The World's Best Book Summaries
Why do good people do bad things? What defines goodness? To keep us free from cognitive dissonance, we often convince ourselves that the bad things we’ve done don’t matter because we’re good people. In Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson question whether the bad things we do ruin our image as good people. Let’s look at why good people do bad things and try to justify their actions.
What’s the best way to deal with toxic people? How can you get through to someone who only responds to toxic, negative emotions? We’ve all encountered toxic people in our lives: drama queens who blow things out of proportion, bullies who thrive on provocation, or narcissists who only look out for their best interests. Each type of toxic trait requires a different strategy, but the main thing to keep in mind is not to let their behavior rub off you. Keep reading for tips for dealing with toxic people.
What is Robert Greene’s The Art of Seduction about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book The Art of Seduction, Robert Greene offers insight into the psychology of attraction and provides a template for how to successfully entice lovers or devoted followers. According to Greene, we all want the power to seduce, whether we admit it or not. Below is a brief overview of The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene.
Do you feel stuck in life? Do you wish your reality were different? In Reality Transurfing Steps I–V, Vadim Zeland argues that infinite versions of reality simultaneously exist—and what you identify as reality is just one version of it. The way you think and feel about your experiences determines which one of the infinite versions of reality exists for you. Read more to learn about Zeland’s explanation for why you’re stuck in a reality you don’t want.
Why is it hard to make decisions? Why is it harder now than it’s ever been? The modern world overwhelms us, and this hampers our ability to make decisions. Our brains expend a lot of energy on decisions that must be made—even ones that aren’t important. That energy drain makes decision-making difficult. Read more to understand why it’s hard to make decisions, especially these days.
Does anxiety control your life? How does the 5 Second Rule regulate anxiety? In The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins explains that the Rule (when combined with other methods of coping) can help you calm yourself when you feel fearful and anxious. She provides a few methods for managing anxiety that are useful for anybody. Below we’ll explore the 5 Second Rule’s anxiety strategies to calm your mind.
Have you made a big mistake? How do you take accountability for your actions? We’re all human, so we make mistakes from time to time. But it’s important that we take accountability, rather than shifting the blame elsewhere. Learn how to take accountability for your actions, according to Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson’s book Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me).
Are you a good listener? Or do you, like most people, listen to respond instead of to understand? Listening is one of the most important yet overlooked communication skills you can develop. Most people aren’t very good at listening because they listen with the intention to respond, not to understand. Keep reading to learn about the major psychological barriers to listening well, according to psychiatrist Mark Goulston.
How does attention work? How does your brain know what to focus on? Can you pay attention to more than one thing at a time? Neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin explains the two modes of attention and how the brain chooses between them. He also argues that multitasking is impossible. Continue reading to learn how attention works.
What impression do you make on other people? Do you think people see you the same way you see yourself? Sometimes, our judgments about how we come off to other people are far from how they actually perceive us. When there’s a dissonance between how you see yourself and how others see you, misunderstandings can arise. Here’s how you can minimize dissonance in interactions with others.