Shortform Books

The Future of the Networked Age: Niall Ferguson Spots the Trends

Where’s the growing connectedness of the world headed? Is a global Utopia in our future? Certain visionaries, social media proponents, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs argue that making the world more connected through social media and global commerce will contribute to building a utopian future of world peace and equality. Niall Ferguson contends that this isn’t the case. Keep reading to understand Ferguson’s argument as he applies network theory to the future of our networked age.

Personal Standards: Rule Structure vs. The Four Tendencies

What rules do you have for yourself? What expectations do you have for the people in your life? In Words That Change Minds, Shelle Rose Charvet’s Rule Structure describes the behavioral standards that someone expects themselves and others to meet. We’ll compare her Rule Structure with Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies. Continue reading for an insightful discussion about personal standards.

The 2 Ulysses S. Grant Scandals That Ruined His Reputation

What were the worst of Ulysses S. Grant’s scandals? Why was Grant susceptible to corruption? Although Grant showed political poise in other areas, Grant by Ron Chernow contends that his lack of political experience was evident elsewhere. In particular, he argues that Grant’s gullible nature blinded him to corruption by those he trusted, revealing a consistent political naivety. To show as much, we’ll focus on two scandals that marred Grant’s presidency: the so-called Whiskey Ring and Indian Ring scandals.

Investing in Rental Properties for Beginners: 4 Steps

Are you new to rental property investing? What’s the easiest way to commit to an investment? For beginners, investing in rental properties can be a huge financial decision. Many rewards come with the investment, but there are also some risks that you’ll need to consider. Below is a step-by-step guide on investing in rental properties for beginners who have little to no experience.

Can the Affordable Housing Crisis Be Solved With Rent Control?

Would rent control protocols help solve the affordable housing crisis? What is rent control and why is it so controversial? Years of soaring rents have led some Democrats to call on the White House to implement national rent control regulations. Supporters argue that national rent control is urgently needed. Critics contend that federal rent control rules would harm renters, landlords, and communities Keep reading to learn more about national rent control.

How the Mighty Fall: Quotes About Struggling Businesses

How do formidable companies lose their footing and fall into irrelevance? What are the most insightful How the Mighty Fall quotes? In his book How the Mighty Fall, Jim Collins discusses the five phases that lead to a company’s decline. He also breaks down how to resuscitate a faltering company. Keep reading for the best How the Mighty Fall quotes to get the main ideas.

Get Your Team to Focus on Results Instead of Themselves

Are your team members more interested in their personal success than the team’s success? If so, what can be done about it? Patrick Lencioni identifies inattention to results as the fifth dysfunction of a team. He argues that employees too often direct their attention toward their own interests at the expense of the team’s interests. Keep reading to learn how to get your team to focus on results instead of themselves.

How to Manage a Stock Portfolio: 4 Tips From Peter Lynch

3 Major Tips From Charlie Munger on Investing

How many companies should you invest in? How long should you hold on to stocks? Is it possible to over-diversify? Famed mutual fund manager Peter Lynch spent decades successfully managing the Magellan Fund at Fidelity. He learned that anyone can be a successful investor if they put in the hard work and choose and manage stocks in the right way. Read more to get four tips from Lynch on how to manage a stock portfolio successfully.

How to Have a Healthy Relationship With Food: 4 Tips to Follow

Do you want to have a healthy relationship with food? How are diets destroying food culture? Your body needs food and nourishment to survive, so you shouldn’t restrict yourself from giving your body what it needs. Yet, harmful diets that perpetuate unrealistic body images and discourage listening to your body get in the way of a good relationship with food. Below we’ll look at how to have a healthy relationship with food by ignoring diet culture and finding joy in eating.