Shortform Books

Helping Those in Need—Do it For the Right Reasons

Do you look for recognition after helping those in need? Why should you always act with grace even if it comes at a cost to you? In his book Everybody, Always, Bob Goff says that if you’re trying to become love, then you need to make helping those in need a part of your life. Goff shares an example of a time his grace was very costly but he never regretted helping someone in need, even a convict. Keep reading to learn why you should always help those in need.

The Relationship Between Spirituality and Happiness

Is there a correlation between spirituality and happiness? Is it true that people who practice spirituality tend to enjoy greater life satisfaction? Research shows a strong positive correlation between spirituality and happiness in that spiritual people—that is, people who spend time considering various spiritual states—are happier with their lives overall. In turn, this elevated happiness grants them better mental and physical health, greater longevity, and an increased ability to deal with stressors. Keep reading to learn about the relationship between spirituality and happiness.

The Feynman Technique: How to Learn Faster

What is the Feynman Technique? When is the best time to use Feynman’s method? The Feynman Technique was inspired by Dr. Richard Feynman as a method to develop a deeper knowledge of any subject. This method is especially helpful for overcoming the illusion that you know something better than you actually do. Continue on to learn more about the Feynman Technique and how to use it.

What Is My Partner’s Attachment Style? Take This Quiz

Ever wondered, “what is my partner’s attachment style?” How can knowing your partner’s romantic attachment style improve your relationship? Understanding your partner’s attachment style can save you a lot of emotional struggle. Whether you are in a new relationship or a long-term marriage, understanding how your partner feels and thinks can help you solve problems (or help you decide whether they’re worth solving). Continue on to take the “What is my partner’s attachment style?” quiz.

Matthew McConaughey: A Year in Australia

Why did Matthew McConaughey go to Australia? What did he do there and what did he learn? After graduation from high school, Matthew McConaughey went to Australia as an exchange student. After originally struggling with his host family, McConaughey had a positive experience and learned how to set boundaries for himself. Read more about Matthew McConaughey, Australia, and his time there.

Why Adults and Children Need a Secure Base to Thrive

What is a “secure base” in regards to attachment theory? Why do both children and adults need a secure base in order to thrive? Psychologist Mary Ainsworth found that if a child had a “secure base,” (such as having a parent in the room with them) they felt more confident to explore. More recently, researchers found that adults also crave a secure base, such as a partner or friend, to thrive. Keep reading to learn more about the psychology of having a secure base.

The Simulated Annealing Example of Stronger Systems

What is simulated annealing? Can a simulated annealing example help you understand how societies can be antifragile? Annealing is a process used to make metals stronger and improve impurities. Inspired by this process, mathematicians created a process called simulated annealing, which evaluates systems and finds ways to improve. Author Nassim Nicholas Taleb proposes that we can apply this process to politics as well. Keep reading for a simulated annealing example that can help explain antifragility.

Scaling a Company: The 4 Growth Factors

How to Build the Next Trillion Dollar Business

What are the four growth factors that are incorporated into most great business models? What business models are more suitable for scaling a company? The four growth factors that affect scaling a company are market size, distribution, high gross margins, and network effects. There isn’t one business model that will work for every company but incorporating these growth factors will help you scale. Continue reading for more information on scaling a company.

Why You Should Hire for Talent, Not Experience

What criteria do you base your hiring decisions on? Do you—like most organizations—hire candidates based on skill and relevant work experience? What other variables do you factor in? Historically, organizations have hired based on three criteria: experience, intelligence, and determination. However, these things don’t necessarily translate into excellent performance. According to Marcus Buckingham, the author of First, Break All the Rules, the key to effective hiring is to hire for talent, not experience or intelligence. Here is why you should, first and foremost, hire fore talent, not experience or other factors.

Fever 1793 Epilogue: Life After the Yellow Fever

What happens in the Fever 1793 epilogue? In what ways did Matilda change from before the fever? The Fever 1793 epilogue details Matilda’s life not long after the fever vanished with the frost. Matilda matured quickly in a short amount of time and is becoming accustomed to her new life as an adoptive mother and business owner. Keep reading to learn what happens in the Fever 1793 epilogue.