Elizabeth Whitworth

Senior SEO Writer

Elizabeth has a lifelong love of books. She devours nonfiction, especially in the areas of history, theology, and philosophy. A switch to audiobooks has kindled her enjoyment of well-narrated fiction, particularly Victorian and early 20th-century works. She appreciates idea-driven books—and a classic murder mystery now and then. Elizabeth has a Substack and is writing a book about what the Bible says about death and hell.

Expertise

History, Theology, Government

Awards

Contributions to joint task force efforts (FBI), Contributions to Special Operations Division (DOJ & DEA), Efforts to fight the war on drugs (NSA), Contributions to Operation Storm Front (US Customs Service)

How to Respond to Feedback—Despite Your Cognitive Biases

Whom should you ask for feedback? What should you refuse to receive feedback about? Should you take negative feedback to heart? Grace Lordan says that cognitive biases—the mental shortcuts that all humans take—can hinder you from achieving your goals. One way they do that is by preventing you from soliciting and responding well to feedback. But, if you want to reach your goals, you need wise insights from others around you. Keep reading to learn how to respond to feedback without interference from your cognitive biases.

How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil: Book Overview

How does energy work? What about food production? Manufacturing? If you’re like most people, you don’t know the answers to these questions. How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil explores these matters that are central to our lives but not well understood. The bottom line he wants to communicate is that the world works because of fossil fuels. Keep reading for an overview of this book that seeks to educate us about how the world functions every day.

Why Don’t People Listen? 4 Common Barriers to Listening

Why don’t people listen? If listening is so important and beneficial, then why aren’t people doing it? Everyone would agree that listening is a critical skill. But, many people aren’t stellar listeners. When you understand why people don’t listen, you’ll be in a better position to work around and perhaps even overcome the roadblocks. Continue reading to learn about common barriers to listening.

Do Time-Outs Work? Why Breaks Are Better for Kids

Do time-outs work for children? How effective are they at achieving your real goal? Is there a better way to reach that goal? Clinical psychologist Thomas W. Phelan considers time-outs an archaic discipline tactic. He recommends breaks instead. A break is similar to the classic idea of a time-out. But, the execution, and thus the results, are different. Keep reading to learn why time-outs don’t work and why breaks do.

Power vs. Force by David Hawkins: Book Overview & Takeaways

How do you know whether something is true or not? Whether it’s good or bad? What does your level of consciousness have to do with it? Despite its title, Power vs. Force by David Hawkins is really about human consciousness. Hawkins discusses his theories for what consciousness is, how to measure it, how you can boost your consciousness, and what a higher consciousness can do for you. Continue reading for an overview of this book that could open you up to a new perspective.

How to Reverse Engineer Anything to Recreate Greatness

What work do you admire? What if you could make your own version of it? How does reverse engineering enhance creativity? Ron Friedman argues that doing great work isn’t just about being talented or working hard. It’s about learning from the greats in your field by reverse engineering their creations. He explains how to reverse engineer the work you love and make it your own. Read more to learn how reverse engineering works and how to make it work for you.

How to Reduce Carbon Emissions: Ideas for a Cleaner Future

What’s the fastest way to reduce carbon emissions from energy use? Which causes more deaths—fossil fuels or nuclear power? Vaclav Smil argues that we need to reduce energy use in all areas—transportation, buildings, agriculture, and industry—in order to cut down on carbon emissions. Two primary ways to do so are by generating electricity from renewable sources and by using nuclear energy. Keep reading to understand Smil’s ideas on how to reduce carbon emissions in energy use and manufacturing.

How to Overcome Cognitive Biases & Be Who You Want to Be

How do cognitive biases affect your decision-making? What false stories in your head keep you from your goals? If you want to change your life, you must understand how to overcome the cognitive biases—the mental shortcuts that all humans take—that hinder you from achieving your goals. Grace Lordan shares four ways you can tackle cognitive biases head-on and get on with pursuing your dreams. Keep reading to learn how to overcome cognitive biases and become the person you want to be.

5 Power vs. Force Quotes About Consciousness & Truth

Can your body discern truth from lies? What happens when you rely on force rather than power? Despite its title, Power vs. Force by David R. Hawkins is really about human consciousness: what it is, how to measure it, how you can boost your consciousness, and why you should. He discusses what he believes are links between your level of consciousness and your beliefs, behaviors, and emotions. Continue reading for several Power vs. Force quotes, along with some helpful context and explanation.

How to Get People to Open Up to You: Invitational Communication

How can you show people that you’re listening? What puts them at ease with you and encourages them to speak frankly? Listening is critical for healthy relationships. It not only fosters effective communication, but it also shows people that you care. In You’re Not Listening, Kate Murphy recommends finding responses during conversations that encourage the speaker to continue sharing with you. Keep reading to learn how to get people to open up to you by using specific nonverbal and verbal responses.