Shortform Books

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson: Book Overview

When and how did our solar system form? Why is the universe fine-tuned for life? What do scientists know about the origin of life? Scientists have learned a ton about the universe and the Earth. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson covers the major discoveries and theories and points out what we still don’t know. Keep reading for an overview of this accessible guide to science and natural history, from the big bang to the arrival of hominids on Earth.

Why Exponential Innovation Is the Key to Success

What is exponential innovation? Why should every entrepreneur become an exponential innovator? Technology has caused products and industries to develop at an exponential rate, making old ways of innovating and competing obsolete. To achieve and maintain success today, Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler’s book Bold argues that entrepreneurs must adjust their mindset and embrace exponential innovation. Keep reading to learn how to succeed in the digital era.

Why Do Politicians Lie—Has Post-Truth Politics Taken Over?

Why do politicians lie? Why do we continue to support politicians, even when we know they’re lying? Research shows that Americans will continue to support their preferred political candidates even when they know those candidates lie. Since 2016, the term “post-truth politics” has come into regular use for just this reason. Read on to learn why politicians lie and why Americans tolerate it.

How to Create Your Own Reality: Transurfing in 2 Steps

Do you feel like you have no control over what happens in your life? Does it seem like life just happens to you? According to best-selling author Vadim Zeland, you feel like this because you’re not conscious of how your thoughts and emotions create your reality. Consciously choosing the way you think and feel allows you to control which version of reality you live in. Keep reading for Zeland’s two-step advice on how to create your own reality.

The 5 Second Rule: Procrastination’s Worst Enemy

Do you procrastinate often? How can the 5 Second Rule help you overcome procrastination? Procrastination is a terrible habit that’s hard to get rid of. Luckily, Mel Robbins’s book The 5 Second Rule teaches you how to overcome two types of procrastination: procrastinating on daily tasks and procrastinating on life changes. Keep reading to learn the 5 Second Rule’s procrastination techniques.

Making Things Happen by Scott Berkun: Book Overview

How to Have an Effective Strategic Discussion

Want an overview of Making Things Happen by Scott Berkun? What does a project manager do? In Making Things Happen by Scott Berkun, he explains what makes a good project leader and how you can better communicate with the people you work with if you find yourself in that role. In the book, Berkun answers the many questions you may have on leadership and project management. Read on for an overview of Making Things Happen by Scott Berkun.

Why Do People Hurt Others and Rationalize It?

Why do people hurt others? Why do people justify causing harm? While we can’t always understand why people hurt others, we can try to understand how they justify it. In Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson argue that we use self-justification to hurt others so we can preserve our reputation as being good and right. Continue reading to find out how excusing harm ultimately hurts ourselves, and how we can move past it.

Leveraged Buyouts: What Are They and How Do They Work?

What are leveraged buyouts? How do takeover companies profit from acquisitions financed with leverage? Leveraged buyouts were the hallmark of many notorious “corporate raiders” in the 1980s, who used them to practice so-called “hostile takeovers.” Takeover companies make fortunes with leveraged buyouts, but they carry significant social and financial costs. Keep reading to learn about leveraged buyouts, how they work, and their consequences.

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself Quotes by Joe Dispenza

Are you looking for Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself quotes by Joe Dispenza? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Joe Dispenza explains that unhappiness is the result of bad habits that make up our personality. He explains what makes us think and feel the way we do, how that affects the condition of our lives, and how to use this information to form a new, better version of ourselves. Below is a selection of passages with explanations.

How to Break Through Someone’s Emotional Walls

How do you break through someone’s emotional walls and open their mind to what you have to say? What are the three parts of the brain? According to psychiatrist Mark Goulston, most people aren’t receptive to outside ideas unless their emotional barriers are broken down. By addressing the emotional burden of the person you’re trying to connect with, you’ll help them clear their mind of immediate stress, which will make them receptive to your ideas. Here’s how to get through someone’s emotional barriers, which is the first step to connecting with anyone.