Shortform Books

Liar’s Poker: Book Overview (Michael Lewis)

What is Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis about? How did the Salomon Brothers fall from grace on Wall Street? The cynical view of the financial world says that Wall Street is run by a special breed of traders who exploit investors’ collective fear and greed to enrich themselves. In Liar’s Poker, Michael Lewis backs up this opinion with a first-hand account of the pursuit of ill-gotten riches at the Salomon Brothers investment firm during the 1980s. Read below for a brief Liar’s Poker book overview.

Hooked on Devices: 4 Ways the Overuse of Technology Harms Us

How often do device notifications interrupt you? Do you know how technology messes with your physiology? In today’s fast-paced world, our lives increasingly revolve around productivity, efficiency, and work. It’s normal for people to answer emails during dinner and pack their days with as many tasks as possible. In Do Nothing, Celeste Headlee says the obsession with productivity has led to technology addiction. Read more to learn how our work-obsessed culture has led to an unhealthful overuse of technology.

Cognitive Empathy vs. Emotional Empathy (Paul Bloom)

What’s the difference between understanding someone’s emotions and actually feeling their emotions? Why is it important to make this distinction? In his contrarian book Against Empathy, psychologist Paul Bloom differentiates between two types of empathy that equip us with distinct ways of caring about other people: cognitive empathy and emotional empathy. This distinction is critical for his argument against empathy. Read more to learn about cognitive empathy vs. emotional empathy.

How to Manifest Your Desires: 4 Existential Kink Practices

Do negative patterns and habits have control of your life? How should you manifest your desires? Some desires are difficult to accept, especially if there’s a stigma around them. But, Carolyn Elliott’s book Existential Kink says that you should consciously enjoy them to regain agency in your life. Continue reading to learn how to manifest your desires.

Steven Pinker Explains Why Correlation Doesn’t Equal Causation

Do you ever confuse correlation with causation? How can you accurately determine the cause of something? In Rationality, Steven Pinker examines why people make irrational decisions. Often, people run into problems when considering causation and correlation. He explains how to avoid the trap of linking them when they’re not connected and offers some tips on how to determine actual causes. Continue reading to understand why correlation doesn’t equal causation.

Why You Need an Institutional Trustee for Your Organization

What is an institutional trustee? Why do trustees need to have more than just financial responsibilities? Many people probably assume that trustees only worry about finances in organizations. But as Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf points out, trustees, ideally, should be prioritizing the social responsibility of institutions. Continue reading to learn about the ideal role of institutional trustees.

Wall Street in the 1980s: Bond Market & Salomon Brothers

What was Wall Street like in the 1980s? How did the Salomon Brothers make their fortune during this time? In the 1980s, Wall Street managed to recover from the high unemployment and inflation rates from the previous decade. This led to the rise of the bond market that the Salomon Brothers investment firm took advantage of. Let’s look at how the Salomon Brothers successfully navigated the bond market during this time.

How to Practice Intuitive Eating: 4 Tips to Help You Enjoy Food

Do you have an unhealthy relationship with food? How can you practice intuitive eating? Diets can damage your relationship with food, making it difficult to fulfill your body’s nutritional needs and find pleasure in eating. In Intuitive Eating, dietician Evelyn Tribole and nutritionist Elyse Resch explore an alternative approach to dieting that promotes a healthy relationship with food and your body. Continue reading to learn how to practice intuitive eating.

How to Make Your Happiness a Priority as a Leader

Why should you make your happiness a priority? Why are leaders better when they’re happier on and off the job? The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership says that the best leaders are ones that prioritize happiness and positivity. Doing so will help you avoid stress, increase your energy, and maximize your effectiveness. Here are a few methods for prioritizing happiness and positivity.

The Negative Effects of Overworking: 3 Ways More Is Really Less

How much work is too much? Does multitasking increase productivity or lower it? Might you be addicted to technology just a little bit? In Do Nothing, radio journalist Celeste Headlee argues that, by trying to do too much, people are working less efficiently. This is because the human brain isn’t designed to multitask or work without rest. Also, the productivity culture has led to worse health outcomes and increased social isolation. Keep reading to understand the three negative effects of overworking that Headlee identifies.