Shortform Books

How to Overcome Fear of Uncertainty and Step Into the Unknown

Why are we afraid of the unknown? How does your fear of uncertainty prevent you from growing and seizing opportunities that life presents? Changing your life sometimes requires a leap of faith. Maybe parts of your life are no longer fulfilling, or your current circumstances are no longer meeting your needs. To start down a different path, you have to overcome the fear of uncertainty and trust that everything will work out. Here’s why we’re so terrified of uncertainty and how you can empower yourself to step confidently into the unknown despite your fears.

Fred Koch: A Profile From Jane Mayer’s Book Dark Money

Who was Fred Koch? How did he make his money? How did he use it? According to Jane Mayer, the Koch brothers’ political beliefs were influenced heavily by those of their father, Fred Koch. She discusses his influence and legacy in her book Dark Money. Keep reading for Mayer’s synopsis of the financial and political life of Fred Koch.

How to Nurture a Healthy Self-Concept in Early Childhood

How can you help your child form a healthy self-concept in early childhood? Why is it important to challenge stereotypes? According to Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, the way you think about your children becomes the way they think about themselves. To foster a healthy self-concept in early childhood, they claim that you should challenge preconceived ideas, stereotypes, and labels about yourself and your children. Read on to learn how to help children form a positive self-concept in early childhood, according to Faber and Mazlish.

Why Is the Price of Eggs Going Up & Is Collusion to Blame?

Why is the price of eggs going up? Why do some believe collusion is to blame? When will egg prices come down? The average price of eggs jumped 60% last year—one of the largest percentage increases of any food or service in the U.S. Some allege that the price of eggs is going up due to collusion between large egg producers taking advantage of Americans’ durable love of eggs to extract profits as high as 40%. Keep reading to learn why the price of eggs is going up and if we will see it go down in the near future.

The Buddha and the Badass: Book Overview

What is The Buddha and the Badass by Vishen Lakhiani about? What are the main takeaways of the book? Most people push themselves to work long, grueling hours, thinking this is what’s needed to achieve professional success. In The Buddha and the Badass, Vishen Lakhiani sets the record straight: “Hustling” won’t make you or your business successful. Read below for a brief overview of The Buddha and the Badass.

A Baby’s Immune System: How Microbes Shape Immunity

When do babies develop an immune system? What factors influence the health of a baby’s immune system? According to Ed Yong, your immune system begins forming earlier than you may think—in fact, the health of a baby’s immune system is impacted during the process of birth. In I Contain Multitudes, he explains the role of microbes in the development of a baby’s immune system. Read on to learn more about how babies’ immune systems form, according to Yong.

Logic Tree Example & Steps: A Simple Problem-Solving Tool

What is a logic tree? How can it help you solve problems? How do you create one? Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving by Bigrocks Thinking shows you how to apply critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions more effectively. The authors recommend using a logic tree to find solutions to your problems and answers to your questions. Continue reading to see a logic tree example and learn the steps to create one for yourself.

Why the Dalai Lama Says Forgiveness Is Essential for Growth

What does the Dalai Lama say about forgiveness? Does forgiveness excuse horrible actions? In The Book of Joy, Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama claim forgiveness is essential for growing as a person. At the same time, they emphasize that forgiveness doesn’t automatically mean condoning harmful actions. Forgiving is simply choosing not to exact revenge. Let’s look at how we can choose to move forward thanks to the lessons of the Dalai Lama, forgiveness’ impact on us, and how you can break the cycle of suffering.

Fungi’s Body Structures: The Glue That Holds Fungi Together

What do we know about fungi’s body structures? How are fungi organized? Like every other living thing, fungi have internal organization—structures such as cells, roots, and organs that organize their matter. In Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake breaks down the body structure of fungi, from hyphae to mushrooms. Learn more about the organization of fungi below.

Daniel Pink: The Psychology of Regret

What is the psychology of regret? How is regret a process? In The Power of Regret, Daniel Pink explains that the process of regret involves three steps. These steps include telling a story about the past, inventing a new story about an alternative past, then comparing the two. Let’s learn more about the psychology of regret by analyzing its process.