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 some sales persuasion techniques? What are the best techniques for convincing a customer to buy something? Author Phil M. Jones has written seven best-selling business books and emphasizes the quality of conversations as the key to persuading customers. In Exactly What to Say, he shares his best sales persuasion techniques and key phrases that appeal to the customer’s subconscious mind. Read on for Jones’s best sales persuasion techniques, according to the advice in Exactly What to Say.
What is the design phase in project management? How should the project manager handle this stage of the project? In Scott Berkun’s book Making Things Happen, he explains what a manager can do during each phase of a project to ensure its success. During the design phase in project management, he says it’s important for the manager to foster the design team’s creativity. Read on to learn Berkun’s tips for handling the design phase in project management.
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 are some avoidable project management issues? What should you do as a manager when a problem occurs? In Making Things Happen, Scott Berkun explains how good project leaders are able to avoid or mitigate project management issues by following some best practices. He argues that being accountable and making a plan of action are the keys to handling most project issues. Read on for an overview of Berkun’s advice for avoiding or handling project management issues.
Looking for an overview of Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman? What are his fundamental advertising techniques? Advertising coach Drew Whitman claims many advertisers put a lot of money into ads but see little return on their investments. In Ca$hvertising, he claims that he can help you turn your mediocre ads into money-making machines by letting you in on one big secret. Read on for a brief overview of Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman.
Why do we enter competitive relationships? Or, why do some of our relationships become competitive? According to author Luke Burgis, most of our desires aren’t actually our own. In his book Wanting, he uses the theory of “mimetic desire” to explain how we mimic what others want or have, which can unknowingly lead us into competitive relationships. Read on to learn the psychological reasons why we enter competitive relationships, according to Burgis.
What is fear appeal advertising? Is it an effective advertising technique? In Ca$hvertising, Drew Whitman offers insider tricks on how to craft the most compelling, money-generating ads for your business. He argues that most advertisers don’t recognize that their ads must address core human needs, including avoiding fear or threats, to gain the attention of consumers. Keep reading to learn why a fear appeal in advertising is effective, according to Whitman.