The World's Best Book Summaries
What does Robert Greene mean by anti-seduction? What qualities does Greene describe as anti-seductive? As the name suggests, anti-seduction is the opposite of seduction—it’s behavior that people find repellent or off-putting. In other words, anti-seduction is being what people call a “turn-off.” Keep reading to learn about the major qualities of anti-seducers, according to Robert Greene.
What’s open awareness? What is it good for? Does it have a downside? When your brain isn’t using selective attention—choosing where you direct your attention—it’s using open awareness. This is a passive, rather than deliberate, state of attention. Continue reading to learn more about open awareness, including its benefits and drawbacks.
How old is the planet? How do scientists estimate the age of the earth? What assumptions are part of the calculation? In the middle of the twentieth century, scientists developed a system to help them determine the age of rocks. This, along with an assumption about the formation of the solar system, allowed them to estimate the age of the Earth. Keep reading for an exposition of the Earth’s age.
When you’re making medical decisions, what do you consider? How do you evaluate your options? Medical decisions are some of the most important decisions you make. Neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin argues that you shouldn’t try to intuit such decisions because your brain just isn’t good at it. He recommends using a fourfold table to analyze the information you’re working with. Continue reading to learn how to use this process for informed decision-making in healthcare.
Is your mind overwhelmed by negativity? How can you stop negative self-talk and train yourself to think more positively? According to neuroscientist and psychologist Ethan Kross, we can’t stop negative self-talk completely, but we can quiet it and therefore reduce its power over us. In his book Chatter, he shares five research-based strategies for challenging negative self-talk. Here’s how we can prevent our negative self-talk from interfering with our success, happiness, and health.
What are some myths about abuse? Is domestic abuse intentional or are abusers victims as well? Domestic abuse is a serious issue that many people don’t know they’re a victim of. In Why Does He Do That?, Lundy Bancroft dispels common misconceptions about abuse that people should be aware of. Continue reading to learn the myths people believe about domestic abuse and why they’re not real.
What is neuroplasticity and how does it work? What processes drive neuroplastic change within the brain? In simple terms, neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to rewire itself. Your brain is your processing center, and your brain’s structure and processes can change based on external or internal triggers to improve your brain’s performance and efficiency. Keep reading to learn about the concept of neuroplasticity, how it works, and how it came about.
What is the center point of the human connection? What do all humans have in common? In Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff says that engaging in self-compassion means being aware that the pain you feel is the same pain others feel during hard times. Recognizing suffering as a connection point bonds you to all human beings. Keep reading to learn what connects human beings on a grounded level.
Are you overwhelmed at work? Do you find it difficult to keep up with everything on your to-do list? Do you often find yourself working to the point of burnout? While working hard is essential, it’s also important to find the proper balance between work and rest. In other words, you should work hard—but not to the point of exhaustion. With this in mind, here are some strategies to help you adjust your workload without compromising performance.
What is fear appeal advertising? Is it an effective advertising technique? In Ca$hvertising, Drew Whitman offers insider tricks on how to craft the most compelling, money-generating ads for your business. He argues that most advertisers don’t recognize that their ads must address core human needs, including avoiding fear or threats, to gain the attention of consumers. Keep reading to learn why a fear appeal in advertising is effective, according to Whitman.