Shortform Books

Maximizing Freedom: Libertarianism Philosophy Explained

What is libertarianism in philosophy? Is there a safe limit to how much freedom individuals may have? Libertarianism states that the goal of the state is to maximize personal freedom. This goal comes from the libertarian belief that people own themselves. That said, libertarians do recognize that it’s the government’s role to prevent people from limiting the freedom of others. Keep reading to learn about the key tenets of libertarian philosophy.

Jumping to Conclusions: The Psychology of Biased Thinking

Do you jump to conclusions? Why do we have a tendency to form conclusions before giving ourselves a chance to think things through? We tend to jump to conclusions about people and situations before we have all of the facts about them. While jumping to conclusions allows us to make quick decisions, it’s not always ideal. In psychology, jumping to conclusions is considered a cognitive bias. Learn about the psychology of the human tendency to jump to conclusions.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Decision-Making 101

What is a cost-benefit analysis? How does the cost-benefit method compare to the pro-con method of decision-making? Cost-benefit analysis is a decision-making strategy intended to weigh the costs of a decision or choice against its benefits. Unlike pro-con lists, a cost-benefit analysis lists the cumulative costs that a decision will incur alongside its cumulative benefits. It thus quantifies the consequences of your decision. Here’s how to use cost-benefit analysis to analyze your decisions.

Business Made Simple: Book Overview (Donald Miller)

Want an overview of the Business Made Simple book? What are Donald Miller’s key takeaways and advice? In Business Made Simple, author Donald Miller argues that you should see yourself not as a mere employee, but as an investment by your organization. In his book, Miller explains the steps you can take to become a valuable asset for your company, and in turn, advance your career. Keep reading for an overview of the Business Made Simple book by Donald Miller.

Richard Cooper: Reasons Not to Get Married—Ever!

Is it a good idea to get married and tie your life with one person in the 21st century? What are some reasons not to get married? In his book The Unplugged Alpha, Richard Cooper strongly advises men against ever getting married. As Cooper points out, even if you do get married, you’re likely to get divorced. Here’s why you should steer clear of marriage, according to Cooper.

The Impact of the Black Death: Parallels to the COVID Pandemic?

What were the origins of the Black Death? What impact did the plague have on society? Are there similarities to the Covid-19 pandemic? In The Silk Roads, historian Peter Frankopan discusses the Black Death in the context of East-West dynamics. He notes how it changed the world economy and the balance of power. Some commentators compare that shift to today’s Great Resignation. Keep reading to understand the impact of the Black Death and how it compares to what we’re seeing with Covid-19.

How to Build Self-Awareness to Find Purpose in Life

Want to know how to build self-awareness? Why is understanding the human brain important for developing awareness? In Unbeatable Mind, Mark Divine writes that developing the mental strength of an unbeatable mind means mastering five levels of personal development. According to him, learning how to build self-awareness is a crucial step in this process. Read on to learn Divine’s advice for building self-awareness to identify and follow your purpose in life.

A History of Democracy in England: Local Politics & the Rule of Law

What difference did the Magna Carta make? Why was medieval England particularly disposed to democracy? In the Middle Ages, England stood out from the rest of Europe. Political economist Francis Fukuyama discusses the Magna Carta, English society’s long-standing organization around local politics, and its emphasis on the legal system as the source of political legitimacy. Keep reading for a brief history of democracy in England that shows how it was unlike any other nation of its time.

Kandiaronk: The First Philosopher Behind the Enlightenment?

Who was Kandiaronk? Did his ideas influence the Enlightenment in Europe? Kandiaronk, a leader of the Wendat people in North America, was an intellectual whose ideas made their way to Europe in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In The Dawn of Everything, David Graeber and David Wengrow argue that these ideas gave rise to the Enlightenment. Continue reading to learn about this intriguing character and his philosophy.

How to Organize Information to Stay Productive

Do you feel disorganized at work? Do you know how to organize information? In Building a Second Brain, Tiago Forte explains that the organization of your external storage system is the most important component of increasing your creativity and productivity. He breaks down how to organize information into six main areas. Read below to learn how to organize your external storage system.