Shortform Books

Morality in Politics: Reason vs. Virtue

How should issues of morality be treated in politics? Should the government embrace one view of morality or avoid enforcing any specific moral code? Morality is a contentious subject in political philosophy. Liberalists argue that we should deemphasize moral questions in favor of reason and logic. Proponents of Aristotle’s political theory, on the other hand, consider moral questions crucial for politics. Michael Sandel contrasts the two philosophies and how they might inform real-life political debates pertaining to morality.

Non-Neediness: The Key to Getting Women Fall for You

What does Mark Manson mean by “non-neediness”? Why are women repulsed by needy, desperate men? According to Mark Manson, non-neediness is the key to getting women to fall for you. You embody non-neediness when you judge your self-worth based on how you feel about yourself, as opposed to what other people think of you. Here’s what it means to embody non-neediness and how you can cultivate it.

The Benefits of Writing Down Your Thoughts

What is the point of writing down your thoughts? How does expressing your thoughts in writing help you process them more effectively? If you are struggling with persistent, negative thoughts, it can be helpful to write them down. Expressing your thoughts and feelings in writing can help you put them into a larger perspective and dismantle unhelpful and self-sabotaging thinking patterns. Here’s how writing down your thoughts can help rewire your mind for more positivity.

What Are Troll Farms & Which Countries Use Them?

What are troll farms? How do they spread disinformation online? What can be done to stop them? Governments are hiring troll farms to flood social media with disinformation, with the aim of suppressing opposition, sowing division, and ultimately threatening democracy. Social media companies have taken steps to end state-sponsored trolling, but some say it isn’t enough. Keep reading to learn more about what troll farms are and why they’re harmful.

Super Thinking: Book Overview (Weinberg & McCann)

What is Weinberg and McCann’s Super Thinking about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In their book Super Thinking, Gabriel Weinberg and Lauren McCann argue that mental models–concepts and patterns used to analyze various situations–provide the framework to optimize decisions amidst uncertainty. More generally, they argue that using these models can lead to super thinking, the ability to accurately understand the world. Below is a brief overview of the book.

How U.S. Intervention in Afghanistan Backfired

Could the 9/11 attacks have been prevented? Why did the United States get involved in Afghanistan in the 1980s? In The Silk Roads, historian Peter Frankopan argues that the political meddling by the U.S. and other Western powers in the Middle East and Asia during the 20th century would come back to haunt them in the 21st century. He cites Afghanistan in particular. Read more to learn how U.S. intervention in Afghanistan backfired.

The Evolution of Societies: Challenging the Conventional Narrative

Do societies evolve in a linear manner? Do they go from primitive to civilized? Throughout humanity’s long history, cultures have been much more diverse than we tend to believe, and the presumed evolution of societies from “primitive” to “civilized” is a myth. David Graeber and David Wengrow present this assertion in their book The Dawn of Everything. Continue reading to understand the conventional narrative about the evolution of societies and to learn Graeber and Wengrow’s challenges to it.

The 5 Self-Improvement Steps to Take for a Stronger Mind

What self-improvement steps can you take to build resilience? What techniques do experts recommend to improve your mental strength? Former Navy SEAL Mark Divine wrote his book Unbeatable Mind to teach readers his techniques for self-improvement by focusing on developing the entire self. In the book, Divine explains his five self-improvement steps for building mental strength. Read on to learn Divine’s five self-improvement steps to strengthen your mind and resiliency in life.

10+ Books to Change Your Mindset and Improve Your Outlook

7 Ways to Develop the Right Sales Mindset

What role does mindset play in your life? What are the best books to change your mindset and help you cultivate a more positive outlook? Your life outcomes stem from your mindset. This is because your mindset influences your actions (or lack thereof). When your mindset is strong and positive, you make better choices, enjoy healthier relationships, and are resilient in the face of adversity. Here are Shortform’s picks of the best books to change your mindset.

The Pros and Cons of ADHD: Is ADHD a Deficit or a Gift?

What are the pros and cons of ADHD? What positive effects can ADHD have on someone? Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey lists the symptoms of ADHD. Further, the authors state that while there are negative effects of ADHD, there are strengths to it as well. Let’s look at the pros and cons of ADHD below.