Shortform Books

The Cost of Capital: 3 Factors That Influence Capital Lending

How is the cost of capital determined? What impacts capital lending markets? One of a business’s costs is its capital, which it usually borrows from capital lenders. This lending happens in a competitive market. In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith discusses three factors that influence that market: risk to the investor, profit on capital, and changes in supply chains. Continue reading to learn how the markets determine the cost of capital, according to Smith.

What Is the GROW Model in Coaching & How Do You Use It?

What is the GROW model in coaching? When should you use it? What are the four stages of the GROW model? The GROW model in coaching was developed by Sir John Whitmore and his colleagues as a way to help employees set goals, maximize their potential, and improve performance. The GROW model has four stages and focuses on having the employee take ownership of their work to improve self-reliance. Read on to learn more about the GROW model in coaching and how to use it, according to Whitmore.

Nelson Mandela’s Educational Background: Tenacity 101

What was Nelson Mandela’s educational background? Why did it take him so long to complete his education? Nelson Mandela’s formal education was over 40 years in the making. When he was a young Black man in segregated South Africa, he enjoyed the rare opportunity to attend university and law school. However, his journey got derailed a couple of times. Keep reading to learn about Nelson Mandela’s educational background.

Are Humans Selfish by Nature? Yes, But We Can Change

Where do self-serving behaviors come from? Are humans selfish by nature? Many people believe that humans are hardwired to be selfish, and there’s scientific evidence to back that up. But just because we’re born with an innate desire to serve ourselves, that doesn’t mean we have to live a completely selfish life. Keep reading to learn where selfishness comes from and how we can rise from it.

How to Get Into a Flow State: Steven Kotler’s 4 Steps

Want to know how to get into a flow state? What does Steven Kotler recommend? What are the stages of flow? According to journalist Steven Kotler, you can’t enter a flow state, or a state of deep focus, on command. In his book The Rise of Superman, he explains how to get into a flow state, based on following the four stages of flow. Read on to learn how to get into a flow state, according to Kotler’s advice.

Why Emotional Intelligence Is Missing in Most Relationships

Why is there a lack of emotional intelligence in relationships? What is Romanticism and how does it affect relationships? According to The School of Life, emotional intelligence is missing in most modern relationships because we’ve developed an unhealthy view of love and marriage. The authors argue that, rather than focusing on emotional intelligence, most relationships focus on Romanticism, which is unrealistic and unhealthy. Read on to learn more about the lack of emotional intelligence in relationships, according to the authors.

The 4 Worst Problems With the Criminal Justice System

What are the main problems with the criminal justice system? How can we fix our understanding of justice? The criminal justice system is far from perfect, but we can help get it there. Bryan Stevenson’s book Just Mercy highlights the institutions that have corrupted how we view justice and offers solutions to guide us in the right direction. Continue reading to learn more about these problems and how we can fix them.

Sadhguru: Inner Engineering (Book Overview)

What is Sadhguru’s Inner Engineering about? What’s the key message to take away from the book? In Inner Engineering, renowned yogi Sadhguru provides readers with an introduction to the science of yoga and its transformative powers. Yoga, he explains, is not an exercise, nor a belief system—it’s a technology for managing your body, mind, and energy in a way that creates optimal conditions for your life. Below is a brief overview of Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy by Sadhguru.

The Subversion of Expectation: The Source of a Story’s Energy

What is the subversion of expectation? How does it keep a story going? How does it impact the audience? One of the main ingredients in a story is the subversion of expectation. This element is extremely important. Robert McKee maintains that it’s the source of all energy in a story. Read more to understand what subverting expectations means and how to do it in a story.

2 Factors That Influence the Cost of Labor (Adam Smith)

How are wages set? Why does geography affect the cost of labor more than the cost of goods? The natural price of a good changes in accordance with changes in any of the costs of production. In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith identifies labor as one of these costs. He discusses how supply and demand, as well as the living conditions of workers, influence the cost of labor. Continue reading to understand how the cost of labor operates in an economy.