Shortform Books

Is Karma Good or Bad? A Look at the Universal Law

Apotheosis—The Hero's Journey Leads to Nirvana

Is karma good or bad? How is the concept of karma explained by experts? Karma is both good and bad, depending on how you look at it; it is explained by experts in Eastern philosophy as a universal law of the universe, a system of interrelationships between actors where every action and feeling has consequences. Understanding karma this way shows you how it can have both good and bad effects on your life. Continue reading for more on the nature of karma and how we can use Newton’s Third Law to explain karmic relationships.

8 Bias Exercises: Clear Away the Clouds Between You & Reality

Do you know when you’re objectifying people? Are you susceptible to believing lies? Are you a hedgehog or a fox? Everyone has biases, but you can come out on top by recognizing what biases you have and taking steps to minimize their negative impact on the way you perceive reality. We put together eight bias exercises based on works by Malcolm Gladwell, Philip Tetlock, Lao Tzu, and others. Let’s dive into these exercises, which you can complete individually or with a group.

Importance and Urgency: How to Tell the Difference

What’s the difference between importance and urgency? Is it better to prioritize important tasks over urgent ones? In Personal Kanban, Jim Benson and Tonianne DeMaria advise prioritizing important tasks that inspire continuous improvement. While these tasks may not be urgent, they’ll benefit you in the long run. Learn how to tell the difference between what’s important and what’s urgent.

How to Change Your Karma by Living Consciously

Can you learn how to change your karma? How do you take control of your karma and release negative energy? To change your karma, you need to live more consciously, being intentional about the karma you’re accumulating rather than acting compulsively. As you develop your knowledge of how karma accumulates, you can better take control of your own karma. Continue reading to discover how karma accumulates and how you can influence your karma.

How to Define Bullshit: Is It Just a Modern Term for Rhetoric?

What does “bullshit” mean? Is it just another word for misinformation? Is it different from rhetoric? According to professors Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West, bullshit is defined as the use of misleading evidence to persuade an audience. They emphasize the importance of the phenomenon’s intent and how it’s put into operation. Read more to understand how to define “bullshit” according to Bergstrom and West in their book Calling Bullshit.

What Are Value Streams? A Personal Kanban Tracking Method

What are value streams? How do you set up a value stream that fits your needs? A value stream is the development of tasks from ideas to accomplishments. Setting up a value stream is the second step of a kanban board, according to Personal Kanban by Jim Benson and Tonianne DeMaria. Check out how to create a value stream that fits your needs.

Bullshit Media: The Wild Propagation of Lies in the News & Online

Does it feel like you can’t keep up with all the misinformation out there—much less refute it? Are you stuck in an echo chamber? Bullshit can exist in any era. But, Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West contend that two components of contemporary society—the internet and the mainstream media—are particularly potent vehicles for spreading bullshit. Keep reading to understand the phenomenon of bullshit media.

Breaking the Karmic Cycle: Yoga and Other Strategies

What are the best methods for breaking the karmic cycle? Can yoga help you find liberation? Breaking the karmic cycle involves dissolving the boundaries between self and nature, which releases attachment to the self. Learning the many ways to do this, including through yoga, can help you on your way to liberation. Learn to release karma from your life and take steps towards liberation.

The Future of Fusion Energy: A Money Pit or a Smart Investment?

What does the future of fusion energy look like? What are the main benefits and challenges associated with it? Fusion energy, once seen as wishful thinking, is gaining renewed attention due to recent advancements, potentially offering an abundant, eco-friendly power source. Private companies are pouring billions into fusion startups racing to make commercial reactors a reality within a decade. Continue reading to learn what fusion energy is and how it might be used in the future.

The 3 Building Blocks of Kanban’s Continuous Improvement

How can you constantly improve yourself and your work habits? How is continuous improvement part of the kanban system? In kanban, continuous improvement is at the core of the workflow system. The way you achieve it is by observing your work, asking questions, and trying out new ways of doing things. It’s important to take some time to step back and reflect on what you’ve accomplished so you can continue moving forward. Let’s look at three ways to embed continuous self-improvement into your personal kanban practice.