entrepreneur Michael Masterson shares three ways to build on your success and break through to new territory with new products and new customers. Keep reading to learn how to expand your business with Masterson’s methods.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Book Overview

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Book Overview

Is there a cultural revolution going on in the West? If so, when and how did it start? What does our sense of self have to do with it? In The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, Carl Trueman argues that cultural developments of the past three centuries have transformed our conception of selfhood. It’s changed from a self rooted in religion, tradition, and community to one rooted in individualism, emotion, and sexuality. Continue reading for an overview of this thought-provoking book.

How to Mentally Rehearse: Practice Through Imagination

How to Mentally Rehearse: Practice Through Imagination

What if you could practice doing something by just using your imagination? What makes mental rehearsal so effective? What’s the right way to do it? If you want to get better at something, it makes sense that you need to practice. But Ron Friedman argues that it’s easy to practice incorrectly or inefficiently. So, to avoid wasting your time and effort, he offers several guidelines for effective practice. One of these is to mentally rehearse. Continue reading to learn how to use mental rehearsal to improve any performance.

How to Use the Contrast Effect Bias to Be More Persuasive

How to Use the Contrast Effect Bias to Be More Persuasive

What made John F. Kennedy such an effective communicator? How might you use the same techniques? If you want to influence people, you must understand what makes them tick. In How Highly Effective People Speak, Peter D. Andrei shows how to take advantage of cognitive biases to persuade people. One of these is the contrast effect bias. Continue reading to see how using the contrast effect in your communication is one of the most effective ways to improve your rhetorical skills.

How to Practice Effectively: 3 Ways to Make the Most of Practice

How to Practice Effectively: 3 Ways to Make the Most of Practice

Do you keep a practice journal? Is your practice too easy or repetitive, or does it stretch you? In Decoding Greatness, Ron Friedman shares his advice for doing great work—whether that means getting a show at an art gallery, winning a marathon, or nailing a big product pitch. One strategy for improving your performance is effective practice. Read on to learn how to practice effectively by implementing Friedman’s three recommendations.