The World's Best Book Summaries
What is selective attention? What would it be like if you didn’t have it? You’re walking down a city street. A pigeon flutters just ahead of your step. A taxi cab honks. A hot burst of air shoots up from a vent in the sidewalk. Someone calls your name. Thankfully, your brain has a tool to sort through all these stimuli and tell you where to focus your attention. Keep reading to understand selective attention and how it works for you.
Are billionaires ethical? Is it possible to be a billionaire without exploitation? How do people become so rich? According to a survey, most Americans see billionaires as neither good nor bad for the country. However, there’s a growing number of those who doubt that it’s possible to be an ethical billionaire, claiming the ultra-wealthy unfairly influence policy-making and don’t use their riches for the greater good. Read on to learn if billionaires are ethical, based on arguments for and against billionaires in the U.S.
What does it take to seduce someone? What are some things that people find universally seductive? According to Robert Greene, the psychology of seduction is simple. To seduce someone, you have to figure out what they are lacking and give it to them. In his book The Art of Seduction, Greene calls this premise the “victim theory.” Here’s how seduction works and how to choose your victim, according to Greene.
Why is it important to make people valued? How can you show someone that they matter to you? We all want to be seen, heard, and most importantly, valued. Experts say that making others feel valuable isn’t just good for the person you’re valuing, it’s good for yourself because it makes you feel more connected, trustworthy, and happy. Below, you’ll learn how to make people feel valued, according to Mark Goulston.
Are you looking for Chatter book quotes by Ethan Kross? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In Chatter, neuroscientist and experimental psychologist Ethan Kross highlights how negative self-talk interferes with your happiness, health, and success. He argues that you can improve your life by quieting negative self-talk and provides practical strategies for harnessing the benefits of self-talk. Below is a selection of passages with explanations.
Want an overview of Linchpin by Seth Godin? What is the “linchpin mindset” and why should you practice it? In Linchpin, Seth Godin aims to inspire readers who have lost their motivation at work. Godin explains how adopting a linchpin mindset brings you more fulfillment in your career by empowering you to develop and use your unique skills at work. Keep reading for a brief overview of Linchpin by Seth Godin.
What causes ice ages? How much of the Earth has been covered by ice? Are we in an ice age now? The geological history of the Earth indicates that ice covers much of the planet at times and, at other times, it doesn’t. Author Bill Bryson looks into the ice age cycle to understand what scientists know and how. Keep reading for a brief overview of the ice age cycle.
Do you want a promotion? What is career path development? Why should you form a career path? A career path framework is ideal for those who want to progress in their careers. Planning your career involves keeping track of knowledge and skills you may need to work at a certain level. Let’s look at how career path development works so you can advance your job.
What is Norman Doidge’s The Brain That Changes Itself about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In The Brain That Changes Itself, Norman Doidge explains that the brain is plastic, meaning it can change its own structure and connections in response to stimuli. This contrasts with the long-held belief that the brain is hardwired from an early age. Below is a brief overview of Norman Doidge’s The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph From the Frontiers of Brain Science.
Have you been feeling unambitious lately? How can you gain motivation? Feeling unmotivated makes anybody feel dull and sluggish. Luckily, Kristin Neff’s book Self-Compassion says that practicing self-compassion helps increase motivation. Let’s look at how to gain motivation through the power of self-compassion.