The World's Best Book Summaries
Do we have free will? What are the various views and arguments entailed in the debate? Philosophers continue to wrestle with the issue of free will, discussing what it is and whether or not human beings have it. Sam Harris explains that three points of view have emerged: determinism, libertarianism, and compatibilism. Read more to learn about these three schools of thought regarding free will in philosophy and to get Harris’s take on them.
What difference can symbolism make in a story? When and how is it appropriate and functional? Each story should have a protagonist with a goal, obstacles to the protagonist’s goal, and a theme. But, above and beyond those basic elements, you should infuse complexity into a story to make it more compelling and interesting. Symbolism is one way to do this. Keep reading to get advice from Stephen King and Thomas C. Foster on how and when to use symbolism in a story.
Does it seem like the world has gone mad? What accounts for the recent sweeping societal changes, and is there a way out? In The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity, Douglas Murray argues that Western society is currently consumed by an ideology that’s obsessed with social justice and identity politics. He discusses the roots of this change, its impact, and a potential remedy. Continue reading for an overview of this timely book.
Whenever you eat ice cream, is it simply because you choose to? Or, is it the result of a complex series of physical processes beyond your control? Is free will an illusion? Sam Harris writes that we believe in free will, not because it makes logical sense, but because it squares with our intuitions and feelings. He contends that our gut is wrong and that free agency doesn’t actually exist. Read more to understand why Harris believes that free will is an illusion.
Do you ever read books you wish you’d written? Do you want to see your own book on the bookstore and library shelves? We’ve collected and distilled fiction-writing advice from successful authors and storytelling experts, including Stephen King, Robert McKee, and Lisa Cron. We’ve highlighted common ideas shared by many of these diverse experts as well as areas in which they disagree about this highly personal art form. Read more to learn how to write a fiction book.
How comfortable are you with financial insecurity? Where could you cut expenses? How can you get supporters to give you more money? In the traditional workforce, you have a steady stream of income, and—according to society, at least—you should be consistently building wealth for the rest of your life. In contrast, self-employment rarely comes with a stable income, and you’re not likely to become very wealthy. Read more to discover four money habits that freelancing guru Paul Millerd recommends.
Should justice be punitive or restorative? Are people really to blame for the criminal choices they make? Sam Harris contends that free will is an illusion; our thoughts, desires, intentions, and choices are determined by events outside our control. Of course, this view impacts the way we regard the choices people make, even when those choices are criminal in nature. Continue reading to understand Sam Harris’s perspective on free will in criminology and the three steps he thinks we should take to treat people more fairly.
Is some science being canceled? If so, why? What issues are being targeted? Douglas Murray says that woke ideology harms free speech in a number of ways, not the least of which is in scientific discussions. He argues that science hasn’t corroborated many of the core assumptions now associated with Leftist views of certain topics, but the ideology presents these assumptions as settled facts. Continue reading to learn about “woke science,” according to Murray.
How do you define success? What do you value most in life? What fears do you have about making a living? We’re taught that prioritizing work is the best or only viable life path. But, Paul Millerd says there’s a better way. To make a change, you must first unlearn convention and open your mind to alternatives. He recommends the “pathless path” of freelancing, but his advice about work attitude is widely applicable. Keep reading to learn how to reset your attitude toward work by reinventing success, facing your fears, and discovering new values.
What does it mean to infuse your stories with your unique voice? How authentic should it be? You’re unique, so your voice as a storyteller is unique. No one else can provide the same blend of experience, personality, and style. Your unique voice is a powerful way to connect with your audience and set your work apart from the crowd. Keep reading to learn how to use your voice in a story and let your audience in on you as a person.