Shortform Books

Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury: His Duties

How did Alexander Hamilton become Secretary of the Treasury? What were the major changes he made during his time in the role? According to Ron Chernow’s biography Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury was one of the biggest roles to fill after the Constitution was ratified. President George Washington appointed Hamilton as the first person to fulfill this duty and changed the course of the US economy. Find out how Hamilton changed the US economy by imposing new taxes, which led to criticisms from other politicians.

Why Your Cognitive Control Network Is Failing at Its Job

How strong is the cognitive control network? Why is it easy for humans to fall for interference? The cognitive control network guides us to achieve our goals in life. But it does have its limits, which is why humans get distracted so easily and sometimes can’t fulfill those goals. Continue reading to learn how your cognitive control network might be failing you.

“Blue Mind” Meaning: The Mental State That Water Creates

What does “Blue Mind” mean? How is it different from “Red Mind”? What contributes to these mental states? When you feel serene sitting at the beach, watching the waves, you’re likely experiencing Blue Mind. In his book Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols argues that water has a profound impact on our well-being and health because it induces a calming, meditative state, which he calls the Blue Mind state. Read more to understand Blue Mind’s meaning and why such a phenomenon exists.

How to Manage Money Wisely: 3 Tips to Improve Finances

Are your finances out of order? How can you manage money wisely? We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers says that taking responsibility for your finances is crucial for being confident with your spending habits. Without any organization, you’ll never be able to reach your financial goals. Continue reading to learn how to manage money wisely.

How to Be Persistent (Without Crossing the Line)

When does persistence go too far and become harassment? How might you be persistent in an appropriate and measured way? Alex Banayan wrote his book The Third Door to share what he learned from interviewing several wildly successful people about their paths toward getting ahead in life. In the process of writing it, he found that persistence (even his own) was important—and that it’s possible to take it too far. Read more to learn how to be persistent without crossing the line, with advice that Banayan learned from inventor Dean Kamen and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.

The Top 5 Bad Leadership Qualities: Avoid Doing These Things

What are bad leadership qualities that can ruin your business? What is the common theme in these toxic behaviors that destroy a leader’s potential? Bill George’s book Discover Your True North claims it’s important that you identify your core purpose and ethics to become an effective and resilient leader. To illustrate the importance of having these guiding principles, George identifies the five qualities that commonly cause leaders to stray from their core purpose and ethics. Keep reading to learn why these bad leadership qualities are a leader’s worst nightmare.

What Philip Arthur Fisher Taught Warren Buffett About Investing

A manager trying to solve workplace issues with employees

Beyond its financial statements, what indicates a company’s health? How can you evaluate the subjective qualities of a company? If you learn investing from Warren Buffett, you indirectly learn a vital principle from Philip Arthur Fisher. Fisher taught that, when you consider whether to invest in a company, you must look beyond its quantitative factors; you must also assess its qualitative factors such as its potential and management. Keep reading to discover what Warren Buffett learned from Philip Arthur Fisher.

How to Control Costs as You Grow: Advice From an Economist

What causes runaway costs? How can you keep your costs from spiraling out of control as your business scales? Managing costs is vital as your organization grows. When scaling up, you can take certain precautions to stay on top of overhead costs and per-unit expenses and keep them at a level that allows for sustained profitability. Continue reading for tips from economist and professor John A. List on how to control costs over time.

Can Election Reform Be a Pathway Out of Political Polarization?

Is there a connection between political polarization and the way America elects its officials? If so, what should be done about it? Progressive journalist, political commentator, and podcaster Ezra Klein says that, if done right, election reform can break up the push toward growing polarization. He proposes the replacement of the Electoral College by a direct popular vote for the presidency as well as the creation of multi-member districts. Keep reading to understand both of these proposals and what Klein hopes they’ll accomplish.

Your Path to Success Might Not Be the Traditional One

Is a low-risk path the right one for you? Would you take more risk if you had less to lose? Many people follow the traditional path to success—slowly ascending from one secure job to a slightly better-paying one. However, as recorded in Tribe of Mentors, some of Tim Ferriss’s experts note that constricting yourself to this path might keep you from building a career you’re passionate about. Continue reading for some advice that can help you figure out your path to success.