Shortform Books

What Is Exaptation? Examples in Biology, Art, & Society

What is exaptation? How can it be applied in practical ways outside of biology? Exaptation is the use of a tool or trait in a context that’s different from the one it was originally intended for. In Where Good Ideas Come From, best-selling author and theorist Steven Johnson provides a few examples of exaptation and shows how it can lead to novel ideas outside of biology. Read more to learn about exaptations, particularly in the context of innovation.

Product Storytelling: Who Wants Your Product, and Why?

What’s the most important step when creating a product? How does a product’s story guide both the product and its marketing? Tony Fadell wrote a book called Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making. He says that the key to knowing what is actually worth making is in discovering your story. Your product story answers vital questions about your product, so it’s an indispensable step in the process. Read on to learn about product storytelling from Fadell, along with some related advice from Eric Ries, John Brooks, and Donald Miller.

How to Inspire Yourself: 3 Practical Tips for Internal Motivation

What do you do when your plans get disrupted? Do you tend to lose sight of your goals and your reasons for them? Like everyone, you need motivation and inspiration to set goals and achieve them. It’s great when others cheer you on and help clear your path of distractions. But, you can’t always count on others. You must develop internal motivation—finding ways to keep yourself going when the going gets tough. Read more to learn how to inspire yourself and keep moving onward and upward.

The Link Between Depression and Empathy in Leaders

How do depression and empathy go hand-in-hand? How do depressed leaders use empathy to solve crucial problems? According to A First-Rate Madness by Nassir Ghaemi, depression broadens a leader’s perspective and understanding by making them more empathetic. This is a trait that allows leaders to effectively navigate critical situations. Read more about depression’s influence on a leader’s emotional level, and how they can gain empathy out of mental illness.

Paramahansa Yogananda: Yoga’s Key Beliefs & Practices

What are the key beliefs and practices of yoga? Paramahansa Yogananda is said to be the pioneer of yoga in America, how does he explain these basic principles? According to Paramahansa Yogananda, yoga is a religious practice with numerous benefits, both physical and mental. Yogananda is known for bringing yoga to the West, and his memoir, Autobiography of a Yogi, delves into the basic principles of yoga, including kriya yoga. Read on to learn about the key beliefs and practices of yoga, according to Paramahansa Yogananda.

The AI Development Pause: A Good or Foolish Idea?

Why are some leaders calling for a pause in the development of powerful AI technologies? Is the AI development pause a good or bad idea? In March, over 1,000 tech and academic leaders called for a six-month pause in the development of powerful AI systems, citing potential societal harm from disinformation and infrastructure hacking. Some disagree, saying the change is already happening and we should focus on the benefits of AI. Read on to learn whether a pause in AI development is feasible or unrealistic, based on experts’ varied viewpoints.

The Best Do Hard Things Quotes by Steve Magness

What are the best Do Hard Things quotes by Steve Magness? What does it really mean to be tough in a critical world? Do Hard Things by Steve Magness debunks the “old-school” definition of toughness by replacing it with one that embraces self-improvement and building confidence. After reading his book, you’ll come away with a new perspective on what it means to have a thick skin. Keep reading for the best Do Hard Things quotes with explanations.

The Carbohydrate Breakdown Process—Explained

What happens in the body when we eat carbs? How do carbohydrates break down in our digestive system? Carbohydrates are our body’s most important energy source, providing the majority of daily calories for most people. When ingested, carbohydrates break down into glucose. Then, glucose enters cells throughout the body. Here’s a look at the carbohydrates breakdown process.

The Psychological Effects of Discrimination

How does discrimination affect self-esteem? How does being discriminated against based on superficial differences hurt one’s sense of self-worth? Discrimination places a spotlight on how minorities are different from the majority, overlooking those people’s talents, personalities, and achievements. As a result, minorities grow to value themselves and others less based on these differences. Keep reading to learn about the psychological effects of discrimination.

The 3 User-Friendly Design Components Technology Needs

What is a user-friendly design? What are the components of a human-centered design menu? User-friendly design is exactly what the name implies: it puts the user first. In Cliff Kuang and Robert Fabricant’s book User Friendly, they dive into the different requirements to make technology accessible and satisfying for consumers. Keep reading to learn more about the three components of user-friendly design.