The World's Best Book Summaries
How far into the future does H.G. Wells’s Time Traveller go? What kind of people (or creatures) does he encounter? Are they friends or foes? In H.G. Wells’s science fiction classic The Time Machine, a Time Traveller goes to the distant future. There, he finds that humanity has evolved into two separate species—the childlike Eloi and the bestial Morlocks. Continue reading to travel to the year A.D. 802701 and meet the Eloi and Morlocks.
Did Henry David Thoreau build the cabin he lived in at Walden Pond? How much did it cost him? What famous philosopher owned the land? We often focus on the philosophical reasons why Henry David Thoreau went to the woods to live and think little about the logistical aspects of such a move. Before he could make Walden his home, he had to turn a patch of woods into a cabin. Read more to learn about Henry David Thoreau’s cabin at Walden Pond.
Do you know how to rest effectively? Why is rest important for personal growth? Although it’s tempting to think of rest as something passive, Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness argue that we should take active steps to rest effectively. We can do this by practicing mindfulness, prioritizing sleep, and taking short walks. Keep reading for strategies on getting the most out of rest.
Who won the Anglo-Mysore wars? What impact did the wars have on India? After the East India Company (EIC) established itself in Bengal, it began to assert itself on the larger stage of regional powers vying for control of the greater Indian subcontinent. The EIC rose to power in greater India through a series of wars against two major powers: the Mysore Sultanate and the Maratha Confederacy. Let’s take a look at a brief history of the Anglo-Mysore wars.
What’s the importance of self-discipline? What does it mean to be disciplined? In The Science of Self-Discipline, Peter Hollins discusses what discipline is and why he believes it’s a critical component to accomplishing your goals. To do so, he explains the biological mechanisms that underlie our decision-making. Keep reading to learn more about why discipline is crucial for success.
Why do men commit more crimes? Why are women often the victims of these crimes? Society and the media often blame male violence in the US on factors such as the ease of acquiring firearms, economic difficulties and class struggles, and issues that affect the brain. However, Rebecca Solnit notes these factors affect men and women equally—yet men commit 90% of the nation’s murders. Keep reading to learn the origins of male-on-female violence in the US.
What are “nudges” in behavioral economics? How does nudging influence a consumer’s decision? Famous economist Richard H. Thaler believes that behavioral economics has important practical implications in everyday life. He believes it can help influence consumers for good with nudges. Find out what it means to “nudge” people in the world of finance.
Antarctica is melting, but why is that so consequential for the climate everywhere else on Earth? Would cutting emissions now help the situation? Changes that occur in Antarctica have planet-wide effects because the continent helps regulate the global climate. With the sea ice at its lowest peak since records began, some scientists are beginning to worry. Keep reading for a look at the three new discoveries about the loss of ice in Antarctica.
Have you ever taken your inner artist on a date? Does the concept intrigue you? According to Julia Cameron, artist dates are a must for anyone who wants to cultivate their creativity. They provide essential ingredients—including solitude, inspiration, and reflection—that help you unleash your inner artist. Keep reading to learn how weekly artist dates can spark creativity.
Are you content in your career, or are you itching to make a change? Are you worried about where the job market is headed and wonder how to maintain a competitive edge? Your job is a big part of your life. The more thoughtful and strategic you are about it, the more rewarding it can be. We’ve put together 40 career questions that will help you evaluate your career, assess your professional self, navigate career challenges, and plan for a second career. Continue reading for these questions that could set you up for greater success and fulfillment.