Shortform Books

Death Is a Natural Part of Life—And That’s a Happy Thought

Death is a natural part of life—how can this thought help you to be happier today? How can you learn to be comfortable with the idea of death? While death is a natural part of life, most of modern society is uncomfortable with the idea of death and even more uncomfortable with discussions of dying. Author Derren Brown says that by embracing mortality, we can defeat our fear of death and live happier lives in the present. Read on to learn how to be more comfortable with the idea that death is a natural part of life, according to Brown.

The Root Causes of Self-Sabotage: Stop Doing These Things

What is the root cause of self-sabotage? What is the first step in overcoming self-sabotage? In The Mountain Is You, Brianna Wiest clarifies that there is not one universal root cause of self-sabotage. Rather, it’s everything you want to change in your life. Below you’ll learn how to find the root causes of self-sabotage so you can live your best life.

Decision-Making in Organizations: Seek Advice, Not Consensus

Who should hold the decision-making power in an organization? What’s the trend in this arena? Some emerging organizations operate from a new set of rules that veer away from hierarchical structures based on power and achievement. The most counterintuitive aspect of these visionary organizations is their approach to making decisions. Continue reading to learn about this revolutionary approach to decision-making in organizations.

What to Know About OPEC+’s Oil Price Increase

Why is there going to be an oil price increase? What effect will this have on you and the economy overall? OPEC+, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, recently announced plans to cut global oil production. With this announcement comes concerns about oil price increases and how this will impact gas prices for consumers as well as the U.S. economy overall. Keep reading to learn about the impending oil price increase, including possible energy solutions we should consider.

The Lizard Brain Myth—Debunked by Science

What is the lizard brain myth? Why have scientists debunked this myth? There’s a neuroscience myth that claims a small part of the brain functions entirely on instinct, like a lizard’s. However, Lisa Feldman Barrett’s book Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain debunks this theory, saying our brains are different than other animals’ brains. Continue reading to learn why the lizard brain myth isn’t true.

Uplift Suasion: You Can’t Persuade Away Racism

What is “uplift suasion”? What is the problem with trying to challenge racism by way of persuasion? Uplift suasion is a way of addressing racism that is premised on disproving the stereotypes associated with Black people. Although uplift suasion is meant to combat racism, it does precisely the opposite: it perpetuates racist ideas by imposing the white standard. Here’s why the logic behind uplift suasion is inherently racist, according to Ibram X. Kendi.

Stoicism on Anger: Why It’s the Most Destructive Emotion

What are the opinions of Stoicism on anger? Why is anger the most destructive emotion? How can you manage your anger better? On anger, Stoicism claims it is the single most destructive emotion to happiness. According to author Derren Brown, whose book Happy explored the ancient Greek philosophy of obtaining true happiness, anger is one of the three major obstacles to living a well-balanced and fulfilling life. Read on to learn how Stoicism explains anger and strategies to defuse it, according to Brown’s book.

How to Develop Self-Regulation Skills: The Best 2 Strategies

What are self-regulation skills? Why are these skills important in life? Self-regulation is the ability to manage and understand your emotions so you react to things in a better way. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest explains how self-regulation skills come a long way when it comes to overcoming self-sabotaging behavior. Continue reading to learn why you need self-regulation skills in life.

Attractive Qualities in a Person That Friends Love

What are attractive qualities in a person? Why do people who want friends look for these qualities? Just like with romantic relationships, people are attracted to certain qualities they look for in friends. Jack Schafer and Marvin Karlins’s book The Like Switch provide a list of qualities you can inherit that people will find attractive. To get a better sense of these attractive qualities in a person, keep reading.

Reducing Errors in the Workplace: The 3 Golden Rules

What are the best ways to plan for reducing errors in the workplace? What do experts recommend? The Mythical Man-Month by Frederick P. Brooks offers guidance to managers leading large teams, especially teams coordinating detail-oriented projects with lots of moving parts. In the book, Brooks explains how to manage the inevitable errors that arise from managing teams performing complex tasks. Keep reading to learn Brooks’s three rules for reducing errors in the workplace.