Shortform Books

Presence by Amy Cuddy: Book Overview and Takeaways

Do you tend to feel anxious about new situations or performances? Do power poses actually work? How can body language change the tone of a conversation? Perhaps you’ve tried giving yourself a pep talk before an event, but you still didn’t quite feel like you put your best self forward. In Presence, Amy Cuddy says that embodying “presence” allows you to be your true self without thoughts of self-doubt. Read below for an overview of Presence by Amy Cuddy.

What Is the Anthropocene Epoch & Are We Living in It?

What is the Anthropocene Epoch? How big of an impact have humans had on the planet? We might soon officially be living in the Anthropocene Epoch, a period in Earth’s history in which human activity has changed the entire planet. It means we’ve affected the planet as much as the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs and as much as the repeated Ice Ages. Keep reading to learn how new epochs are declared and why some think we shouldn’t call this epoch the Anthropocene.

America’s Prometheus: Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project

Why was J. Robert Oppenheimer chosen to lead the Manhattan Project? What was his attitude toward the work and its implications? According to Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, J. Robert Oppenheimer represents a modern-day Prometheus, the Greek Titan eternally punished for stealing fire from the gods and imparting it to humanity. Their book provides a comprehensive biography of the man best known for developing the atomic bomb. Keep reading to learn about Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project.

Michio Kaku: String Theory Might Be the Answer We’re Looking For

What’s string theory? How close is it to a unified theory of physics? Physicists have yet to reconcile relativity, gravity, and quantum mechanics. But, according to Michio Kaku, string theory could be the solution. It’s the pioneering field that Kaku has been working to advance for all of his professional career. Continue reading to learn about this thought-provoking theory and why Kaku finds it promising.

4 Advantages of ADHD: The Silver Lining to the Cloud

Does ADHD have any benefits? What’s the “ADHD superpower”? In ADHD 2.0, psychiatrist Edward Hallowell and professor of psychiatry John Ratey argue that people can succeed and thrive because of—not in spite of—having ADHD. One reason for this is that the cloud of ADHD has a silver lining. Continue reading to discover four advantages of ADHD that people with this condition can leverage.

The 5 Key Elements of Well-Being: Explained by Seligman

What are the five elements of well-being? How do these elements cultivate a meaningful life? Well-being is a blend of five elements: positive emotions, engagement, meaning, relationships, and achievement. You can fortify these pillars of well-being by applying the principles of positive psychology in your life. Continue reading for in-depth explanations of the elements of well-being.

Best Places to Invest in Real Estate: Factors to Consider

Where are the best places to invest in real estate? How does a neighborhood’s class affect property value? There are a few things to consider when choosing a rental property’s location. The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner claims that a neighborhood’s socioeconomic features, educational options, and accessibility are important features to consider. To figure out where you should buy your first investment property, keep reading.

Business Adaptation: How to Make Changes Successfully

What is the importance of business adaptation? How can you guide employees through transitions and changes within the company? Businesses must go through transitions every once in a while to keep up with trends and the ever-changing market. In Winning, Jack Welch guides you through the process of adapting your business and keeping your employees informed in the process. Find out how to navigate business adaptation below.

The Problem With America’s Huge Cars: Car Bloat Explained

What is car bloat? Why do Americans tend to prefer huge cars? What are the negative consequences? Car bloat—a trend toward ever-larger vehicles—is taking over US roads, and it shows no signs of slowing. The trend of Americans buying bigger, heavier vehicles is amping up car prices and damaging the environment, public health, and roads. Let’s take a look at what led to car bloat and why it’s a problem.

What Does It Mean to Have Presence? Definition & Example

Do you ever feel nervous in large crowds or on stage? What does it mean to have presence? Amy Cuddy defines presence as a self-assured confidence that’s not arrogant but allows you to express your true self. Her book Presence says you can achieve presence by leveraging the body-mind connection to change the way you feel about yourself rather than worrying about how others perceive you. Keep reading to learn what it means to embody presence.