The World's Best Book Summaries
What are the 4 basic human needs? How do humans fulfill each of these needs? There is a difference between going through each day and feeling fulfilled. Humans get a sense of fulfillment only through satisfying 4 basic human needs: “to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy.” Keep reading for more about the 4 basic human needs.
What is influence? What traits and qualities do influential people have? Can anyone develop influence? Influence is your ability to affect people’s actions and opinions. Contrary to a popular belief, influence is not tied to inborn traits such as introversion or extroversion. Anyone can develop influence if they put their mind to it. Read more about how to develop influence and improve your leadership skills.
Do you think health is a human right? Should everyone have access to health care, regardless of their ability to pay? According to Paul Farmer, a doctor and anthropologist who devoted his life to making medical care accessible to all, health is a fundamental human right. Farmer went to great lengths to realize this philosophy in practice. Read more to learn about Paul Farmer and his medical philosophy: health is a human right.
What are manic phase symptoms in bipolar disorder? How did these manic state symptoms appear in An Unquiet Mind? In her memoir An Unquiet Mind, Dr. Jamison recounts her experience living with manic depression. Her manic phase symptoms began in her senior year of high school and didn’t end until late adulthood when she was prescribed lithium therapy. Read more to learn how manic phase symptoms manifest in everyday life.
What is the difference between internal and external motivation? What are some examples of each? By definition, internal motivation comes from within the person (e.g. feelings, values, and goals). In contrast, external motivation comes from outside forces (e.g. duties and deadlines). Keep reading for more about internal and external motivation.
Do you plan your week in advance or go with the flow? Why is it important to plan your week in advance? When you plan your week in advance, you are engaging in an act of self-renewal. This dedicated time gives you the opportunity to put things into perspective and reconnect with your priorities. Keep reading to learn how to plan your week in advance.
What was Paul Farmer’s family like? What role did they play in his life and career as a doctor? Paul Farmer’s family was big and poor. They lived in humble quarters for most of his childhood, which helped Farmer develop the ability to work and sleep anywhere. Read more about Paul Farmer’s family and early life.
What is it like to live with bipolar depression disorder? What experiences did Kay Redfield Jamison share in An Unquiet Mind? Bipolar depression disorder is a two-sided illness. One side of the coin involves episodes of joy and clarity, while the other is despair and confusion. Read about Kay Redfield Jamison’s experience living with bipolar depression disorder, as she recounts it in her memoir An Unquiet Mind.
Can bipolar be genetic? More generally, what role does genetics play in mental illness? Dr. Jamison, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry, was fascinated with the study of genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder. In light of her mental illness lineage, she couldn’t help but wonder, “Can bipolar be genetic?” Keep reading for the answer to the question: can bipolar be genetic?
What are the causes of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis? How does it develop and can it be treated? Paul Farmer started investigating multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Lima, Peru. He found out that MDR can be prevented if patients are treated with different antibiotic drugs after their first TB treatment round. Otherwise, bacteria will grow resistant to those antibiotics. Read more to learn about multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, its causes, and how Paul Farmer convinced the WHO to implement TB MDR treatment program.