Shortform Books

Technology and Human Values: How to Make the Connection

Is there a connection between technology and human values? How can we design technology to better reflect society’s values? For the most part, User Friendly by Cliff Kuang and Robert Fabricant argues that technology has driven us away from basic human values. However, they believe that technology can be reprogrammed to better fit into people’s lives and help society improve. Continue reading for more on how we can insert human values into our gadgets.

The Light We Carry: Book Overview (Michelle Obama)

What is Michelle Obama’s book The Light We Carry about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In her book The Light We Carry, former US First Lady Michelle Obama explains that everyone has the potential to improve the world in a way others can’t since everyone has unique abilities, strengths, and perspectives. Since our potentials are unique, Obama believes we have a responsibility to fulfill them. Below is a brief overview of The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama.

Why the Cybersecurity Industry Is Short by 700,000 Workers

What’s behind the cybersecurity industry worker shortage? Why is it a problem? What can be done to fix it? In the second quarter of 2022, fifty-two million data breaches occurred globally. But at a time when the cybersecurity industry has its hands full, it also finds them tied: More than 700,000 cybersecurity positions are unfilled across the US and by 2025, there will be enough vacant jobs to fill 50 NFL stadiums. Below, we’ll examine why there’s a cybersecurity industry worker shortage and what can be done about it.

Napoleon Hill: How to Define Your Goal

Do you have a goal in life? What are some things you should consider when defining a goal to strive towards? Most people would agree that it’s important to have goals in life to work toward. In practice, however, many people don’t know how to set goals that are both meaningful and realistic. Self-help author Napoleon Hill explains how to define your goal.

How to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes: 4 Helpful Tips

Do you often get hungry soon after eating? Do you feel tired and out of sorts throughout the day? If your answer is yes, you may be experiencing glucose spikes. Luckily, the solution to this problem is simple, and you don’t have to give up anything you like to eat. According to biochemist Jessie Inchauspé, you can prevent glucose spikes and ensuing tiredness by simply changing how you eat your food. Here are some tips on how to prevent blood sugar spikes so you don’t crash in the middle of the day.

Signs of Lying: How to Spot Potential Deception

What are the telltale signs of lying? What signs should look out for to confirm your suspicions that a person isn’t being truthful? Deception is a complex psychological process, and no behavioral cue can tell you with certainty that someone is lying. However, as a general rule of thumb, when someone is trying to deceive you, they’ll exhibit insecure body language. Keep reading to learn how to spot potential deception, according to former FBI agent Joe Navarro.

Steven Johnson: 7 Innovation Goldmines Where Ideas Are Found

What drives innovation? Where do new, groundbreaking ideas come from? According to best-selling author and theorist Steven Johnson, innovation happens when we seek out new ideas and cultivate environments in which fresh ideas can emerge and grow. In Where Good Ideas Come From, he explains the various avenues you should explore to come up with the best ideas. Read more to learn about the seven goldmines of innovation that Johnson discusses.

The 4 Components of an Effective Team: A Surprising Combination

Who understands what the customer wants? Who can help you mitigate business risks? Who holds the CEO accountable? Entrepreneur Tony Fadell shares his tips for creating a successful product-based business and building a great team. He contends that there are four components of an effective team, and they might not be what you think. Continue reading to learn Fadell’s surprising yet sensible advice.

The Fourth Turning Predictions: Were Strauss & Howe Right?

Does history follow a pattern? If so, can we make solid predictions about the future? In The Fourth Turning, historian William Strauss and consultant Neil Howe explain how Anglo-American history follows a pattern of four 15- to 25-year periods, called Turnings. They wrote during a Third Turning, and they made predictions about the Fourth. Keep reading to learn the Fourth Turning predictions they made and how accurate they turned out to be.

Poor Decision-Making: Why Mental Illness Isn’t to Blame

Is poor decision-making a result of mental illness? Why is good mental health bad during a crisis? You may think we got it backward, but we didn’t—mental illness can be good to have during a bad situation, and good mental health is not. That is, at least for influential leaders who are under a lot of pressure. Find out why poor decision-making, mental illness, and crises aren’t all directly connected.