Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Humans and Technology: It’s Not a Competition

Are humans and technology in competition with each other? Can computers do whatever humans can do? Will AI take over the world? According to Peter Thiel, the author of Zero to One, humans and technology don’t compete with each other—they complement each other. In the job market, computers don’t eliminate the need for human workers; they just empower human workers to be more productive. And, in the resource market, computers don’t compete with humans for resources, because computers are not consumers. Here’s why the concern of competition is irrelevant.

Your Next Five Moves: Book Overview

How good are you at strategizing for long-term business success? Do you know what your next five moves should be? What do master chess players and master businesspeople have in common? Both always plan five steps ahead. Your Next Five Moves, a book by Patrick Bet-David, argues that what distinguishes exceptional business leaders from average ones is their ability to anticipate future events and plan effectively for them—ideally by thinking five steps ahead. To turn you into a master business planner, Bet-David presents five strategic steps you must start taking now: learn about yourself, improve your problem-solving skills, create a

The Advancement of Technology: Charting the Future

How will technology progress over time? Will technological progress ever stop? Is there a maximum threshold that it can’t transcend? In his book Zero to One, Peter Thiel charts the future for the advancement of technology. He contrasts four perspectives on the way technology will advance in the future: the cyclical perspective, the doomsday perspective, the convergence perspective, and the acceleration perspective. Here are four perspectives on the advancement of technology.

How to Become an Industry Leader: 2 Bold Moves

Do you know how to become an industry leader? What skills and actions are required for your company to come out on top? The ultimate step in the journey toward enduring business success is to position yourself as an industry leader. This requires two bold moves: (1) take down your huge competitors and (2) become skilled in high-stakes negotiations. Patrick Bet-David discusses these steps in his book Your Next Five Moves. Read more to learn how to take these two steps.

The Importance of Innovation in Business

What role does technological progress play in society? Will technology ever eliminate the need for human labor? In Zero to One, entrepreneur Peter Thiel discusses the importance of innovation in business, arguing that technological progress is the way forward—not just for business but for society in general. He also asserts that monopoly—not competition—is healthy for business, and he talks about whether humans and technology are competing with each other. Read more for Thiel’s insights on innovation.

Startup Sales Strategies From Peter Thiel

If your product sells itself, do you really need to market it? How do you know which sales method is right for your business? Peter Thiel argues that, as you develop a product, you must also develop a plan to get that product to customers. You could have the best product in the world, but your company will fail if you don’t have the right sales and distribution strategy. He discusses four sales methods and helps you know which one is the best fit for you. Keep reading for Thiel’s advice on startup sales strategies.

How to Scale a Business: 7 Parts of the Growth Process

Once your business is up and running, what should you do to keep it growing? How do you balance steady growth with aggressive growth? How can you stay alert to challenges? In his book Your Next Five Moves, Patrick Bet-David discusses seven steps in the business growth process. He explains how you should raise funds, find ways to grow both steadily and aggressively, press employees to grow along with the company, build and maintain momentum, track your growth using metrics, put your knowledge down on paper for posterity, and stay alert as you grow. Read more to learn how to

Shortform Reads: Reading Habits of a Former Reporter

What book has stuck with Andrea over the years? Which Pulitzer Prize-winning poet did she interview? Based in Pennsylvania, Andrea is a peer editor on Shortform’s writing team. We talked with her recently to learn a bit about her relationship with books.

Building a Positive Workplace Culture: Why It Matters

How would you describe your company’s culture? How well do employees know—and embrace—the company’s values? Once you’ve hired the right people and incentivized them to stay, building a positive workplace culture is your next step. This is the view of Patrick Bet-David, who argues that culture is critical because employees must identify with the company and its values if they’re going to put in their best effort. Read more to learn about the importance of shaping your company’s culture.

Starting a Tech Company That Makes a Difference

What is the key to tech startup success? What are the key elements a tech startup needs to make a difference? Peter Thiel believes that startups are the way to the future. It’s these new companies that will unleash new technologies we need to progress as a society. In his book Zero to One, Thiel shares five elements that a startup business must have if it wants to make this kind of impact: revolutionary technology, strategic timing, a great team, effective distribution, and enduring value. Continue reading for Thiel’s insights on starting a tech company that makes a difference.