Shortform Books

Racial Bias in the Criminal Justice System (Just Mercy)

Is there racial bias in the criminal justice system? Why was Walter McMillian convicted of a crime he didn’t commit? Bryan Stevenson’s book Just Mercy examines the justice system’s pervasive failures toward marginalized populations, especially Black Americans. The case of Walter McMillian is a prime example of how a Black man was sentenced to death just because of racial bias. Let’s look at how racial bias can play a part in the justice system.

What Is Inner Engineering? Sadhguru’s Method, Explained

What is “inner engineering”? Did you know that practicing yoga can help you transform yourself, both inside and out? In his book Inner Engineering, renowned yogi Sadhguru provides readers with an introduction to his transformative yogic method he calls “inner engineering.” He mostly focuses on philosophical concepts, but he does offer some basic practices you can do to put some of these concepts to work in your own life. Here are some practical recommendations from yogi Sadhguru’s book.

How Does a Country Make Money? Adam Smith Explains

How does a country make money? What separates a wealthy country from a poor country? Many economists consider Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations one of the major foundational texts of their discipline. Writing in 1776, Smith argues that free markets are the best institution for cultivating a nation’s wealth. Keep reading to learn the basics of how a country makes money.

Richard Feynman at Los Alamos: Serious Business & a Bit of Fun

How did Richard Feynman irritate the folks in the Los Alamos mail room? Why did he consider it his patriotic duty to break into his colleagues’ file cabinets? Richard Feynman’s Los Alamos experience blended serious business with enjoyment. This first stop on his professional journey set the pattern for his career. In his memoir, he talks about some of the work he did on the Manhattan Project and shares some of the lighter moments. Keep reading to learn about Richard Feynman at Los Alamos.

Creating an Ownership Mindset: 3 Coaching Tips

What is an ownership mindset? How can you foster this type of mindset as a leader or manager? According to Sir John Whitmore, when your employees have an ownership mindset at work, they’ll be better equipped to make decisions and accomplish their goals. In Coaching for Performance, Whitmore offers three tips for creating an ownership mindset in the workplace. Read on to learn how to foster an ownership mindset, according to Whitmore’s three tips.

How to Avoid Negative Thoughts: 2 Steps to Positivity

Do you doubt yourself often? What are two ways to avoid negative thoughts? Negative thoughts can prevent you from working toward your goals. Thankfully, Soundtracks by Jon Acuff has strategies you can use to interrupt negative thoughts and stop them from holding you back. Continue reading to learn how to avoid negative thoughts and become the best person you can be.

Why Is the Great Salt Lake Drying Up & What Can We Do?

Why is the Great Salt Lake drying up? What would be the impact of losing the lake? What can we do to restore the lake? Scientists warn that the Great Salt Lake is drying up and could go completely dry in the next five years because evaporation from the lake exceeds inflow. If the lake goes dry, it will have severe ecological and economic consequences for Utah. Read on to learn why the Great Salt Lake is drying up, the potential impacts of losing the lake, and one way we could save it.

How to Understand Yourself Better With Emotional Intelligence

Want to know how to understand yourself better? Why is it important to improve your emotional intelligence? According to The School of Life authors, if you want to learn how to understand yourself better, you should focus on strengthening your emotional intelligence. They say, if you have emotional intelligence, you’ll be able to better understand how your emotions work and empathize with yourself and others. Read on to learn how to understand yourself better, according to the advice in The School of Life.

Why Incarcerated Veterans With PTSD Need Support

Why are there so many incarcerated veterans with PTSD in the U.S.? What happened to veteran Herbert Richardson when he was in prison? The U.S. Justice System fails to recognize veterans who are dealing with trauma and have difficulty readjusting to life after war. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson uses the example of Herbert Richardson to show how PTSD is disregarded in trials. Keep reading to learn more about the unfair treatment of incarcerated veterans with PTSD.

Sadhguru Says Yoga Is a Tool for Self-Mastery, Not Exercise

What exactly is yoga beyond a form of exercise? How does the Western world misunderstand the concept of yoga? The Western understanding of the concept of “yoga” does not reflect its true meaning. According to renowned yogi master Sadhguru, yoga is so much more than a means of getting fit. Here are some common misconceptions of yoga in the Western world, according to Sadhguru.