Shortform Books

Intersectional Racism: Bigotry Based on Identities

What is intersectional racism? How do different identities collide to create further discrimination against marginalized groups? Intersectional racism is a term that covers a variety of different types of racism, each combining race with another identity. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi identifies class, gender, and sexual orientation as intersecting with race. Keep reading to understand intersectional racism and some examples of it from How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.

Natural Aggression: It’s Normal, But Also Harmful

What is natural aggression? Do all humans have natural aggression and how can you tell? All people have some form of natural aggression, but we don’t like to admit to having this emotion. But once we recognize our natural aggression, we can learn how to counter it. Read more about natural aggression and where it comes from.

The Goal Bottleneck Analysis: Address Poor Output

What is The Goal bottleneck analysis? How can it help you improve a production line with poor output? The Goal bottleneck analysis is the process of evaluating where your bottlenecks are and what you can do about them. According to the book, an increase in production capacity translates to increased revenue. Keep reading for The Goal bottleneck analysis and how to do it.

Healthy Narcissism: Using Empathy to Connect

Love and Relationships: It Is What You Make of It

Is there such a thing as healthy narcissism? How can someone become a healthy narcissist. Healthy narcissism is when a narcissist uses their strong self image and projects outward, casting empathy so that they’re not the center of attention. All narcissists should strive for healthy narcissism. Read more about healthy narcissism and how to achieve it.

The Myth of Neutrality: With Racism, You’re on a Side

What is the myth of neutrality? Why are the only two choices racism and antiracism? The myth of neutrality is the theory that you cannot be neutral on the issue of racism. Either you are racist or you’re antiracist; being “not racist” is insufficient. Keep reading to understand how Ibram X. Kendi explains the myth of neutrality in How to Be an Antiracist.

Fun Home: NYC Trip Changes Alison’s Perspective

What happens in the Fun Home NYC scenes? What does Alison Bechdel learn about herself from traveling to New York City? In Fun Home, NYC offers one of Alisons’ first experiences seeing an LGBT community. She first visited with her father, and learned more about him through the trip. Read about Fun Home, NYC, and how the trip changed Alison’s perspective.

Can Bipolar Be Genetic? Dr. Kay Jamison Answers

Can bipolar be genetic? More generally, what role does genetics play in mental illness? Dr. Jamison, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry, was fascinated with the study of genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder. In light of her mental illness lineage, she couldn’t help but wonder, “Can bipolar be genetic?” Keep reading for the answer to the question: can bipolar be genetic?

The Case for Treating Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis

What are the causes of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis? How does it develop and can it be treated? Paul Farmer started investigating multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Lima, Peru. He found out that MDR can be prevented if patients are treated with different antibiotic drugs after their first TB treatment round. Otherwise, bacteria will grow resistant to those antibiotics. Read more to learn about multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, its causes, and how Paul Farmer convinced the WHO to implement TB MDR treatment program.

Stephen Covey: Goal Setting Is the Path to Success

Do you want to learn how to set effective goals? How can the Stephen Covey goal setting process help you maximize your chances of achieving your goals? According to Stephen Covey, goal setting is a key part of self-improvement and time management methods. However, goals can be counterproductive if you don’t set or execute them carefully and conscientiously. Keep reading to learn about the Stephen Covey goal setting method.

Short Sighted Thinking & Long Term Consequences

What is short sighted thinking? How can short sighted thinking be harmful to us? Short sighted thinking, or short term thinking, is when you don’t think through long term consequences of your action. Instead, you focus on short term benefits. Read more about short sighted thinking and how it can lead to long term consequences.