Shortform Books

The Psychology of Habit Formation: How to Train Your Brain

How do behaviors become habits? What can you do to make your brain internalize new habits faster? Habits are patterns of behavior that become more or less established in your daily life depending on how often you engage in the behavior. If you frequently reinforce a habit through your choices, it’ll get stronger. If you engage in the behavior less frequently, the habit will get weaker. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of habits.

Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Big Bang Theory: Making It Simple

What does the Big Bang theory suggest? How could understanding it better help us unlock one of science’s greatest mysteries? In his book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the Big Bang theory in terms that anyone can understand. He discusses what the theory tells us and what it might help us understand in the future. Read more for the thoughts of Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Big Bang theory.

Good vs. Bad Blinding in Research: What’s the Difference?

What is blinding in research? How can you tell when a researcher is practicing good blinding? Blinding is a controlled research technique that involves the placebo effect, where neither the patients nor doctors don’t know which drug is being given. However, some researchers use bad blinding techniques to influence the participants in some way. Continue reading to learn how blinding in research works, according to Ben Goldacre’s book Bad Science.

What Is Stoic Philosophy—and What Isn’t It? Realities & Myths

What is Stoic philosophy? What’s the difference between Greek and Roman Stoicism? What are some common misconceptions about Stoicism today? In A Guide to the Good Life, philosophy professor William B. Irvine offers a brief history of Stoicism and an overview of its basic tenets. He compares Greek and Roman views of Stoicism, and he explains why the philosophy isn’t always well understood today. Continue reading for Irvine’s explanation of Stoic philosophy that sheds light on the good life and its pursuit.

The Snowball: Book Overview and Takeaways

What is the book The Snowball about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In her book The Snowball, Alice Schroeder details the life and career of business magnate Warren Buffett. In the field of high finance, Warren Buffett stands alone as a man not driven by appearances, ego, or the quest for an easy dollar—but as a man of integrity and honesty. Read below for a brief overview of The Snowball book about Warren Buffett.

Alcoholic Shame: Dealing With Guilt at Your Lowest

What is the role of shaming in addiction? Why does alcoholic shame make the situation worse? While alcoholism isn’t a disease people should want to have, it doesn’t help to shame those who are affected. In Quit Like a Woman, Holly Whitaker claims that shaming alcoholics only makes things worse. Here’s why alcoholic shame does more damage than good, according to Whitaker.

Is There a Creator? Why It Might Be the Most Likely Possibility

Is there a creator? Was the universe designed? Where does the weight of evidence lie? Either the universe was created, or it’s here by chance. Mo Gawdat argues that the materialist view is so improbable that we’re left with the likelihood of intelligent design. He believes that this is a good reason for us to be happy. Continue reading to understand Gawdat’s argument.

Present-Moment Awareness: Cultivate It to Find Happiness

What’s present-moment awareness? Is it the same as mindfulness? How can you practice it? Mo Gawdat suggests that, for happiness to endure, we must embrace five pillars, which he calls “ultimate truths.” These five pillars lead to joy—an unwavering state of happiness. The first of these pillars is present-moment awareness. Read more to learn about this practice and the difference it can make in your life.

3 Qualities of a Good Mentor Who Will Help You Find Yourself

What are the qualities of a good mentor? Should you look for someone who helps you know how or what to think? Martha Beck contends that we fall out of alignment with our true selves by internalizing false beliefs from our culture. She argues that the path to realignment begins with discovering and recognizing these false beliefs. She advises you to find an integrity mentor to help you on this journey. Keep reading to discover what Beck thinks you should look for when selecting an integrity mentor.

The Social Problems With Fiat Currency

What’s the problem with fiat currency? What are the dangers of over-printing fiat money? One danger of fiat money is that it gives the government too much control of the nation’s resources. The government can just print more money whenever they want, which devalues the national currency. Dr. Saifedean Ammous explains the social problems with fiat currency.