Shortform Books

How to Define Your Goals: Make Them Meaningful

How can you define your goals to make them actionable? After defining your goals, what next step should you take to achieve them? Goals feel impossible when you see no discernible way to get from where you are to where you want to be. In The Art of Impossible, Steven Kotler draws on extensive neurobiological research to demystify how to define your goals and achieve breakthrough success. Keep reading to learn Kotler’s advice on how to define your goals when you don’t know where to begin.

Best Leadership Resources: Books, Blogs & Podcasts

Do you want to improve your leadership skills? What are some of the best leadership resources to learn from? There are hundreds of leadership resources on the web that claim to be the best when it comes to leadership development. As with everything, the best sources are always the ones that speak from firsthand experience. That was exactly our criteria when compiling this list of the best leadership resources, including books, blogs, and podcasts.

Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta: Book Overview

What is Sanjay Gupta’s Keep Sharp about? What is the key to keeping your brain sharp as you age? In Keep Sharp, Sanjay Gupta provides advice for improving your brain health. It’s not just about improving intelligence or memory: It’s about developing a brain that is resilient and creating a brain that can build new cells and use the cells you have more efficiently. If you have a healthy, resilient brain, you’ll be happier, more productive, and better equipped to fight off cognitive decline as you age. Below is a brief overview of Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta.

Machiavelli: Mercenaries & Loaners Are Too Costly

What’s Machiavelli’s advice regarding military forces? Why does he warn against using hired and borrowed soldiers? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli distinguishes three types of armies: hired forces (mercenaries), borrowed forces, and personal forces. According to Machiavelli, mercenaries should be avoided, borrowed forces are risky, and personal armies are the way to go. Continue reading for Machiavelli’s reasons on why hired and borrowed forces aren’t worth it.

How to Become a Good Parent: 3 Essential Principles

Want to know how to become a good parent? What are the three principles of great parenting? Author and lecturer Alfie Kohn believes that standard parenting principles are outdated and potentially damaging. To become a good parent, Kohn created his unconditional parenting principles to show parents how to positively discipline and communicate with children. Read on to learn Kohn’s three essential principles for how to become a good parent.

How Regressive Taxation Contributes to Inequality

How does regressive taxation contribute to economic inequality? Why do the rich pay less than their fair share of taxes? Regressive taxation is why America lacks funding for social initiatives and is riddled with economic inequality. The wealthiest people and corporations can avoid paying their fair share of taxes, so the bulk of public funds is pulled from the pockets of modest families. Keep reading to learn about the origins of regressive taxation and how it contributes to economic inequality.

Why Do People Donate to Charity—Really?

Why do people donate to charity? Do they truly care about the cause—or just how they look to others? In The Elephant in the Brain, Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson argue that charity isn’t just about helping others—it’s also about showing off how compassionate and benevolent you are. This is part of their general argument that human behavior is driven by selfish motives. Continue reading to learn more about this theory.

How to Evaluate Business Ideas: Is Yours Good?

Do you have an idea for a business? How can you tell if it’s a viable one? Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba say you don’t need to come up with anything spectacular. A viable business idea should build on your unique strengths, or “unfair advantages,” and offer value to people’s lives. Keep reading to learn how to evaluate business ideas.

Nicomachean Ethics: Quotes From Aristotle’s Classic

What are some of the best quotes from Nicomachean Ethics? What captures Aristotle’s message? In Nicomachean Ethics, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle attempts to determine the best possible way a person can live their life. He’s not trying to explain the best way to deal with any given situation. Instead, Aristotle aims to provide a general overview of what an ideal life is and how people can achieve it. We’ve collected some of our favorite Nicomachean Ethics quotes, along with some context and explanation. Take a look.

Beating Obesity: 4 Dietary Changes You Must Make

What is the best diet for an obese person? What are some things you should avoid eating if you suffer from obesity? Beating obesity involves a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes. In brief, a slimming diet involves eating whole foods, avoiding added sugar and refined carbohydrates, and consuming a moderate amount of protein and good fats. Here are four obesity dietary changes you must make.