Shortform Books

The Happiness Trap: Review, Background, & Reception

What is Russ Harris’s The Happiness Trap about? What’s the key message to take away from the book? In The Happiness Trap, Russ Harris explores Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, a psychological discipline developed by Steven C. Hayes in 1982. While Harris didn’t develop ACT, his 2007 book helped popularize ACT, which uses a combination of behavioral and mindfulness principles and strategies. Here is our review of The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living by Russ Harris.

Contrasting Perspectives on Fasting for Spiritual Growth

What is fasting? How does it contribute to spiritual growth? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship, urges Christians to practice fasting for spiritual growth. He argues that the suffering that comes from fasting builds self-discipline. Other religious traditions differ in some ways regarding their views toward fasting, but many still see it as a part of spiritual life. Read more to learn about fasting for spiritual growth.

Early Human Migration & Evolution: What’s the Link?

Has the human species evolved independently around the world? Or is there a common human ancestor? Until around the 1970s, many anthropologists believed that modern man had evolved independently in different populations around the world. However, the sheer genetic diversity of African populations (compared to the rest of the world) suggests that humans originated in sub-Saharan East Africa and migrated around the world from there. Keep reading to learn about the evidence of early human migration and how it changed our understanding of human evolution.

The Federal Job Guarantee: Pros, Cons, and History

Do you think having a job is a fundamental right for all people? What would the pros and cons of a federal job guarantee be? Has congress ever looked into making a program like this? Stephanie Kelton, economist and the author of The Deficit Myth, says that a federal job guarantee is crucial for establishing economic order. However, critics say that a program like this would cost too much and could lead to corruption. Continue reading to learn more about what a federal job guarantee could mean for the United States.

What Is the Point of Meditation? The Key to Mindfulness

What is the point of meditation? How can meditation be used as a tool? In his book 10% Happier, Dan Harris believes that the main goal of meditation is mindfulness. In addition, meditation can have added benefits such as recognizing your ego, Here is what self-help author Dan Harris had to say about meditation.

The Benefits of Personality Tests in the Workplace

Are there any benefits to taking a personality test? How can understanding different personality types help you become a better communicator? While not all psychologists agree with the benefits of personality tests, Thomas Erikson (the author of Surrounded by Idiots) believes that personality type knowledge is power. Erikson says that understanding the personality types of others is like understanding another language. Continue reading for the benefits and uses of personality tests, particularly in the workplace.

How to Create Loyal Customers in 5 Concrete Steps

How can you turn casual buyers into loyal customers? What does customer service have to do with loyalty? The book Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles is all about the importance of exceptional customer service when it comes to building a customer base. The business fable outlines the importance of going beyond what is “satisfactory” so customers will keep coming back. Here’s how to create loyal customers in five steps, according to Raving Fans.

What’s the Best Runner Body Type?

What body type is the best suited for running? Does body type have a significant effect on running ability? There’s no single runner body type. Different leg lengths, leg proportions, and height have such an impact on performance that runners’ measurements often differ by event. Let’s look at a few examples.

Why Unhappy People Struggle With Relationships

Why do unhappy people struggle to form healthy relationships? What common belief destroys marriages? People who are always unhappy in life often struggle to form meaningful or strong relationships. The two top reasons for this are that unhappy people see others as competition, and they believe that mutual sacrifice is necessary. Learn why these two negative beliefs could be holding you back from a healthy relationship.

False Love: What It Is and How It Manifests

What is false love? What are the different categories of false love? False love is when people pursue a connection for reasons such as sexual desire or a financial partnership. Although a real love relationship can include these things, they should not be the base of a relationship. Continue below to learn about the different types of false love.