Shortform Books

The 6 Best Ikigai Book Quotes and Passages

What are the best Ikigai book quotes? What do they say about the human search for purpose and meaning? In Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, author and blogger Héctor García and novelist and self-help writer Francesc Miralles teach you how to apply the Japanese concept of ikigai, or life purpose, to your own life. The following Ikigai book quotes discuss some of the key themes and ideas from the book. Keep reading for the best quotes from the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

Team Purpose: The Glue That Holds It All Together

Do the members of your team have a clear purpose with regards to their roles and responsibilities within the organization? Why is it important to flesh out your team’s purpose? A shared team purpose allows for consistent decision-making, effective prioritizing, and elevated performance through interaction. Purpose answers the question: why do we do what we do? Read about the key attributes of shared team purpose, why it’s good for workplace culture, and the problems that could arise when it’s missing.

Ladder Marketing: Know Your Place in the Hierarchy

What is a marketing ladder and how does it work? Why shouldn’t you pretend your product is number one if it isn’t? Ladder marketing says that the key is to know your position in the marketing hierarchy and acknowledge it in your advertising. If you market as though you are number one, consumers will reject it. Continue on to learn about ladder marketing and the Law of Duality.

How to Define an Identity Crisis and Make it Work

How do you define an identity crisis? How can you make the most out of your identity crisis? It’s not uncommon for people to have an identity crisis in their 20s. Knowing how to define an identity crisis and when you’re having one can help you make the most out of it. Read more about how to define an identity crisis.

Perspective: What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way

Who said “What stands in the way becomes the way”? Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not? What do you think it means? The quote “What stands in the way becomes the way” is attributed to Roman Emperor and a die-hard Stoic Marcus Aurelius. It might sound paradoxical when you first hear it, but as you think about it more and more, the meaning will unfold before you; and it’s quite profound. Here are the meaning and a little backstory of Marcus Aurelius’ timeless quote “What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Michelle Obama at Princeton: Facing Discrimination

What kind of discrimination did Michelle Obama face at Princeton University? How did her brother play a part in her college experience? When Michelle Obama entered Princeton, less than 9% of students in her class were Black and most were male. She even had an experience where her roommate moved out because her mother didn’t want her rooming with a Black girl. Despite all of that, Michelle thrived. Keep reading to learn more about Michelle Obama’s Princeton years.

Secondary Character Archetypes in Literature

What are the two secondary character archetypes in literature? Why can’t every character be rounded out? There are two main secondary character archetypes in literature: the round character and the flat character. Round characters have backstories, emotions, and growth while flat characters are just there to aid the protagonist. Keep reading to learn more about secondary characters in literature.

The First Noble Truth: Selfishness Triggers Anxiety

What is Buddha’s first noble truth? How are anxiety and selfishness related? How can you learn to accept yourself? Buddha’s first noble truth is that suffering is universal. Feelings of “selfness” can make you feel trapped, anxious, and always wanting more. But if you let go of the “I”, your personal suffering becomes universal and you can understand that there is nothing wrong with you. Continue on to learn about the first noble truth and letting go of selfishness.

The Key Immigration Debates of the 21st Century

What makes it so hard to resolve matters concerning immigration? What immigration debates are currently on the global agenda? Immigration is difficult to resolve because it is nuanced—both sides have legitimate arguments. Difficult as it may be, each nation’s ability to reach an agreement on the pertinent immigration debates will be a major indicator of its potential to come together to address the looming challenges of the 21st century. Read about the key immigration debates of the 21st century.

Michelle Obama: Imposter Syndrome Struggles

What was Michelle Obama’s first experience with imposter syndrome? Why did the feeling of “I’m not good enough” stick with her? Michelle Obama struggled with imposter syndrome for almost her entire life. She recalls that her first time wondering if she was good enough was after she was accepted into Chicago’s first magnet high school. Keep reading to learn more about Michelle Obama’s imposter syndrome.