Shortform Books

How the Reproduction of Art Changes Its Meaning

What are the implications of reproducing original works of art? How does reproduction alter the art’s original meaning? For several hundred years, fine works of art were segregated from the working class, to be enjoyed and understood only by the wealthy elite. Now, for the first time in history, art is widely accessible thanks to its reproduction. But reproducing original works of art distorts their meaning. Here’s how the reproduction of art changes its meaning.

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

What is Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink about? What can Gladwell teach you about decision-making? In his book Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking (2005), Malcolm Gladwell argues that snap decisions made on the fly could be as good as decisions made through deliberate, rational thinking. Blink delves into how and why we make the gut decisions we do, when it’s unsafe to trust our guts, and what we can do to make all our snap judgments smarter, less biased, and more efficient. Here’s an overview of Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.

How to Create an Effective Follow-Up Plan

Do you always follow up after having an important discussion? What is the most effective follow-up strategy? The book Crucial Accountability teaches that an effective follow-up strategy is just as important as having an accountability conversation. If you don’t follow up with an action plan after a difficult conversation, then you will lose any progress you’ve made. Learn how to follow up and create a follow-up plan below.

Shortform Reads: It Started Once Upon a Time

What’s so great about reading kids’ books as an adult? What’s a must-read for nature lovers? Libby can tell you. Based near Manchester, England, she manages Shortform’s social media. We interviewed her recently to learn a bit about her relationship with books.

3 Reasons Why Happy Workers Are More Productive

Did you know that happy workers are more productive? How can you create a work environment that increases happiness and encouragement? According to Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of online clothing retailer Zappos, happy workers lead to happy customers, which maximizes profits for your business. There are three reasons why employee satisfaction leads to harder work: friendship, empowerment, and financial security. Continue reading to learn more about these three reasons so you can create a happy, healthy environment for your workers.

How Does Intuition Work?—Understanding the 6th Sense

How to Visualize the Life You Want to Have in 3 Steps

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew the right thing to do but couldn’t explain why or how you arrived at that knowledge? How does intuition work? Intuition is a concept that seems obscure and mysterious because we don’t understand the mechanics behind it. But just because we can’t pinpoint the exact chain of reasoning behind an intuitive judgment or decision does not mean intuition is a fluke. Keep reading to learn how intuition works.

What Is the Purpose of Marketing? A Marxist View

What is the purpose of marketing? What does it accomplish? Whom does it serve? According to John Berger, the author of Ways of Seeing, the purpose of marketing is to keep the machines of capitalism moving: to keep the rich rich and the poor poor. It is accomplished by evoking envy and giving a promise of a better life. Continue reading to learn more about Berger’s view.

How to Start a Difficult Conversation

Do you know how to start a difficult conversation? Where do you begin? How do you make the conversation go smoothly? According to the authors of Crucial Accountability, establishing mutual respect and a shared purpose are the keys to learning how to start a difficult conversation. There are three steps you should take to avoid overwhelming the other person. Read more to learn how to start a difficult conversation.

Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Business

Do you have trouble setting standards for happiness in your company? How can you use Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for your business? Surprisingly, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs doesn’t just apply to the behavior and motivation of humans. It can also imply three layers of happiness that business owners should keep in mind when thinking about employees and customers. Keep reading to learn how former CEO of Zappos Tony Hsieh transformed the hierarchy of needs into business standards.

Predicting Divorce: Signs to Look Out For

Is it possible to predict divorce? What are the most telling signs the relationship won’t last? The signs of an impending divorce are often evident from casual interactions of partners, even at the beginning of a relationship. Psychologist John Gottman has identified these signs by conducting observations of interactions of couples, predicting divorce with impressive accuracy. Here’s what he found.