Shortform Books

Jimmy Carter’s Humanitarian Work: Redeeming His Legacy?

Do you think of Jimmy Carter more as a president or as a humanitarian? What does he believe is the first step to improving human rights? Why was the Carter Center downgraded from its status as a charity recipient? Jimmy Carter isn’t remembered as a great president, but he’s come to be revered for his work as a humanitarian. Biographer Jonathan Alter writes about this man who, for decades, refused to let his advancing years slow him down. Keep reading to learn about Jimmy Carter’s humanitarian work that has made him a beloved figure all over the world.

Current US-China Relations as Seen From Each Perspective

How do the US and China view each other? Why have US-China relations soured in recent years? Hostility between the US and China has been growing for over a decade, eroding the wary but pragmatic relationship of years past. Australian diplomat and politician Kevin Rudd argues that this tenuous relationship is unraveling, and he provides an analysis of where relations stand now. Read on to understand current US-China relations from America’s and China’s perspective.

3 Effective Memorization Techniques to Recall Lists, Ideas, & More

Do you need to memorize information for school or work? Or, do you just wish you could remember people’s names and what’s on your shopping list? The Memory Book by Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas is a collection of strategies intended to teach anyone how to improve their memorization skills and recall nearly any kind of information. They provide three effective memorization techniques you can use to remember lists, abstract information, and more. Keep reading to learn three of the book’s techniques that you can put to work for you.

A History of Social Justice: How It Ended Up as Critical Theories

What’s the history of social justice ideology and approaches? How have the goals and methods changed over time? Past movements for equality used to fight for concrete issues. Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay contend that contemporary activists and scholars are now more concerned with policing language and culture, shutting down rational debate, and challenging the very foundations of liberal society. Read on to understand how this incredible transformation came about.

Stop Seeking External Validation! Here Are 3 Reasons Why

Do you feel validated by other people’s opinions of you? Why should you stop seeking external validation? It’s normal to want to try other people’s styles and hobbies if it makes you feel good. But what you shouldn’t do is adopt other people’s values. You need to come up with values on your own that reflect your desires in life. Here’s why seeking external validation will ultimately lead to an unhappy life.

The Origins of Psychology: From Plato to William James

What are the origins of psychology? Where did early ideas about consciousness come from? Psychology is the study of human thought and behavior, as well as the mental processes that underpin them. In its infant form, psychology dealt with the concept of human consciousness before experimentation and behavioral observation. Below we’ll explore that transition by discussing the history of basic psychology.

Competency Mapping Process: What It Is & How It Works

What is the competency mapping process? How should you organize your team by their skills and abilities? Employees need job titles and descriptions so they know where they fit in with the company. Competency mapping ensures that everything is running smoothly by matching specific skills with certain roles. Below we’ll discuss how the competency mapping process works, as described in The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni.

Work as Hard as You Possibly Can: Beyond Order Rule 7

Do you go in too many directions at once? What could you achieve if you focused on depth rather than breadth? Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life is Jordan B. Peterson’s practical guide to navigating the chaos of today’s world and living a life of excellence. It’s a sequel to 12 Rules for Life. Beyond Order Rule 7 is this: Work as hard as you possibly can on at least one thing and see what happens. Continue reading to learn more about the value of commitment, consistency, and single-mindedness.

How Psychedelic Research Is Safely Carried Out Today

How is psychedelic research conducted? Is testing psychedelics on human subjects safe? Research has to be done in order to understand the full effect of psychedelics on the brain. To make it as safe as possible, the John Hopkins Center has developed several guidelines to limit the risk to subjects. Discover how psychedelic research is conducted and the conclusions it’s drawn.

How to Be a Man in a Relationship: Stefan Aarnio’s 2 Tips

Are you failing to find the right person to be with? What’s the key to being a man in a relationship? In relationships, everyone has a role to play. Hard Times Create Strong Men by Stefan Aarnio discusses how to behave like a strong man in relationships so you and your partner can thrive. Here’s how to be a man in a relationship without losing yourself.