Shortform Books

Mark Goulston: Listen to Understand, Not to Respond

What does it mean to “listen to understand”? How do you suppress the tendency to come up with a reply, and instead, channel your energy to really understand what someone is saying? As a popular adage goes, we should listen to understand, not to respond. However, most of us do the opposite: Instead of attempting to really understand the deeper meaning behind words, we try to come up with a response. With this in mind, here’s how to listen to understand, according to psychiatrist Mark Goulston.

The Art of Seduction: The 18 Types of Victims

What are the 18 types of victims in The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene? What seductive strategies work on each type? In The Art of Seduction, Robert Greene defines 18 different types of victims based on his “victim theory.” The foundation of this theory, according to Greene, is to understand that everyone is lacking something and figure out how to give it to them. We’ve condensed Greene’s 18 different victim types by categorizing them according to the weaknesses, deficiencies, or qualities that can be manipulated.

The Interior Parts of Earth: What’s Down Below the Surface?

How much do we know about the interior parts of Earth? What are the current theories? Contrary to what you’ll see in sci-fi movies, nobody’s been to the center of the Earth. We can dig only so deep. So, scientists have to resort to some indirect ways of determining what’s far below the Earth’s surface. Continue reading to learn what scientists believe and why.

7 Writing Tips for Beginners With Little to No Experience

Do you want to improve your writing? What are some helpful writing tips for beginners? For new writers, the art of writing can be a tough one to master. It requires patience and perseverance, but luckily it’s a learned skill for anyone. If you’re looking to get into writing as a hobby or career, here are some tips that can help you out.

Norman Doidge: Neuroplasticity and Its Healing Power

Can neuroplasticity heal brain damage? To what extent, can the brain naturally recover lost functions? According to psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, neuroplasticity means we can change our brains to suit our needs. This has resulted in huge developments in neuroscience that have helped many people recover motor, sensory, and cognitive functions they had lost. Let’s look at some instances of neuroplasticity’s healing power.

The 3 Benefits of Self-Compassion to Transform Your Life

What are the benefits of self-compassion? How can self-love combat depression and anxiety? Self-compassion is a beneficial practice that fosters growth and many rewards. In Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff claims there are three main benefits of self-compassion that humans can take advantage of. Continue reading to learn why self-compassion can improve motivation, self-worth, and mental health.

The Benefits of Saving Money (+Tips for Saving)

Do you regularly put money aside in a savings account? Why is it important to save money? We’re taught from a young age that saving money is important, but many people don’t have savings because they can’t resist the temptation to spend. This can be dangerous because emergencies can strike anytime. Furthermore, saving money is instrumental in building wealth. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of saving money and what you should do with your savings.

How to Write Advertising Copy: The 4 Basics to Know First

Want to know how to write advertising copy? If you’re just starting out, what are the most important things to know? In his book Ca$hvertising, Drew Whitman presents a variety of his best techniques for creating money-making ads. According to him, there are four basic aspects to writing advertising copy that every writer should know how to do. Read on to learn how to write advertising copy, according to Whitman’s four basic techniques.

The 4 Best Study Methods for Academic Success

What are the best study methods? How can you get the most out of your education? In The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need, Jade Bowler discusses four main study methods that will help you maximize your learning in as little time as possible. These strategies include flashcards, memory testing, creating connections, and taking practice exams. Here are the best study methods that your brain will approve of.

The Mind of an Abuser: 3 Harmful Ways Abusers Think

What is it like inside the mind of an abuser? Why do abusers behave the way they do? In Why Does He Do That?, Lundy Bancroft examines the logic behind abusive thinking. He claims abusers feel comfortable engaging in hurtful and immoral behavior for their own benefit. Below we’ll look at three characteristics of abusers in detail.