Shortform Books

How to Contextualize an Idea So That It’s Well Received

What do you do when audiences aren’t receptive to your speech? Why should you contextualize your ideas, and how should you do it? It can be nerve-wracking standing in front of an audience that might not agree with your viewpoints. By contextualizing your main idea at the beginning of your presentation, you’ll have a better chance of winning them over to your side. Keep reading to learn how to contextualize ideas, according to Amplify Your Influence by René Rodriguez.

The FIFA Controversy: Women’s Soccer Battles for Equality

What’s behind the latest FIFA controversy? What are the specific issues with women’s soccer teams? As the FIFA Women’s World Cup approaches, players are embroiled in battles and controversies with officials around equal rights and equal treatment. From clashes over LGBTQ+ rights to the pursuit of equal pay, women’s soccer has been shaken by conflict. Read on to discover some of the recent issues and how they might affect the upcoming World Cup.

How Does Society Change? Exploring the Theory of Megapolitics

How does society change? What’s the biggest factor? Is societal change predictable? Writing in the 1990s, James Davidson and William Rees-Mogg made major predictions about society’s future. They base them on what they call “megapolitics,” the theory that forms of government and economies are dictated mostly by circumstances, such as climate and the resources that are available. Keep reading to understand Davidson and Rees-Mogg’s theory of how society changes.

David Richo: 5 A’s for a Happy and Healthy Relationship

What are David Richo’s 5 A’s of a loving relationship? How should you apply these five elements to your relationship? Richo says that mindful love has five key aspects that can be applied in all kinds of relationships: attention, acceptance, appreciation, allowing, and affection. His book, How to Be an Adult in Relationships, explains each of these practices in detail. Let’s look at the 5 A’s and how you can apply them to build a loving bond between you and your partner.

How to Launch a Business Using the Ready-Fire-Aim Strategy

What’s the easiest way to figure out how to reach customers? Why should you experiment with multiple versions of your product? In Ready, Fire, Aim, Michael Masterson argues that you shouldn’t try to perfect your product before putting it on the market. Rather, you should go ahead and put variations of it out there. Then, let that experience help you perfect your marketing strategy. Continue reading to learn how to launch a business in Masterson’s unorthodox way.

9 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Start Working

Is it hard to get motivated to do work? What are the best tips to stop procrastinating? Work and chores are rarely ever fun, but they have to be done. With the help of The Procrastination Cure by Damon Zahariades, you can finally stop procrastinating and get things done in a timely manner. Here are ways to put an end to your procrastination habit.

How to Improve Your Working Memory & Learn More Efficiently

What are the limits of your working memory? How can you keep it from getting overloaded? Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe can help you become a more effective learner. They provide proven techniques for mastering new skills and knowledge quickly and efficiently, including simple strategies for improving your memory. Keep reading to learn how to improve your working memory.

Karl Marx: Human Nature Is Determined by Socioeconomic Status

What determines whether a person is good or bad? Are we inherently one or the other? According to Karl Marx, human nature isn’t fixed or universal. That philosophy stands in contrast to the traditional Christian view of human nature. Carl Trueman argues that Marx’s concept of political selfhood reshaped our ideas about the self, morality, and human nature—ultimately transforming society. Keep reading for an introduction to Marx’s philosophy of human nature in this intriguing historical context.

The 3 Meditation States: Samādhi, Sati, and Bodhi

What is meditation? What are the three meditation states everyone should experience? According to The Mind Illuminated, there are three meditation states that will help you stay in the moment: concentration, mindfulness, and enlightenment. Each state has unique benefits that anyone can take advantage of. Let’s look at these states below and how to achieve them.

Think Big: Grace Lordan Explains How to Build the Future You Want

What’s the key to transforming your life? How can little things add up to big achievements? In Think Big, Grace Lordan explains how you can take small steps and build the future you want. One key is to go slow and steady. Another is to overcome the cognitive biases that often get in the way of your goals. Continue reading for an overview of this practical and inspiring book that can propel you toward your ideal future.