Shortform Books

Thomas Friedman: Rethinking Societal Morality

Is morality still relevant in today’s society? How does the current state of morality differ from the past? What were the main factors that brought about this change? According to Thomas Friedman, the author of Thank You for Being Late, the state of societal morality is changing fast as globalization and technological change are taking over the world. To keep up with these accelerations, we need to rethink morality by including ethics in education and building strong communities. In this article, we’ll discuss modern morality and what we can do to adapt our moral compass to the changes brought about

The Psychology Behind the Stock Market

How do investors make money in the stock market? What factors do they use to base their investment decisions? According to economist Tim Harford, stock market psychology is a nearly random walk that trends upwards. A report that says that stock prices will go up tomorrow, for example, will make stock prices go up today because people will buy them expecting them to go up tomorrow. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of stock market trading, how prices are valued, and how investors decide what stocks to invest in.

Causes of Bias: How It Spreads Through Generations

What are the causes of bias? In what ways does bias spread through parenting and the media? How can we try to put a stop to the spread of bias? In her book Biased, Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt explains that the two major causes of bias are through parenting and through media. Luckily, parental influence fades over time it’s possible for children to develop their own views. Continue reading to learn about the causes of bias and some steps that can be taken to slow the spread.

Biased by Jennifer Eberhardt: Book Overview

What can you learn from reading Biased by Jennifer Eberhardt? What are the key takeaways from the book? In her book Biased, Jennifer Eberhardt reveals and discusses the dangers of implicit bias—the racial biases that most people don’t realize they hold. Her focus is mostly on anti-black bias in the United States and she discusses it in the context of work, the law, schools, housing, and more. Keep reading for a brief overview of Biased by Jennifer Eberhardt.

Just Believe in Yourself: 5 Tips With Examples

Do you think you can influence your life outcomes with your thoughts? Would you say that you just believe in yourself and your capabilities? Science has shown that what happens in our lives tends to follow what we think will happen, or what we’ve been conditioned to think will happen. So, to achieve what you want in life, just believe in yourself, believe it will happen, believe you can do it, and don’t be deterred by conventional wisdom that says otherwise. In this article, you’ll learn techniques to change your thinking and achieve success.

Service-Oriented Approach: To Sell Is to Serve

How can taking a service-oriented approach to selling help you close more sales? Why is moving others through persuasion more successful than manipulation? In To Sell Is Human, Daniel Pink explains that modern-day sales are no longer about manipulation tactics and elevator pitches. Today, a much more successful approach to sales is the service-oriented approach. This method focuses on what you can do for the customer, rather than what the customer can do for you. Continue below to learn the rules of service-oriented selling and for some additional tips to help you succeed.

Inside Annawadi: A Spotlight on Life in Mumbai’s Slums

Is Annawadi from Behind the Beautiful Forevers a real place? What is life like in Annawadi? Annawadi is a slum adjacent to the Mumbai International Airport—it was created by the migrant workers that worked there during its construction. Life in the slum is a constant struggle for survival. Residents worked all sorts of odd jobs to make a living. Read on to learn more about the lives of the residents of Annawadi.

Business Development Process: 7 Elements of Growth

What are the components of a successful business development process? How can such a process help your business grow? In The E-Myth Revisited, Michael E. Gerber lays out the seven components of a business development process. You probably know that you need a business objective and a marketing plan, but you might not be aware of everything you need to set up your business for growth. Read more to learn the elements of the business development process.

Ozone Hole Over Antarctica? The 2 Sides of the Debate

Is there an ozone hole over Antarctica? What is the science? What doubts have been raised? People have debated the size, severity, and cause of the ozone hole over Antarctica for years. Historians Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway claim in their book Merchants of Doubt that some individuals and groups have sought to discredit some of the science because they believe it is a threat to their agenda. Read more to learn about the debate surrounding the ozone hole over Antarctica.

Don’t Make Assumption: Seek and Face the Truth

Do you feel like you tend to rush to conclusions too soon? Why is it important to hold yourself off making premature assumptions about the events in your life? It’s common to make up “stories” about a situation or experience to help us interpret it rather than asking questions to learn the truth. Often, our stories are negative, and they affect how we choose to act. In this article, you’ll learn to ask questions to determine what’s going on rather than letting your negative stories affect your emotions and guide your actions.