Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

American Prometheus: Quotes About & From Robert Oppenheimer

What was Oppenheimer’s deepest fear? What sort of person did he admire most? Why is he compared to Prometheus? In American Prometheus, Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin provide a comprehensive biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Although the authors focus on Oppenheimer’s work on the bomb, they also shed light on his personal life, detailing his evolution from adolescent activist to eventual political martyr. Continue reading for several American Prometheus quotes that provide insights into Oppenheimer’s story.

What Is Rational Thinking? Steven Pinker Explains

What is rational thinking? How do your beliefs and emotions fit into the process? You probably would quickly agree that you and everyone else should think and act rationally. But, you might not have thought much about what that actually means. Steven Pinker takes on this basic yet somewhat elusive matter and provides a simple definition that brings clarity to the discussion. Read more to learn Pinker’s definition of rational thinking.

Common Signs of ADHD: 3 Indicators to Look For

Does your mind seem to wander constantly? Do you often feel distracted, tired, or bored—or do you know someone who does? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that’s estimated to occur in 5% to 10% of the world’s population. Psychiatrists Edward Hallowell and John Ratey describe three common signs of ADHD that might prompt you to seek a professional diagnosis. Read more to learn about these signs and understand how to put them into context.

How to Overcome Limited Thinking by Pinpointing Assumptions

What if you could identify incorrect assumptions you have? Would you like to learn how to do this for yourself and others and experience breakthroughs as a result? The key to evoking high-quality thinking in others is to listen to them well. Nancy Kline provides a step-by-step process for conducting a productive conversation, or a thinking session, which maximizes the quality of both listening and thinking. Part of this process is to identify assumptions that cause limited thinking. Read more to learn how to overcome limited thinking by pinpointing faulty assumptions that stand in the way.

Hallowell & Ratey’s ADHD 2.0: Book Overview & Takeaways

Do you live with ADHD or know someone who does? Are you looking for ways to maximize the pros and minimize the cons of ADHD? ADHD 2.0, a book by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey, explores recent developments in the field of psychiatry to help people understand this condition and learn to manage their symptoms. It also shows them how to turn ADHD’s unique traits to their advantage. Continue reading for our comprehensive ADHD 2.0 book overview.

17 Brené Brown Empathy Quotes (+ Context & Explanation)

What’s the difference between empathy and sympathy? How can we use empathy as a weapon to combat shame in ourselves and others? Researcher and author Brené Brown studies and writes quite a bit about empathy. We’ve collected excerpts from several of her books to give you a quick but comprehensive look at what she says about the meaning and nature of empathy, the connection between empathy and shame, and empathy as a practice and skill. Continue reading for 17 Brené Brown empathy quotes that will give you a glimpse into her insights.

Steven Pinker & Carl Sagan on the Importance of Rationality

What does it mean to think and behave rationally? What difference does rationality make? In his book Rationality, Steven Pinker argues that rationality and reason are essential. But, people often misunderstand them and end up acting irrationally even when they think they’re not. Carl Sagan would likely agree with Pinker, although he would come at it from a different angle and context. Keep reading to learn about the importance of rationality, according to Pinker and Sagan.

What Is Rational Choice Theory? Steven Pinker Explains

How do you choose between options? What is rational choice theory, and what does it have to do with the way you make decisions? Rationality by Steven Pinker is both a call to action and a how-to manual for thinking and acting more rationally. Pinker explains that economists, philosophers, and others have defined rationality using rational choice theory. Continue reading to learn what this theory is and how it applies to your everyday life.

ADHD and Socializing: 3 Tips for Fostering Connections

Why are social connections especially important for people with ADHD? What are some practical things that people can do to enjoy more connection? Psychiatrist Edward Hallowell and professor of psychiatry John Ratey say that people with ADHD have a deep-seated need for interpersonal connection—in other words, for love. They recommend that people with ADHD nurture close friendships, socialize with acquaintances, and perhaps get a pet for companionship. Continue reading to learn about ADHD and socializing.

Nancy Kline’s Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind

Do certain people help you think through things more thoroughly and accurately? Do you feel more creative and productive in particular environments? Nancy Kline’s Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind explains that what and how we think determines everything we do and say. Kline argues that, when people listen to us well, they help us think more effectively. Continue reading for an overview of this book that takes a novel approach to both thinking and listening.