The World's Best Book Summaries
What’s string theory? How close is it to a unified theory of physics? Physicists have yet to reconcile relativity, gravity, and quantum mechanics. But, according to Michio Kaku, string theory could be the solution. It’s the pioneering field that Kaku has been working to advance for all of his professional career. Continue reading to learn about this thought-provoking theory and why Kaku finds it promising.
Does ADHD have any benefits? What’s the “ADHD superpower”? In ADHD 2.0, psychiatrist Edward Hallowell and professor of psychiatry John Ratey argue that people can succeed and thrive because of—not in spite of—having ADHD. One reason for this is that the cloud of ADHD has a silver lining. Continue reading to discover four advantages of ADHD that people with this condition can leverage.
What does it mean to be rational? Why is being rational important? How can you be a more rational person? According to Steven Pinker, rationality and reason are essential for improving our world and society. But, people often misunderstand them, acting irrationally even when they think they’re not. In his book Rationality, he unpacks this mystery and seeks to help people think and behave more rationally. Continue reading for an overview of this bestselling book.
Would others say that you’re a good conversation partner? Do you hear people out and give them space to think? Good thinking comes from good listening. That’s the view of Nancy Kline—a teacher, a researcher, and the author of Time to Think. She asserts that you can help people think through things by listening attentively for as long as they need, showing that you’re paying attention, and letting them express their emotions. Read more for Kline’s advice on how to listen to people in a way that helps them think.
Are the meetings or classes you lead designed to elicit productive thinking? What can you do to boost creativity and problem-solving? Nancy Kline has a step-by-step process for taking on the role of the listener to help someone else engage in higher-quality thinking, resulting in ideas that lead to powerful action. Her process can be adapted for group settings such as work meetings, family conferences, or classroom discussions. Continue reading to learn how to lead a thinking group that gets results.
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? 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.
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.
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.
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.