Bridging the Gap: 3 Potential Solutions to Political Polarization

the United States torn in two pieces of blue on the left and red on the right illustrates solutions to political polarization

Are you tired of the constant political bickering? Is there a way to bridge the divide between opposing sides? Shortform’s Master Guide to Threats to Democracy explores solutions to political polarization, offering strategies to heal deep social divisions. It presents three expert-recommended approaches to overcome the hostilities that threaten democracy’s functionality. Read on to discover how forging diverse coalitions, engaging in local politics, and finding empathy for your opponents can help mend our fractured political landscape.

NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman: Book Overview & Takeaways

A girl on a couch reading a book that has a drawn image of a brain on the page

How do autistic brains differ from allistic brains? Why isn’t Asperger’s syndrome a legitimate diagnosis anymore? What is the only cure for autism? Every day, people with autism are forced to exist in a world that’s not designed for their brains. In the book NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman, he explores the history, characterization, and evolving societal perception of autism.  Whether you or someone you know is autistic or you’re simply curious about autism, here’s an overview of NeuroTribes.

How Beliefs Are Formed (and Too Often Invented on the Fly)

a cartoon of a woman reading a book while a factory is working in her brain illustrates how beliefs are formed

Do you know how your beliefs are formed? What if many of them are based on faulty information? In her book Being Wrong, Kathryn Schulz explores the fascinating process of how beliefs are formed. She discusses the ways our senses and storytelling abilities can lead us astray, creating beliefs that may not align with reality. Keep reading to discover the surprising ways your mind works in the formation of beliefs.

Starbucks’s Management Strategy Under Howard Schultz

A Starbucks employee holding a coffee cup as part of the Starbucks management strategy

What was Starbucks’s management strategy after Howard Schultz’s return? Why did the company’s management need to be overhauled? After returning to Starbucks, one of Schultz’s initial turnaround strategies was to completely overhaul the company’s management. There were three major changes Schultz made to accomplish this strategy: hiring new executives, securing emotional buy-in from executives and managers, and reaffirming key values in Starbucks’ management strategy. Continue reading to delve into these three major changes.

Procrastination and Time Management: Why We Put Things Off

A man ignoring his chores with a clock behind him, representing the correlation between procrastination and time management

How are procrastination and time management related? Why do people underestimate how long it takes to complete a task? One reason why we procrastinate is that we have trouble with planning. Figuring out how to accomplish everything on your to-do list requires planning, but most of us aren’t very good at these kinds of plans. Learn how bad planning and poor time management puts you on a direct path to procrastination.

7 Benefits of Lucid Dreaming: Improve Your Life While You Sleep

A man benefiting from lucid dreaming by imagining a galaxy painting

What are the benefits of lucid dreaming? How can lucid dreaming help you overcome your fears? Not only is lucid dreaming a unique and fun experience, it can change your life for the better. The benefits of lucid dreaming include learning new skills, solving problems, overcoming your fears, and more. Keep reading for an in-depth look at the seven benefits of lucid dreaming.

How to Practice Critical Thinking to Improve Leadership Skills

A woman who knows how to practice critically thinking, with a lightbulb and question marks around her head.

Do you know how to practice critical thinking? Why do leaders need to have critical thinking skills? Every leader needs critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their back pocket. Critical thinking helps you identify ways to improve the situations and organizations you’re involved in. Keep reading to learn how to practice critical thinking to become a leader among your peers.

Thomas Piketty: Inequality of Wealth Can Be Reduced 3 Ways

cartoon drawing of three people each holding two dollars illustrates Thomas Piketty's inequality of wealth solutions

What do you think about the growing wealth gap in our society? Should this issue be addressed? According to Thomas Piketty, inequality of wealth can be dealt with. In his book Capital in the Twenty-First Century, he proposes three key economic reforms to reduce wealth inequality: a global wealth tax, increased financial transparency, and progressive taxation. Continue reading to understand Piketty’s ideas and their implications for society.

What Are the Signs of Autism? Steve Silberman Explains

A woman at a restaurant avoiding eye contact in a conversation, one of the signs of autism

What are the signs of autism? Do all autistic people display the same traits? Why is spotlighting autistic savants controversial? In NeuroTribes, Steve Silberman explores the history, characterization, and evolving societal perception of autism. He begins the book with an in-depth look at what autism is, the most common characteristics, and accompanying impairments. Keep reading to learn more about the signs and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder.