Shortform Books

How to Create a Safe Space for Discussions at Events

Do heated debates often get out of hand at parties? How do you create a safe space for discussion at any gathering? Some people may think gatherings aren’t the right place for debates, but they actually are. In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker says that all gatherings don’t have to be peaceful, and there’s actually a way to encourage argument without ruining the gathering. Continue reading to learn how to create a safe space for discussion anywhere you want.

What Does Overthinking Mean & What Causes It?

What does overthinking mean? Where does overthinking come from? Nick Trenton’s book Stop Overthinking discusses the harm overthinking does to our bodies and minds. A little bit of stress can be healthy, but when you’re constantly thinking about an event and worrying over it, you need to take a step back and reevaluate. Keep reading to learn more about overthinking and its origins.

101 Design Methods by Vijay Kumar: Book Overview

What is 101 Design Methods by Vijay Kumar about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In 101 Design Methods, Kumar lays out a systematic approach to innovation management involving the completion of seven innovation tasks. Kumar also discusses a number of specific tools and techniques you can use in the course of completing an innovation project. Read below for a brief overview of 101 Design Methods’ main ideas.

Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop: Book Overview

What is Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop about? What are power statements and how do you use them? In the self-help book Unfu*k Yourself, Gary John Bishop argues that the way you think dictates your reality. He introduces seven power statements that you can tell yourself to help reshape your negative thoughts into positive ones. Keep reading for an overview of Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop.

Is the Western Concept of Self Just an Illusion?

What’s the Western concept of self? Was Plato right about the soul? Are some of us just fooling ourselves about our true nature as humans? Many people in the West internalize the idea that each of us is an individual—an entity separate from others and our surroundings. This basic understanding of identity is so foundational to Western society that most people never question it. But, British philosopher Alan Watts questions it in The Book. Keep reading to learn why Watts thinks the idea is misguided and what he believes our true nature is instead.

The Importance of a Healthy Social Life & How to Have One

What role does your social life play in your health and well-being? Why is it important to surround yourself with the right people? Having a social life is an important factor in one’s mental and physical well-being. But it’s not just being around people that matters. To reap the psychological benefits of socializing, you must surround yourself with the right people. Here’s a look at the importance of social life and some tips for cultivating enriching and emotionally fulfilling relationships.

9 Designing Your Life Exercises That Will Help You Thrive

What’s your work philosophy? How would you spend your time if money were no object? Whom would you trust to help you design your life? In Designing Your Life, Stanford professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans share the content of their popular courses and workshops on life design. Using concrete principles and examples, they teach readers how to design a meaningful life in which they can truly thrive. Continue reading to find several Designing Your Life exercises that will help you apply the book’s concepts.

How Chronic Stress Affects Your Mental Health

7 Major Causes of Depression and Anxiety

Why are we so stressed as a society? How does chronic stress affect mental health? As a result of the fast pace of modern life, we endure a lot of ongoing, chronic stress. According to physician Lissa Rankin, the author of Mind Over Medicine, chronic stress stands behind the modern mental health epidemic of anxiety and depression. Here’s how chronic stress drives the mental health epidemic plaguing societies today.

Keep Learning, Keep Growing: 3 Ways to Become a Lifelong Learner

What’s the arrival fallacy? Do you have a mentor? What are you learning right now? No matter how successful you become, it’s vital to never stop growing—which requires a lifelong commitment to learning from your experiences. John C. Maxwell explains why continual learning optimizes growth, and he shares strategies to maximize learning and growth throughout your life. Continue reading to discover how to keep learning, keep growing, and become the person you dream of being.

The History of Civil Service in America the Elites Want to Hide

When civil service in America expanded, how did power shift? What resulted from the reforms to the patronage system? C. Wright Mills argues that federal bureaucratic agencies in the U.S. have slowly gained more and more power than elected officials at every level—officials who are far more accountable to the American people. An important step in this process was growing the size and scope of bureaucracy over time. Keep reading for a brief history of civil service that exposes one of the ways the nation’s elites centralized power.