Shortform Books

The Curious Characteristics of the English Language

What are the characteristics of the English language that made it easier for people all over the globe to adopt and spread it? What quirks and features of English make it unique? In its development and evolution over time, the English language proved to be remarkably flexible and adaptable. These characteristics gave English a versatility that would later be a major asset as it spread to nearly all corners of the globe. Interestingly, these same characteristics of flexibility and adaptability can sometimes bedevil both native and non-native speakers of English. In this post, we’ll explore some unique and defining characteristics

Lead With Purpose: Remind Them of the Why

What does it mean to lead with purpose? And what can you, as a leader, do to instill a strong sense of purpose in your team? To lead with purpose means to lead with an acute awareness of the end goal. Leaders who lead this way provide their subordinates with a constant stream of reminders of the company’s mission, answering the question, “why do we do what we do?” Keep reading to learn how to lead with purpose.

Life in the Stone Age Dictated Human Evolution

Why are obesity and dental cavities effects of evolution? Why does modern food trigger supernormal stimuli in our bodies? The human body is evolved for life in the Stone Age. Our way of living changed so rapidly that evolution has yet to catch up and our bodies are paying the price. Keep reading to learn why our bodies are still adapted for the Stone Age and how that’s hurting us.

The Law of Sacrifice in Marketing: How to Cut

What is the Law of Sacrifice? What are the three areas where it is essential to sacrifice to maintain brand focus? The Law of Sacrifice says that there are three areas where it’s essential to sacrifice certain products, messages, and ideas in order to maintain a narrow, targeted focus: product line, target market, and the temptation to change. Keep reading to learn about the Law of Sacrifice.

The Social Construction of Race: Fiction in the Making

We often hear that race is a product of social construction, but what does that mean? Is there a scientific basis for the existence of race as a biological feature? When we talk about the social construction of race, we are referring to the notion that race is not an essential feature of the human species, but a socially manufactured reality. In other words, race is fiction, an illusion. Yet, this illusion shapes many, many people’s realities. Keep reading to understand the social construction of race.

Cultivating Confidence: Use Your 20s to Build Skills

What does cultivating confidence mean? How can you cultivate confidence in your 20s and why is it so important? Cultivating confidence is a practice that takes time. By working on your skills and spending time on them, you’ll gain confidence in yourself and your work. Read more about cultivating confidence and why it matters.

Why Sports Are Good for Kids: Health and More

Are there reasons why sports are good for kids? How can kids benefit from learning competitiveness at an early age? Kids have long been involved in sports. In addition to keeping kids occupied and healthy, there are other reasons why sports are good for kids, including that it teaches mental strength. Keep reading for some of the reasons why sports are good for kids.

Stoicism and Emotions: Are You Allowed to Feel?

What is Stoicism’s take on emotions? How would a true Stoic deal with an unhelpful emotion? In Stoicism, emotions aren’t something you are supposed to mute or suppress. The Stoic approach is to feel the emotions but to take a pragmatic approach to deal with them. When unhelpful emotions take over, feel them but don’t be swamped by them—control them. Keep reading to learn about Stoicism’s take on emotions.

Malia and Sasha Obama: Growing Up Famous

What was it like for Malia and Sasha Obama to grow up in the White House? How did the Obama girls handle the media attention? Growing up in the White House means constant secret agent escorts and being followed by the media. Yet, Malia and Sasha grew up to be respectable women despite living in the shadow of their dad’s presidency. Keep reading to learn about how Malia and Sasha Obama handled growing up in the White House.

The Bible in Literature: A Way to Deepen Messages

What does it mean when authors reference the Bible in literature? What biblical symbols should you be on the lookout for? Authors commonly reference the Bible to deepen the meaning of their work. Many authors also use the Bible to highlight the differences between religious tradition and modern life. Keep reading to learn why the Bible is so commonly referenced in literature and what those references may mean.