Shortform Books

Matthew Perry’s Alcoholism: How It Started and Ended

When did Matthew Perry’s alcoholism start? Why did he have a hard time quitting after his first drink? In Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, actor Matthew Perry reveals his first experience with alcohol and how it shaped his life forever. Alcohol became a way for Perry to forget his struggles during his teenage years and it only got worse because of his father’s habits. Let’s look at how Perry used alcohol as a coping mechanism at such a young age.

What Is the Purpose of Sadness? The Benefits of Being Sad

What’s the purpose of sadness? Why is sadness such an important emotion? Can sadness be beneficial? Sadness is often seen as a negative emotion—something to be avoided or suppressed—but according to best-selling author Susan Cain, it serves a powerful purpose in our lives. In her book Bittersweet, Cain argues that sadness is a prosocial emotion that inspires compassion and empathy for others. Read on to learn what the purpose of sadness is and why it’s so important, according to Cain.

How to Make a Daily Routine for Yourself (and Stick to It!)

Looking to learn how to make a daily routine for yourself? What strategies do productivity experts suggest? If you want to make the most of your time and be more productive, learning how to make a daily routine for yourself is the first step. Experts agree that learning to prioritize your tasks, protect your focus time, and align your priorities with your values sets the foundation for a fulfilling daily routine. Read on to learn how to make and maintain a daily routine for yourself, according to five expert tips.

Mark Manson’s Everything Is F*cked: Overview & Takeaways

Why are we becoming more and more unhappy despite improved living conditions? Why do we have a mental health crisis? Mark Manson argues that the hope that makes us feel fulfilled inevitably leads us to harm ourselves and others. Thus, to be happy as individuals and thrive as a species, we need to find a source of fulfillment that doesn’t rely on hope for a better future. Keep reading for an overview of Mark Manson’s Everything Is F*cked.

Gamification Rewards: How to Use Them in Business & Marketing

What are gamification rewards? What are the different types? How can you use gamification in your business? According to Yu-kai Chou, gamification rewards can make or break a game, and designing them effectively for your business can be a challenge. In his book Actionable Gamification, he explains that the key to motivating players with rewards is randomness and mystery. Read on to learn how to design the most effective gamification rewards, according to Chou.

Is the Housing Market Crashing? What the Experts Predict

Suburban Flight and The Role of The Government

Is the housing market crashing or is it normalizing? Why do experts offer varied viewpoints on this subject? As the U.S. emerges from the pandemic-fueled housing boom—with high mortgage rates, a potential recession, and now the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank—many are wondering if the housing market is crashing again. As experts offer differing opinions, it can be difficult to determine the market’s future. Read on to discover experts’ viewpoints on the housing market and whether it’s crashing or normalizing.

Understanding the Psychology of the Subconscious Mind

How does your subconscious mind influence your behavior? How can you program your subconscious mind to work in your favor? Your subconscious mind determines your life outcomes in that it attracts experiences that correspond to its contents. For example, if you always think about how lonely you are, you will imprint this sentiment on your subconscious mind, and this will prompt you to act in ways that reinforce your loneliness. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of the subconscious mind and how you can train your subconscious to produce goal-oriented behavior.

What Is the Role of Body Language in Communication?

What role does body language play in communication? How can you get better at decoding people’s body language? Our bodies convey our emotions and intentions far faster and more accurately than our words. We pick up on body language cues instinctively because they have been wired into us over millions of years of evolution. Keep reading to learn about the role of body language in communication.

David Brooks’s The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life

Are you an individualist or a relationalist? What commitments have you made in life? What approach do you take to each one? David Brooks contends that the Western individualist worldview breeds selfishness and deprives your life of greater meaning. Consequently, he argues that you should embrace relationalism—the worldview that prioritizes selflessness and service to others—to lead a deeply fulfilling life. Continue reading for a comprehensive overview of David Brooks’s The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life.

Is the Weather Getting More Extreme? What the Trend Reveals

Is the weather getting more extreme? What’s the actual long-term trend? Former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin claims that public misconceptions about human-induced climate change are common. One of these misconceptions is that manmade climate change is causing extreme weather. Let’s take a look at Koonin’s argument and see what the evidence is.