Shortform Books

What Are the Effects of Urbanization on the Environment?

What are the effects of urbanization on the environment? How are animals impacted? Is the greenery in cities natural and beneficial? In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman aims to address humanity’s environmental impact by imagining a world in which nature is allowed to flourish. He takes a close look at how cities impact the natural world. Read more to learn what Weisman discovered about urbanization’s mark on the planet.

Pema Chödrön: Maitri Makes the World Go Round

What does maitri mean? Why does Pema Chödrön recommend practicing compassion for yourself and others? According to When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön, maitri is Sanskrit for “loving-kindness.” This kindness doesn’t just extend to other people, though. You should also be kind to yourself when times are challenging. Let’s look at how you can practice self-compassion and kindness to others.

How to Cope With Grief and Loss: 2 Methods for Healing

Want to know how to cope with grief and loss? What are some healthy coping methods? Dealing with grief and loss is a complex process that can leave us feeling lost and alone. However, in her book Bittersweet, author Susan Cain offers two methods that help to ease the suffering and allow us to carry on without moving on. Read on to learn how to cope with grief and loss, according to Cain’s two methods.

How to Create Habits That Support Your Goals

What role do habits play when it comes to following through with your goals? How do you build habits that support your goals? Habits are the key to achieving your goals. When motivation runs low, habits—activities that are ingrained into your daily schedule—will ensure you keep making progress even if you don’t feel like doing whatever is required. Here’s how to create habits that support your goals.

3 Gamification Engagement Tips to Boost Player Motivation

What does gamification engagement mean? How can you create more engaging mechanics to boost player motivation? Gamification engagement refers to the use of game elements in non-game contexts to motivate individuals to engage with a brand or product. According to gamification consultant Yu-kai Chou, businesses often fail to integrate gamification elements effectively, leading to a loss of engagement. Keep reading to learn Chou’s three tips for boosting player engagement with a gamification system.

How Does Language Work? Steven Pinker Explains

How does language work? What are the smallest meaningful language units? How does the brain interpret speech? In The Language Instinct, Steven Pinker aims to inspire readers to appreciate the unique qualities of human language. He explains how language works by describing the infinite combinatorial system, the mechanics of speech, and the brain processes involved in making sense of speech. Keep reading to learn how language works.

Who’s Not Telling the Whole Truth About Climate Change?

Whom can we trust to report climate science accurately? Why would anyone twist the facts? Steven E. Koonin argues that climate science is frequently misconstrued, and he attempts to diagnose the root of this problem. He accuses various parties of distorting climate science and explains some of the biases and motivations that appear to be behind the misrepresentations. Continue reading to learn who’s not telling the whole truth about climate change—and why.

Mark Manson on Religion, Hope, and Suffering in Life

Rescue From Without: The Hero's Journey Is Aided

What are Mark Manson’s views on religion? Why does he claim that religion, hope, and suffering are inseparable? According to Mark Manson, religion can be problematic. He contends that believing in a religion that provides hope for the future paradoxically leads to suffering. Manson argues that no ideology can deliver on its promise of a pain-free future and will often cause conflict with those who hold different beliefs. Read on to learn about Mark Manson’s views on religion, according to his book Everything Is F*cked.

The Best The Art of Gathering Quotes by Priya Parker

Have you ever attended a conference and couldn’t wait for it to end? Have you ever gone to a wedding and felt there was something missing? Experiences like these inspired Priya Parker, an expert on gatherings, to write The Art of Gathering. She presents a step-by-step guide to transforming your gathering into a meaningful event that people will talk about for years. Keep reading for The Art of Gathering quotes that represent the main ideas of Parker’s guide to transforming an event.

You Are a Product of Your Environment—So Make It Count

How do the people in our lives influence us? Are your friends or colleagues instrumental in your self-improvement journey? In Be Your Future Self Now, Benjamin Hardy recommends putting yourself in environments that will help you become your higher self. This is because you are a product of your environment—the situations you put yourself in and the people you surround yourself with impact who you are and what you achieve. Find out what you can do to push yourself beyond your limits by using the world around you.