Shortform Books

Steven Johnson: 7 Innovation Goldmines Where Ideas Are Found

What drives innovation? Where do new, groundbreaking ideas come from? According to best-selling author and theorist Steven Johnson, innovation happens when we seek out new ideas and cultivate environments in which fresh ideas can emerge and grow. In Where Good Ideas Come From, he explains the various avenues you should explore to come up with the best ideas. Read more to learn about the seven goldmines of innovation that Johnson discusses.

The 4 Components of an Effective Team: A Surprising Combination

Who understands what the customer wants? Who can help you mitigate business risks? Who holds the CEO accountable? Entrepreneur Tony Fadell shares his tips for creating a successful product-based business and building a great team. He contends that there are four components of an effective team, and they might not be what you think. Continue reading to learn Fadell’s surprising yet sensible advice.

The Fourth Turning Predictions: Were Strauss & Howe Right?

Does history follow a pattern? If so, can we make solid predictions about the future? In The Fourth Turning, historian William Strauss and consultant Neil Howe explain how Anglo-American history follows a pattern of four 15- to 25-year periods, called Turnings. They wrote during a Third Turning, and they made predictions about the Fourth. Keep reading to learn the Fourth Turning predictions they made and how accurate they turned out to be.

Poor Decision-Making: Why Mental Illness Isn’t to Blame

Is poor decision-making a result of mental illness? Why is good mental health bad during a crisis? You may think we got it backward, but we didn’t—mental illness can be good to have during a bad situation, and good mental health is not. That is, at least for influential leaders who are under a lot of pressure. Find out why poor decision-making, mental illness, and crises aren’t all directly connected.

Yogananda’s Teachings: From Spiritual Energy to Kriya Yoga

Curious to learn about Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings? What schools did he open? What is the Self-Realization Fellowship? Paramahansa Yogananda was a renowned yogi who founded schools that combined spiritual and practical education. Yogananda’s teachings, which explained the science of kriya yoga, aimed to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures. Read on to learn about Yogananda’s teachings, including the schools he founded during his lifetime.

The Importance of Attitude in Learning: Why It Outshines Aptitude

Does the aptitude theory of learning hold water? What can help you excel even if you’re not in the “gifted” category? Science now says that we’re capable of learning more and better than we think. So, built-in aptitudes are no longer seen as the be-all and end-all when it comes to how much and how well we learn. Math educator Jo Boaler explains that the way we think about learning matters tremendously. Keep reading to discover the importance of attitude in learning.

Advancements in Psychology Offer New Ways to Heal & Grow

What are some recent advancements in psychology? How are they creating new opportunities for psychological healing and growth? According to Stephen Kotler and Jamie Wheal, advancements in psychology are uncovering the mysteries of peak states of consciousness. This cultural shift toward exploring human potential began decades ago and has led to a more open-minded approach to psychological study. Read on to learn how recent advancements in psychology are revealing the potential of peak states of consciousness.

Treatment of Genetic Disorders: The Challenges & Advances

What is gene therapy? Are genetic disorders curable? How far are we from a future where gene therapy is mainstream? Gene therapy—using genetic engineering to fix damaged or disease-causing genes—offers promising treatments for many genetic disorders. However, we are still far from making gene therapy mainstream because of the high costs of research and development. Here’s a look at the challenges and advances in the treatment of genetic disorders.

How to Find and Follow Your Inner Compass in 4 Steps

How do you follow your inner compass? Why is it important to identify your inner compass to be an effective leader? According to Mark Divine’s book The Way of the SEAL, your inner compass is the internal force based on your values and goals that guide you. Sticking to these values are imperative for being a great leader in business. Continue reading to learn how to follow your inner compass in just four steps.

Jho Low’s Partying Lifestyle With the Rich & Famous

Curious about Jho Low’s partying and lifestyle before his downfall? How did he maintain his high-profile image? In Billion Dollar Whale, Tom Wright and Bradley Hope explore Jho Low’s story as he leveraged his newfound wealth to live a high-profile lifestyle filled with partying, gambling excursions, and celebrity friends. The authors claim that Low’s extravagant spending knew no bounds. Read on to learn about Jho Low’s partying and lifestyle before his downfall, according to Wright and Hope.