Shortform Books

Less Is More: Best Minimalist Books, Blogs, & Podcasts

Are you interested in minimalism? Do you want to try living like a minimalist but aren’t sure where to start? The point of minimalism is not having less of everything. Rather, it’s about having more of the important stuff: more time, more energy, more space, and more happiness. A minimalist lifestyle is just a tool to get more of what life has to offer. If you are curious about trying minimalism, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a collection of the best minimalist books, blogs, and podcasts to source your minimalist inspiration.

Is the World Safe? Possibly More Than You Think

Is the world safe? Is violent crime getting worse? Are disasters more common and more deadly? In Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker presents statistics in several areas to support his argument that the world is getting better for humans everywhere. One of those areas is safety, so he looked at data on injuries and deaths. With one exception, he concludes that the world is safer than in the past. Continue reading to get a good picture of the data, according to Pinker.

The 2 Business Workflows That Will Increase Productivity

Is your performance suffering at work? What business workflows can make you happier at work? In A World Without Email, Cal Newport recommends instituting business workflows to enhance your performance and happiness at work. These systems include using task boards and automating processes. Keep reading to learn how these workflows can help you become a better employee.

Why Inclusive Political Institutions Create Power & Wealth

What are inclusive political institutions? Why do they create prosperous nations? In the book Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson explain that inclusive nations—those with free and fair economies and governments—succeed. According to them, inclusive political and economic institutions are the backbone of a thriving nation. Read on to learn why inclusive political institutions create a powerful and wealthy nation, according to Why Nations Fail.

Taiwan and China Relations: Past and Present Conflicts

Why have Taiwan and China relations deteriorated recently? Will the conflict lead to war? What will be the United States’ role? Decades of tension between China and Taiwan have reached a boiling point recently, leading to a higher probability of war. Many expect the United States to defend Taiwan if China launches a full-on invasion, but some aren’t sure if military intervention is worth the risks. Keep reading to learn about the status of Taiwan and China’s relations and the consequences of the conflict.

Educated by Tara Westover: Discussion Questions for Book Club

Are you looking for discussion questions for Tara Westover’s Educated? How can these questions help you better relate to Westover’s story? Educated is the autobiographical story of Tara Westover’s journey from being the child of extreme anti-government, anti-science, and religious fundamentalist Mormon parents to becoming a Cambridge- and Harvard-educated Ph.D. Keep reading for Educated discussion questions.

6 Stock Market Rules for Independent Investors

Are you an independent investor? What are some things you can do to increase your investment earnings? According to former mutual fund manager Peter Lynch, you have a better chance of success investing independently than through professionals and firms. If you choose to invest independently, however, you must be aware of certain key rules. Here are six stock market rules for independent investors.

Declinism Bias: Why People Think the Sky Is Falling

Is the world getting better or worse? Why do so many people believe it’s getting worse? Steven Pinker aims to counter the widespread belief that the world is getting worse by showing data that indicates it’s actually improving. But, why do people think things are so bad if they’re not? Pinker explains that this happens for a few intersecting reasons: media slant, cognitive biases, and ingratitude. Keep reading for Pinker’s take on declinism bias.

5 Workplace Protocols That Enhance Communication

Are you having communication issues at work? What workplace protocols can fix these problems? If you’re working with other people, communication is an important part of the job. By setting workplace protocols in place for communication purposes, your employees’ productivity will soar through the roof. Continue reading for different protocols that you can test out at work.

The Gun Control Debate: The 5 Problems With NICS

What are the main points in the gun control debate in the U.S.? Why are background checks central to the conflict? Since 1993, all firearms dealers have been required to consult the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to verify that a prospective customer is legally eligible to own firearms before the sale. However, there are differing points of view on the flaws within the NICS system. Read on to learn the five main problems with the NICS and how gun control and rights advocates respond.