Shortform Books

Soviet Gulags: How Soviet Society Was Kept in the Dark

How much did the public know about the Soviet gulags when they were in operation? How much did people fear them? Though the conditions in Soviet gulags were obviously inhumane, they were rarely discussed in public—let alone protested—prior to Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s first novel about the camps in 1962. This silence, and the extent and brutality of the gulags, were made possible by the near-total control the government had over its citizens. Read more to learn how Soviet society was kept in the dark about the gulag system for so long.

How to Brainstorm Ideas for Writing: The 2 Essential Steps

Do you know how to brainstorm ideas for writing? Why is it important to brainstorm? Before you pick up a pencil to start writing, it’s important you brainstorm your ideas first. In The Pyramid Principle, Barbara Minto says this is crucial because you must know your purpose before anything else. Read below to learn how to brainstorm ideas for writing papers or any other prose.

The Fifth Discipline: Systems Thinking Explained

What exactly is “systems thinking” in Peter Senge’s The Fifth Discipline? How does systems thinking relate to the other four disciplines? Systems thinking is the fifth discipline in Peter Senge’s framework for creating a learning organization. Systems thinking ties the other four disciplines together to create a cohesive management system where all the different parts work well together to produce the best possible results. Here’s how you can implement the systems thinking discipline at your organization.

Why and How to Write a Relationship Agreement

What is a “relationship agreement”? What are some things you should agree on with your partner before deciding to be in a relationship? A relationship agreement is a contract that lays out the rules and expectations that partners have with regard to their relationship. It may seem oddly formal to sign a contract that binds your romantic relationship. But if you don’t set an agreement, it will exist anyway—in an implicit, presumptuous form. Here’s why you should write a relationship agreement, according to dating coach Logan Ury.

How to Work Well With Others: Learn People’s Motivations

Are you a cooperative person? Why is the ability to cooperate effectively with other people so important? No matter how empowered and motivated you are, there will always be limits to what a single person can achieve. Therefore, you need to learn how to work well with others. To that end, you must understand what motivates people on a deep, fundamental level. Here’s why knowing what makes people tick is the key to effective cooperation, according to Tony Robbins.

The Fight-or-Flight Response: What It Is & How It Aids Survival

What is the fight-or-flight response? How can the fight-or-flight response work against you? The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction to a perception of threat. It mobilizes your physiological resources to prepare you to face danger. However, this response has negative effects, too: when you perceive danger where there isn’t any, you experience unwarranted fear and anxiety. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of the fight-or-flight response and how it aids survival.

The Best Books About Creativity and Innovation

Can anyone become a creative person? Or is creativity a special talent akin to high IQ? Contrary to a common misconception, creativity isn’t a prerogative of a few gifted minds, but rather a force that lies dormant within each of us. One way you can tap into your creative potential is to read the works of accomplished creative minds. Here’s a roundup of the best books about creativity from our library.

Emily Oster’s Potty Training & Discipline Advice for Parents

What is Emily Oster’s potty training approach? When should you start potty training a child? How should you discipline children during this stage? Emily Oster is the bestselling author of a series of parenting books offering a data-driven approach to parenting and making decisions as a parent. According to her, potty training and discipline are two controversial topics in parenting, but when done correctly, can foster independence in children. Read on for Emily Oster’s potty training and discipline advice for parents.

Cancer Progression Explained: How Does Cancer Evolve?

How does cancer evolve from a single cell to a malignant tumor? Why is cancer so persistent in its efforts to survive and spread? According to Dr. Jason Fung, cancer is ultimately a living species that operates by the same principles as all living organisms: It grows, feeds, reproduces, and fights for survival. Using this new model of cancer as a separate species, Fung describes cancer progression as a three-phase process. Here’s how cancer evolves and becomes malignant.

What Are Your Biases? How to Use Questions to Identify Them

What are your biases? Do you assume that something is true just because it’s what you’ve been told? In The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking, award-winning educators Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird emphasize that your view on a subject will, undoubtedly, have bias. They recommend using questions to look for bias in your perspective (not just your argument) and to guard against authority bias. Keep reading to learn how to use questions to identify and eliminate your biases.