Shortform Books

The Rise and Fall of Disney CEO Michael Eisner

What was former Disney CEO Michael Eisner like? How did Eisner revitalize Disney and then almost cause its downfall? Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner revitalized Disney, partially by putting its abundant assets to work and partially by expanding their footprint. However, his micromanagement and pessimism led to tensions with board members and ruined potential business deals. Continue on to read about former Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s rise and fall within Disney.

Theranos Edison Machine Falls Short on Promises

What was the Theranos Edison? What did this product do and did it work? The Theranos Edison was the supposed main product of Silicon Valley health startup Theranos. According to the company, the Theranos Edison was a small machine that could do complete bloodwork with blood from a fingertip prick. Read more about the Theranos Edison and what happened to it.

Orientalist Scholars: Focusing on East Asian Societies

Who were the leading Orientalist scholars? How did their works influence the common perceptions of East Asian cultures? As a scholarly discipline, Orientalism emerged in the late 18th-century when the study of East Asian societies became the major focus of academic attention in Europe. Orientalist scholars specialized in the study of languages, cultures, and modes of thought of the Eastern World. Read about the most influential Orientalist scholars and their role in shaping the common perceptions of East Asian societies.

Master the Use of Technology to Manage Your Time

Do you find yourself constantly checking your phone? How can you master the use of technology to minimize distractions and increase productivity? Technology can be a major distraction, but if you learn to master the use of technology, it can help you manage your time and stay motivated. Even social media can be a powerful motivator if used properly. Read on to learn how you can master the use of technology and improve your productivity.

Don’t Choose the Easy Way Out: Refuse to Quit

What can you learn from Make Your Bed author McRaven about refusing to quit? How can you apply these lessons to your own life? If Navy SEAL Admiral McRaven could take away one lesson from the SEALs, he said it would be the refusing to quit. He learned that quitting is the easy way out, but it didn’t make life easier. Keep reading McRaven’s story to learn why he refuses to quit.

The Two-Minute Rule of Behavior Change

What is the two-minute rule of behavior change? How can it help you make positive behavior changes and stick to them over the long-term? The two-minute rule is a simple principle of behavior change that states that a new habit should take no more than two minutes to perform. The point of the two-minute rule is not to only do the easiest thing. The point is to make a habit of showing up for your desired goal and identity. Keep reading to learn about the two-minute rule of behavior change.

Creative Procrastination: Choose What to Ignore

What is creative procrastination? How can procrastinating be a good thing? Creative procrastination is the practice of consciously deciding not to do certain things. You put them on the back burner, so you can focus on more important things instead. Keep reading to learn more about creative procrastination.

The Van Daans Family: What Anne Frank’s Diary Said

Who were the van Daans in The Diary of a Young Girl? What was their relationship with the other residents of the Annex? The van Daans are a Jewish family that hid alongside the Franks in the attic attachment of Otto Frank’s business premises (the Secret Annex). Mr. and Mrs. van Daan constantly fought with each other and with the other residents of the Annex. As for Peter, he and Anne ended up developing romantic feelings for each other. Read about the van Daans family and their life in the Secret Annex.

When Someone Blames You, Stay Above the Fault Line

When someone blames you, directly or indirectly, what do you do? How can you deal with blame in a constructive way? When someone blames you, it’s really a code for three questions. Did you cause the problem? Should your actions be judged against some standard, and if so, what standard? Should you be punished? Here is how to keep cool when someone blames you and resolve the matter in a constructive manner.

The Last Lecture Quotes: The 7 Best Passages

What are some of the best The Last Lecture quotes? How can these quotes help you better understand and apply the lessons of the book? These seven The Last Lecture quotes are from the end of Randy Pausch’s life. Pausch was given just months to live and wanted to use his Last Lecture as a Carnegie Mellon professor to share the most important lessons he learned in life. Keep reading for inspirational The Last Lecture quotes.