Shortform Books

A History of Koch Industries: A Twisted Tale of Dark Money?

What causes have the Koch Industries supported over the years? What was behind the lawsuits against the company in the 1970s? Why did the Senate later investigate them? In Dark Money, Jane Mayer explores how a small group of extremely wealthy individuals, led largely by Charles and David Koch, have effectively legitimized far-right beliefs in America using their massive wealth. Koch Industries, the family business, has served as the engine behind the influence. Read more to learn about Mayer’s “dark money” history of Koch Industries from the 1970s to the 1990s.

What Is the OGL 1.1 Leak? The D&D Controversy Explained

What is the OGL 1.1 leak? Why are people boycotting Wizards of the Coast? A recent leak of possible updates to the Open Gaming License (OGL) owned by Wizards of the Coast sparked outrage across the tabletop gaming community. Though Wizards has since announced that it will not change the OGL, the debacle could weaken its position in the tabletop gaming market. Read on to learn more about the OGL 1.1 leak and the overall Wizards of the Coast controversy.

Gut Health and Mental Health: Are They Related?

What’s the relationship between gut health and mental health? Can poor gut health cause or worsen depression or anxiety? Ed Yong wrote I Contain Multitudes to raise awareness about the trillions of microbes that exist in our bodies and how they influence everything, including our mental health. Your gut health and mental health are closely connected—a lack of certain microbes can even lead to abnormal brain development, claims Yong. Read on to learn more about the relationship between gut health and mental health, according to Yong.

How to Find Your Identity With Values and a Purpose

Do you want to discover who you truly are? How do you find your identity? It can be hard to determine who we are, where we are, and what our purpose is. Luckily, Vishen Lakhiani’s book The Buddha and the Badass guides you through your self-discovery journey. Learn how to find your identity by staying true to your values and your purpose.

Why an Anti-Hustle Culture Is Essential for Business

What is anti-hustle culture? How is modern work ruining our drive to succeed? In The Buddha and the Badass, Vishen Lakhiani claims that hustling won’t get your business anywhere. In fact, he proposes an “anti-hustle culture” that combines spiritual enlightenment with disruptive leadership. Continue reading to learn more about Lakhiani’s anti-hustle culture.

Suffering Is Inevitable: Here’s Why You Should Embrace It

Is suffering inevitable? Does everyone experience suffering? If you ever feel alone when you’re having a tough day, just remember that someone else is also having a bad day. Because The Book of Joy by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama clarifies that suffering is a universal experience that no one can avoid. Read on to learn why suffering is inevitable, and how you can cope with it.

Step-by-Step Problem-Solving: The 5 Steps to a Solution

What’s the 5W2H framework for identifying a problem? How can a logic tree help you find a solution? What should you do after you solve a problem? If you have a big question to answer or a decision to make, you have a problem to solve. Problem-solving is directed specifically at bridging a gap between your current state and a desired state—getting from here to there. Continue reading to learn a step-by-step problem-solving process from the book Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving.

The 6 Properties of Fungi Explained (Entangled Life)

What are the main properties of fungi? What makes fungi different from plants and animals? According to Merlin Sheldrake’s book Entangled Life, fungi are their own kingdom of organisms—they’re neither plants nor animals. Although the field of mycology (the study of fungi) is growing, Sheldrake argues that many aspects of fungal biology remain a mystery. Below we’ll look at what we’ve learned from only the six percent of all fungi species we’ve explored, particularly its properties.

The Power of Regret: Quotes to Help You Live Your Best Life

What are the best The Power of Regret quotes? How will these quotes inspire you to make better decisions? Most people have regrets but believe it’s best to “live with no regrets.” According to Daniel Pink, the author of The Power of Regret, regret is a normal, healthy part of life and you can even harness it to your advantage. Below we’ll cover the best quotes from The Power of Regret that you can learn valuable lessons from.

Common Marriage Problems and How to Solve Them

What are the most common marital problems? How do you address an ongoing problem in a marriage? While every marriage is unique, there are several problems almost all married couples have in common. Most of these problems are solvable, but many couples drag them on for too long, making them a bigger deal than they have to be. Here’s a look at some of the most common marriage problems and potential solutions for each.