Shortform Books

The Norepinephrine Hormone’s Function (+How to Make More)

What is the norepinephrine hormone’s function in the brain? How do you feel if you have too much or not enough? How can you produce more norepinephrine? The norepinephrine hormone functions primarily to boost your energy and make you feel more alert, according to Steven Kotler. Kotler’s self-help book, The Art of Impossible, outlines the importance of neurochemicals, like norepinephrine, in creating an overall sense of happiness and wellbeing. Read on to learn more about the function of the norepinephrine hormone, including Kotler’s advice for producing more “happy hormones.”

2 Benefits of Data Science: Why Data Matters

What benefits does data science have that human intuition doesn’t? Why is data an extension of our intuition? In Everybody Lies, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz looks at the bigger picture of what big data is and why we should care about it. Though data science might seem arcane, Stephens-Davidowitz argues that it’s an extension of our natural intuition. Let’s look at the major benefits of data science that natural intuition doesn’t have.

Why It’s So Hard to Find Your Flow These Days

What is “flow?” Why is it so hard to find your flow these days? Flow is our highest form of sustained attention. Johann Hari, the author of Stolen Focus, argues that the distractions of modern life are destroying it. Find out what makes finding your flow so difficult these days.

How Chronic Brain Inflammation Contributes to Cognitive Decline

Can your brain get inflamed? What happens when chronic inflammation develops in the brain? Inflammation is meant to protect our bodies, but when it becomes chronic, it can be damaging. Chronic brain inflammation is one of the key factors in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Here’s how chronic inflammation in the brain contributes to cognitive decline.

Should the American Government Pay Slavery Reparations?

How does the legacy of slavery still reverberate amongst Black Americans? Should the American government provide reparations to descendants of American slaves? Most of the injustices Black Americans face are either caused or perpetuated by economic inequality. To eliminate inequality and the injustices that follow, the government should provide Black Americans with financial aid and enhance funding for low-income and majority-Black communities, according to the author of The 1619 Project. In this article, we will discuss how the modern financial injustices Black Americans face are the result of slavery and Jim Crow, and what slavery reparations should entail.

The Importance of Interpersonal Skills in Business

Are you winsome at work? Are people drawn to you and your ideas? Do you have presence and influence? Startup success hinges on your ability to win over others. That’s the view of entrepreneurs Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba, authors of The Unfair Advantage. They discuss how you can determine whether interpersonal skills are your unfair advantage, and they provide tips on how to improve these skills. Continue reading to learn about the importance of interpersonal skills in business.

What Is the Greatest Virtue? Here’s Aristotle’s Answer

What is the greatest virtue? What makes it so great? Does Aristotle’s theory hold water? In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses virtues, both moral and intellectual. He argues that one virtue rises above all the others: wisdom. Unlike other virtues, it’s an end in itself and, thus, the best way to achieve happiness—the goal of life. Read more to understand Aristotle’s opinion about the greatest virtue.

Norms of Society: How Humans Regulate Each Other

Why did social norms develop? How do they work, and what role do they play? If you make too much noise in a library, you probably won’t get escorted out by security. Instead, you’ll likely earn some dirty looks or shushing from your fellow patrons. Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson explain how norms of society, such as this example of group enforcement, regulate human behavior. Read more to learn how norms of society play a role in our lives.

What Is a Micro Wedding? Pros, Cons, & Planning

What is a micro wedding and how do you plan one? Will you regret foregoing a traditional wedding? Why are micro weddings a better option for some people? A micro wedding is defined as a non-traditional marriage ceremony with a smaller, more intimate venue and typically fewer than 50 guests. Although every couple’s micro wedding will be unique to their tastes, in general, micro weddings cost less, save time, and are less stressful to plan. For these reasons, micro weddings have become a popular choice for many couples who want to avoid the hassle of planning a large, traditional wedding.

What People Search on Google: Confessions

What do people typically search on Google? What do a person’s Google searches say about them? Google searches and other internet activity reveal truths that might never come out in traditional data-gathering methods like surveys. In Everybody Lies, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz claims that people research topics that they would lie about in real life, such as sexuality, prejudice, and child abuse. Keep reading to learn what people search on Google and why they won’t discuss it in real life.