The World's Best Book Summaries
What exactly is self-talk in psychology? Is self-talk just another word for our thoughts? According to neuroscientist and psychologist Ethan Kross, self-talk isn’t exactly our conscious thought process. Rather, it’s the voice you “hear” in your mind in the background. Here’s why we engage in self-talk, how it manifests, and how social and cultural factors influence its content.
What is learned nonuse in psychology? What are some ways learned nonuse can be corrected? Learned nonuse is a behavioral phenomenon whereby the use of an affected extremity is suppressed due to previous failed attempts to use it. In other words, the individual learns not to use the weak limb—although it’s perfectly functional—because it’s easier to use the healthy limb. Keep reading to learn about learned nonuse, why it happens, and ways to correct it.
How did Darwinian theory come to the fore? How is Intelligent Design different from creationism? In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson offers up an accessible guide to our cosmological, geological, and biological history. He discusses the theory that Charles Darwin honed and popularized, which is best understood in the context of the competing hypothesis of Intelligent Design. Keep reading for a brief discussion of Darwinian evolution vs. Intelligent Design.
Do you believe in something bigger than yourself? How does belief in a higher power contribute to your psychological well-being? Studies have shown that those who believe in some kind of a higher power tend to be happier and less depressed and anxious than those who don’t. When you believe in a higher power—whether divine or secular—it gives you a feeling of control and a sense that life is inherently meaningful. Here’s why we need to believe in something greater than ourselves, according to Ryan Holiday.
Are you a practicing Buddhist? Do you want to learn more about Buddhism? What are the core values that Buddhists follow? Whether or not you follow Buddhist philosophy, its teachings can help you be a better person and reach peace of mind. And one of the best ways to start your Buddhism journey is to pick up a book on the subject. We’ve rounded up a list of the best books on Buddhism that showcase the true values of the religion.
What is the perfect studying mindset? How can a growth mindset improve your education? In The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need, Jade Bowler explains to perform well in school, your first step is to prioritize having a healthy mindset. She discusses how to manage your mindset so a fear of failure, lack of motivation, and procrastination don’t sabotage your success. Let’s look at how to achieve this studying mindset with Bowler’s tips.
Are you a victim of abuse? How do you stop abuse? In Why Does He Do That?, Bancroft’s explanations for abusive thinking help account for why abuse is hard to prevent: Most abusers don’t want to stop being abusive. Stopping means losing all the benefits that he gains from being abusive, but there is a way for you to get out of an abusive relationship. Continue reading to find out how to stop abuse.
Looking for an overview of David Graeber’s Bullshit Jobs book? How does he explain pointless jobs and their effects? In Bullshit Jobs, David Graeber describes the types and characteristics of pointless jobs and why they’ve become so widespread. He further explores the psychological impact of working a pointless job and suggests a possible solution to eliminate the need for meaningless work. Read on for an overview of David Graeber’s Bullshit Jobs book.
How can you keep working towards your goals when the going gets tough? How do you keep persevering and resist the temptation to give up? The road to your goals can be long and arduous. When you’re working towards an ambitious goal, it’s all too easy to become so consumed by the daily grind that you lose the motivation to keep going. To keep the course and avoid falling off track, you need to develop two virtues: perseverance and determination. Below are six strategies to help you persevere so you can step up, face the obstacles, and keep going.
Should you bring your “whole self” to work? Why has this become a heated debate? Many workplaces are encouraging employees to bring their “whole (authentic) self” to work. However, not everyone can agree on what exactly this means or what the risks and benefits are to your career. Keep reading to learn more about bringing your whole self to work and why it’s debated.