Shortform Books

Speculative Bubbles: Why They Inevitably Burst

What is a speculative bubble? How has irrational optimism caused some of the biggest stock market crashes in history? A speculative bubble is a sudden rise in stock price fuelled by public speculation and unfounded optimism. From the tulipmania of 17th Century Holland to the more recent “dot-com” crash, speculative bubbles have led to some of history’s biggest financial disasters. When it comes to speculative bubbles, some get lucky but most are left holding the bag. Learn about speculative bubbles below.

How Are Resources Allocated in a Market Economy?

How are resources allocated in a market economy? What is the advantage of price-based resource allocation? In a free-market economy, resources are allocated by prices. In this way, a market economy is self-regulating, allowing real-time coordination across millions of goods and services, without any central authority knowing and setting all the prices. In this article, you’ll learn how prices allocate resources and how supply and demand respond to prices.

The Power of Positive Thinking: Book Overview

What is The Power of Positive Thinking about? How can having faith, according to its author Norman Vincent Peale, help you live a happier and more fulfilling life? In his book The Power of Positive Thinking, Norman Vincent Peale outlines the practical techniques of applied Christianity to help you take control of the events in your life rather than be directed by them. As a result of these methods, you can enjoy better relationships, a greater sense of well-being, robust health and energy, and a stronger sense of purpose in the world. Below is a brief overview of The Power

Switch by Chip and Dan Heath: Book Overview

What does Switch by Chip and Dan Heath teach us about sustainable change? How can we create change that lasts? In Switch, Chip and Dan Heath discuss how change works, how to motivate change in yourself and others, and how to create sustainable change by overcoming obstacles and making change as easy as possible. Here is a brief overview of Switch by Chip and Dan Heath.

John Walker: Why Is Losing Weight So Hard?

Why is losing weight so hard? If the concept of weight loss is so simple—burn more calories than you eat— then why isn’t everybody a healthy weight? Although the concept of weight loss is simple—calories in/calories out—it isn’t easy to implement in practice. Many people lack the motivation or willpower to eat less food, to pass up that donut, or to pay attention to the number of calories they’re putting in their body. Here is how John Walker explains the struggle of weight loss in his book The Hacker’s Diet.

The Efficient Market Hypothesis: Beating the Market

What is the Efficient Market Hypothesis? Is it possible to beat the market? What are the three forms of the Efficient Market Hypothesis? According to the Efficient Market Hypothesis, all share prices reflect all available information. As a result, it’s not possible for anyone (without inside information) to determine whether a stock is valued correctly. There are three forms of the Efficient Market Hypothesis, with each coming to a different conclusion about the efficiency of the market. Learn more about this hypothesis below.

Types of Bonds in Finance: 6 You Should Know About

What are the six different types of bonds in finance? What tips can help you buy the right ones? According to economist Burton Malkiel, bonds are worth including as part of a well-diversified portfolio. There are six main types of bonds in finance you should be aware of, and understanding the difference will help you to buy the right ones for you. Keep reading for an overview of the different types of bonds in finance.

The Benefits of Diversification: Optimize Your Portfolio

What are the benefits of diversification in a portfolio? Why does this minimize your risk? A diversified portfolio is one that features holdings in a variety of industries, countries, and asset classes. The idea is that when your holdings in one industry, country, or asset suffer, your holdings in other industries, countries, and assets will offset your losses. Find out the main benefits of diversification and how you can create a diversified portfolio below.

Why a Materialistic Lifestyle Can Lead to Depression

How to Give up Your Materialistic Lifestyle

What are the dangers of a materialistic lifestyle? How can you escape materialism? A materialistic lifestyle leads to lower self-esteem and a lack of meaningful connections which causes depression and anxiety. Escaping materialism starts with acknowledging the short-term satisfaction that comes with material things, and filling the void with activities that bring you joy just for the fun of it. Read on to discover how to curb a materialistic lifestyle.

Nassim Taleb: Fooled by Randomness—Book Overview

What is Nassim Taleb’s Fooled by Randomness about? What role does luck or randomness play in success? Fooled by Randomness is the first work in a five-book series exploring randomness by bestselling author and former options trader Nassim Nicholas Taleb. In this book, Taleb examines the outsized role luck plays in success, how and why people don’t generally understand luck, and how we can accommodate randomness in our lives once we’re aware of it. Below is a brief overview of the key points.