Shortform Books

Linking Culture and Economy: 3 Values That Affect Wealth

Why do Protestant nations generally have more wealth? Why did the American South develop more slowly than the North? It’s no secret that some countries and regions have more wealth than others, but it’s not always obvious why that is. Proponents of cultural theories of inequality argue that three cultural values contribute to whether a nation is rich or poor. These are work ethic, openness to new ideas, and public trust. Read more to learn about the intriguing connection between culture and economy.

The Free Will Myth: Sam Harris Explains 2 Reasons We Buy Into It

Do you believe that you have free will? If so, what might you be overlooking? Sam Harris contends that free will is an illusion. But, most of us are absolutely convinced that it’s real. Harris says this is because we’ve accepted two misguided beliefs about our thinking and decision-making processes. Keep reading to understand why people buy into the free will myth, according to Harris.

How to Engage an Audience: Open Strong & Connect

How do you give a speech that will grab and keep the attention of the audience? What does it take to make a speech engaging? To engage an audience, you should focus on creating a strong opening and then finding a way to connect with them emotionally. Learning strategies to do these two things will help you give a more effective speech. To learn how to engage an audience, check out the following tips and strategies.

Consumerism and Mental Health: How Are They Related?

Does consumerism negatively affect your mental health? Does shopping distract you from the difficulties of life? It might be surprising to learn that consumerism has a negative effect on your mental health. While buying things can be satisfying, it also prevents you from solving real issues that need to be addressed. Here’s how consumerism and mental health go hand in hand, according to The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts.

Global Wealth Gap Solutions: From Karl Marx to Thomas Sowell

Is the global wealth gap inevitable? Is it possible that we can minimize—or even close—it? Some countries have more wealth than others because of some combination of geographical differences, cultural differences, political differences, and exploitation. Various economic analysts have suggested some ways that nations and peoples can work to close the gap. Keep reading to learn about three proposed global wealth gap solutions.

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry

Do you want to cultivate a healthy relationship with your child? Do you wish you had the tools to understand them better? The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry offers guidance for strengthening your bonds with your child and raising an emotionally secure individual. Perry argues that you can improve your parent-child relationship no matter your child’s age. Continue reading for an overview of this book that your child will be glad you read.

You Are a Badass at Making Money: Book Overview

Do you ever feel financially stuck or unable to make enough money to live the life you want? How can a change in mindset get you more money? In You Are a Badass at Making Money, Jen Sincero gives advice on identifying your unconscious beliefs about money. Additionally, you’ll be able to think more optimistically about your finances. Read below for a brief You Are a Badass at Making Money book overview.

How to Deal With a Crying Baby: When Should You Respond?

Do you feel guilty when you just let your baby cry? Do you feel guilty when you respond every time? Sometimes it seems like you can’t win in parenting, and crying babies are a well-traveled battlefield. It’s hard to know what to do when you feel guilty regardless, and conflicting advice doesn’t help. Mother and psychotherapist Philippa Perry weighs in on the debate with an opinion rooted in attachment theory. Read more for Perry’s advice on how to deal with a crying baby.

How to Set a Money Mindset Shift in Motion

What’s holding you back from making more money? How can you trigger a money mindset shift? According to You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, the best thing you can do to change your relationship with money is to change the way you think about money. If you address your limiting beliefs, nothing will stop you from achieving financial success. Let’s look at why shifting your mindset about money is the best way to reach financial success.

How to Become a Great Public Speaker: The First Steps

How can you get better at public speaking? Are there strategies for how to give a better speech? To become a great public speaker, you need to put thought into how you choose your topic, limit your speech to three key ideas, and create a strong opening and closing. By planning your speech strategically, you can send a more powerful message and connect better with your audience. Learn how to become a great public speaker with this expert advice.