The World's Best Book Summaries
How should you optimally spend your working hours every day? What tasks should you complete first? Your optimal scheduling depends on your goals and priorities. In their book Algorithms to Live By, Christian and Griffiths make a case of using computer algorithms to schedule your day in the most optimal way. Here is how to schedule your time using Christian and Griffiths’s scheduling algorithms.
What is committed action in ACT? What does it mean to act with commitment? Committed action is the final principle in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Committed action happens when we consistently take actions that align with our values—even when we fail. This final principle will give you all the tools you need to achieve psychological flexibility, enabling you to adapt to difficult situations and take effective action to build a rich and meaningful life. Keep reading to learn about the two components of committed action: fortitude and commitment.
How is the virtue of humility part of the Christian life? What does it mean to keep your good deeds secret from yourself? Dietrich Bonhoeffer believes that humility is an indispensable part of being a disciple. That means that you do good for God’s sake, not yours. You realize that the credit for anything good belongs to God alone. Keep reading to learn about Bonhoeffer’s view on the virtue of humility.
Why is it important to help others in need? How can helping others solve their problems ease your own suffering? According to Ryan Holiday, the author of The Obstacle Is the Way, working to solve the problems of others is one of the most effective ways to solve your own problems. However, many people narrowly focus on themselves and their problems, which clouds their perspective and makes it difficult to see things as they are. Here is what Holiday has to say about the virtue of helping others in need.
What are values in ACT? How do values differ from goals? In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (aka ACT), values are the principles that govern how you want to act. Unlike goals, values are never accomplished. Rather, values involve continuous behavior—they guide your choices and decisions according to the kind of person you strive to be. Keep reading to learn about the ACT method for clarifying your values.
Are you looking for Algorithms to Live By quotes by Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In Algorithms to Live By, bestselling author Brian Christian and cognitive scientist Tom Griffiths team up to create a library of “algorithms to live by”—a set of instructions to help you make smarter decisions, organize your life, and get the most out of your day. Here is a selection of quotes highlighting some of the key themes explored in the book.
What is the Stoic view of emotions? How do Stoics remain unperturbed in the face of difficult emotions? Stoic philosophers emphasize the importance of emotional regulation—intentionally deciding which emotions you allow to influence your behavior. In his book The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan Holiday argues that emotional stoicism is a practical skill that everyone can (and must) learn. To this end, he offers several strategies for keeping unhelpful emotions at bay. Let’s investigate each of these strategies in turn.
Can practice override talent? What does science have to say on the practice vs. talent conundrum? According to David Epstein, the author of The Sports Gene, there is a disproportionate emphasis on practice as the defining variable in success. However, findings from research studies support a more well-rounded view of the power of practice. For some, practice provides the medium for innate (genetic) ability to flourish. Given the same amount of practice, others may have a more difficult time learning a particular skill. Let’s look at evidence that Epstein has collected from sports and beyond that suggests each of us
What is the 10,000-hour rule? Is it true that a lot of practice can override talent? The phrase the 10,000-hour rule has become a popular way to express the idea that enough practice is a virtual guarantee of expertise. It epitomizes the idea that practice (nurture) can overcome innate ability (nature). Here’s what the science has to say on the matter.
What lessons did Dan Harris learn from Eckhart Tolle? What four truths about ego does Harris share? In his book 10% Happier, Dan Harris explains how he was once lost in life—he suffered from career anxiety, panic attacks, and drug addiction. At the time, he was a self-help skeptic yet he agreed to read Eckhart Tolle. Dan Harris said that after learning about Tolle’s take on ego, his way of thinking changed forever. Continue reading to learn what lessons Harris learned from Tolle.