Shortform Books

Michael Lewis & Salomon Brothers: A Firsthand Account

How does Michael Lewis know so much about the Salomon Brothers? What did Lewis witness while working at the firm? In Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis, the Salomon Brothers are written about extensively with firsthand knowledge. Fresh out of college in the mid-1980s, Lewis joined the Salomon team, was trained in their philosophy of investing, and then became part of its culture. Get the inside scoop on what it was like working at Salomon Brothers in the 1980s.

How to Offset Tourism’s Carbon Footprint & Travel Responsibly

How much pollution does the tourism industry actually cause? Is it possible to travel the world without polluting it? When we travel, we’re supposed to “leave nothing but footprints,” but tourism’s carbon footprints can wreak havoc on the planet. Thankfully, there are ways to travel responsibly and to give back to local communities, wildlife, and the planet. Here are some tips for seeing the world without harming it in the process.

How to Adopt an Abundance Mentality—Advice for Leaders

What is an abundance mentality? How can you combat a scarcity mindset? The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership says that you must adopt a mindset of abundance if you want to be the best leader for your organization. In other words, believe that there are enough external resources (jobs, money, and so on) to make everyone happy. Discover how to embrace an abundance mentality below.

Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews: Book Overview

Do you wish you could be bigger, leaner, and stronger? Are you motivated to get fit and just need a plan that works? In Bigger Leaner Stronger, personal trainer Michael Matthews argues that you can get the physique you want. He presents science-based diet and exercise plans designed for men, and he provides a step-by-step guide to implementing them. Continue reading for an overview of Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews.

When They Win, You Win: Overview of Russ Laraway’s Book

Why is there so much bad management around? How can you make sure you’re not part of the problem? In his book When They Win, You Win, employee experience expert Russ Laraway explains that employee engagement in the workforce is at an all-time low. But, it’s not the employees who are at fault; it’s their managers. Continue reading for an overview of this book that can help you become the kind of manager you want to be.

How Do You Spend Your Time? Find More Time by Tracking It

How do you spend your time? What would you discover if you accounted for every minute of your day? Radio journalist Celeste Headlee made positive changes to the way she lives and works. Now, she shares how you can live a healthier life—with ample leisure and social connection—by being more intentional about how you spend your time. Continue reading to see how this works and how you can change your relationship with time.

How to Be Kind to Others: Why Empathy Isn’t Necessary (& What Is)

How can empathy get in the way of treating others well? What truly motivates us to care for people? In Against Empathy, psychologist Paul Bloom asserts that we don’t have to empathize with someone to treat them kindly. In fact, we often shouldn’t empathize. He discusses several other emotions and desires that should be at work instead. Read more to learn how to be kind to others—without employing empathy.

Embrace the Conscious & Unconscious Mind to Become Whole

What’s the difference between the conscious and unconscious mind? Can they be united? Your conscious mind comprises the feelings, thoughts, and memories that you’re aware of. Your unconscious mind is everything that you’re currently unaware of. Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliott says that, to become a whole being, you need to unite both the conscious and unconscious mind. Keep reading to learn how to be in touch with your whole self and take control of your life.

The Top 4 Competitive Strategies in Business—Explained

What are the top four competitive strategies in business? Which of these strategies is right for your operation? A competitive strategy is a tactic businesses use to gain an advantage in the market. Even within a niche market, there may be hundreds or thousands of markets to compete with, so having a good strategy can make your business more attractive to consumers. We’ll look at the four most common competitive strategies in business and explain how each of them can put you on top.

Rationality in Game Theory: Steven Pinker Explores 3 Games

When is it rational to act irrationally? How might irrational thinking devastate an entire community? Steven Pinker examines how people make rational decisions as part of a group. He discusses game theory, which looks at how rational thinking is affected when the needs of an individual are pitted against the needs of others. In this context, he explains the zero-sum game, the volunteer’s dilemma, and the tragedy of the commons. Continue reading to understand rationality in game theory with examples from Pinker.