Shortform Books

The Meditation Journey: Why Distractedness Is Progress

Are you fairly new to meditation, or are you considering getting started? Do you get discouraged and wonder whether you should be experiencing more results sooner? If you’ve started on your meditation journey or you’re thinking of taking the first step, Sam Harris has some advice for you. In Waking Up, he shares some insights that will help you know what to expect from this spiritual practice. Read more to find encouragement for your meditation journey.

Should You Trust Your Intuition? How to Vet Your Unconscious Self

Should you trust your intuition? How well has it worked for you in the past? Tim Ferriss’s Tribe of Mentors contains life advice from experts in a wide variety of fields. The book also presents an alternative to taking others’ advice: trusting your intuition. But, even that choice comes with considerations, as some say that it’s vital to continually challenge your intuitive assumptions. Read on to explore the universally relevant matter of trusting your intuition.

Jennette McCurdy’s Childhood Life Before iCarly

What was Jennette McCurdy’s childhood like before fame? How did McCurdy deal with her mother’s mental and physical illnesses? Before she was Sam Puckett on iCarly, Jennette McCurdy was just a young girl with a mother who had big dreams—and big problems. In her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, McCurdy details how her mother’s childhood dream manifested into her daughter’s life. Continue reading to learn more about Jennette McCurdy’s childhood chase for fame.

The Top 5 Memory Improvement Tips to Keep Your Mind Sharp

Do you need help retaining or recalling information? What are the best memory improvement tips that will keep your mind as sharp as ever? If you’re always using the excuse, “My memory isn’t what it used to be,” just know that it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of tips and tricks to keep your memory in tip-top shape. Whether you want to memorize your credit card information or remember your doctor’s appointment, these memory improvement tips will help you out.

How to Not Get Distracted: 2 Strategies to Stay Focused

Do you get distracted easily? How can you become more resistant to interference? The Distracted Mind by Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen has potential remedies for the detrimental effects of interference. Although there are no foolproof cures, Gazzaley and Rosen contend that we can minimize our susceptibility to interference by taking steps to improve our cognitive control and minimize potential sources of interference. Check out how to not get distracted and stay on track.

Reddit Moderators Are Protesting—Here’s Why

Why are Reddit moderators protesting? What new changes does Reddit plan to make? How have similar situations panned out in the past? Volunteer Reddit moderators are protesting a change to the platform’s policies that would potentially put an end to most third-party Reddit apps. Reddit contends the change is necessary to increase advertising revenue and reduce overhead. Here’s a look at the proposed changes, how it would affect Reddit moderators, and examples of similar situations from the past.

Some Are Saying Crypto Is Dead—Are They Right?

Is crypto dead? Is there hope for its revival? Are there other uses for blockchain technology? In November 2021, the price of Bitcoin peaked at over $68,000. A year later the price had dropped below $18,000 and the cryptocurrency industry witnessed the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Today, the promising world of virtual currencies is growing more fringe and isolated. Keep reading to learn why some are saying “crypto is dead” in 2023.

Who Were the Dixiecrats? Their Dominance & Departure

Who were the Dixiecrats? How does their story shed light on the transformation of the Democratic Party in the 20th century? Ezra Klein writes that, in the mid-20th century, conservative Southern Democrats were the heart of the Democratic Party. He examines the history of these “Dixiecrats” and explains the significant role they played in American politics. Read more to learn how and why Dixiecrats dominated—and then exited—the Democratic Party.

The Blue Mind Effect: Why We’re Naturally Drawn to Water

Why do humans find water appealing? How does it engage our senses? Humans are attracted to the way water looks, feels, and sounds. Wallace J. Nichols calls this the Blue Mind effect. He lays out the multifaceted appeal of water in his book Blue Mind, explaining that our attraction to water goes beyond our need to survive. Read on to learn about the fascinating phenomenon of the Blue Mind effect.

How to Get the Attention of Your Audience (and Keep It)

Should you use humor to open a speech? What are some ways to appeal to people’s needs and desires? Dale Carnegie’s public speaking advice has helped countless people reach their audiences. In Public Speaking for Success, he shares several recommendations for speaking in ways that make people want to hear more. Continue reading to learn how to get the attention of your audience and keep it throughout your speech.