Shortform Books

The Two Schools of Thought in Western Culture

What are the two schools of thought in western culture? How should we decide what is moral and what is morally acceptable? Is there such thing as universal morality? As western civilization developed, questions around morality emerged. Two schools of thought became the most prominent: deontology (Kantian ethics) and utilitarianism. Both, however, are at odds with how human psychology works. Keep reading to learn more about the two schools of thought.

Misleading Statistics: Examples of Techniques Used

What are the top five techniques used by liars to mislead the public and make statistics look better in their favor? How are these techniques used in practice? There are many techniques that anybody with an agenda can use to manipulate statistics in their favor. In How to Lie With Statistics, Darrell Huff explains how liars can fudge the numbers and he gives examples of misleading statistics so you can learn how to avoid being manipulated. Keep reading for misleading statistics examples and techniques that liars use.

What Is Transhumanism? Using Tech to Upgrade Us

What is transhumanism? How will transhumanism impact the future of mankind? Transhumanist ideas abound in sci-fi literature and cinematography. But what is transhumanism exactly? Transhumanism is a philosophical movement, the proponents of which advocate the upgrading of the human mental and physical form with the use of technology. Keep reading for the answer to the question: what is transhumanism?

The Tao: The Art of Balance and Moderation

What is the Tao? How can living according to the principle of the Tao help you invite balance and harmony into your life? “Tao” can be translated as “Way.” The core teaching of the Tao Te Ching, the classic text on Taoism, is the middle way of balance or moderation. All the great spiritual traditions teach the Tao, whether they call it that or not. Read about the concept of the Tao and how it can allow your life to effortlessly flow along the highest path.

Why Do We Lie? The Two Types of Dishonesty

Why do honest people lie? What are the two types of dishonesty? There are two types of dishonesty. The first type is the worst, it is the premeditated and sometimes criminal kind of lying. The second type is innocuous, the type that you’ve most likely done in everyday life like taking a pen from work. Find out why our brains are okay with little lies and where it sets the line. Continue on for more about why we lie.

Multipliers: Liz Wiseman on Leadership

What is Multipliers by Liz Wiseman about? How can Wiseman’s advice help you improve your work culture? What leadership qualities should you be avoiding? Multipliers, Liz Wiseman’s book about the two styles of leadership, has helped countless businesses improve their work cultures and raise their employees to the next level. This book teaches readers how to avoid being an Accidental Diminisher and how to make a positive and productive workplace. Keep reading to learn more about Liz Wiseman’s book Multipliers.

The Remembering Self and the Experiencing Self

What is the difference between the remembering self and the experiencing self? How do the two selves interact? The distinction between the remembering and the experiencing self was first made by Israeli psychologist and behavioral economics Daniel Kahneman to describe the two modes of self. The experiencing self exists only in the present moment, while the remembering self exists only in retrospect. Both selves interact to create perspective and inform decision-making. Keep reading to learn about the dichotomy between the remembering self and the experiencing self.

5 Factors for Success: The Tiny Habit’s Ability Chain

What is the Ability Chain from Tiny Habits? What are the five factors for success? When trying to form a new habit, there are three components: motivation, ability, and prompt. The ability component can be thought of as a chain with five links. or the ability chain. These five links, or the five factors for success, are time, money, physical effort, mental effort, and how easy it is to incorporate the habit into your routine. Keep reading to learn more about the ability chain and its five links.

Relative Happiness: Stop Comparing Yourself

What is relative happiness? Why can comparing yourself to others be so detrimental? How can you improve your happiness levels? Relative happiness is when you ceaselessly compare your life to the lives of others. This kind of thinking will almost always result in dissatisfaction and envy. But you can learn to control your comparison compulsions. Keep reading to learn how to overcome relative happiness.

Human Sexuality and the Psychology of Love

What is the psychology of human sexuality and how does it relate to love? Why do humans fall in love? What is the difference between passionate and compassionate love? Human sexuality psychology is like that of no other animal. Human sex is not solely for reproduction and fathers actually fall in love with their mate and child. Why are we so different? It’s because of the child development process. Keep reading for more on the psychology of human sexuality.