The World's Best Book Summaries
What shook Jimmy Carter’s faith early in his political career? What did he do in response? For Jimmy Carter, religion is a guiding light in life. In his biography of Jimmy Carter, Jonathan Alter describes the former president as a devout Christian with a complicated history regarding civil rights and a legacy of selfless humanitarian work. Continue reading to learn about the role of faith at various points in Carter’s life and career.
Do you have a speaking engagement coming up? Are you nervous about it? Are you not sure you can make an impact? John C. Maxwell estimates that he’s spoken over 13,000 times throughout his career. He’s well-positioned to help you learn how to speak more confidently. In his book The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication, he shares encouragement and tips for easing your mind and coming across assuredly. Continue reading to learn how to believe in yourself and your audience when you speak.
Would you like to memorize a poem or the presentation you’re giving next Tuesday? Do you just want some help remembering what you’re supposed to pick up at the store? The Memory Book by Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas aims to help anyone memorize and recall all sorts of information. The authors explain the principles that govern memory, and they share strategies that capitalize on those principles. Continue reading for an overview of this classic book on memory.
Since we now have complex organisms, why are there still simple ones? Where are all the intermediate species? From the start, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution raised eyebrows—and serious questions. In the sixth and final edition of On the Origin of Species (1872), Darwin responds to the three main objections raised by skeptics. Read more to learn about these objections to evolution and Darwin’s rebuttals in defense of his theory.
What’s a foundational memory? Can you deliberately create one? Why are concrete things easier to remember than abstract things? The Memory Book is a classic book that can help you put to memory and recall all kinds of information. Authors Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas share the basic memory principles that underpin the strategies they recommend. Keep reading to learn about these five principles of memory.
What is ren? Do you practice it? What difference would it make if you did? In The Analects, Confucius defines a good person as someone who strives to improve the world. He believes that good people must be altruistic. In other words, they act to help other people and don’t simply seek personal gain through their behavior. Continue reading to learn about the Confucian virtue of ren and how to practice it in your life for the betterment of the world around you.
What was Jimmy Carter’s campaign strategy when he ran for president? Why was it effective? In His Very Best, biographer Jonathan Alter presents a fresh perspective on Jimmy Carter’s life and career. One major chapter in Carter’s story is his successful run for president in 1976. Keep reading to learn about Jimmy Carter’s campaign strategy and how it succeeded.
How can you read the room even before you speak? How should you respond to certain reactions you get during your presentation? Even the most prepared speaker must be ready to be flexible during their speech. A skilled public speaker knows how to read the room and go with that flow in order to maintain the connection between them and their audience. Read more for John C. Maxwell’s advice on how to read the room and adjust your speech as needed.
What does Jordan Peterson think you should do with one room in your house? What’s his advice for dealing with bad memories? What things should you refuse to do? In Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, Jordan B. Peterson lays out his philosophy and rules for living a life of excellence in a world of hardship and chaos. Peterson offers 12 rules, centered on ideas of chaos, change, and order. Continue reading for an overview of this much-anticipated sequel.
Did Charles Darwin coin the term “survival of the fittest”? What did Darwin say would bring down his entire theory? On the Origin of Species revolutionized the way people look at life on Earth. This scientific classic was originally published in 1859 by the naturalist Charles Darwin and went through six editions in Darwin’s lifetime as he continually revised and clarified his ideas. Read on for several Charles Darwin quotes from On the Origin of Species.