Shortform Books

Thinking About Death: Why the Stoics Recommended It

Do you consider your mortality? Is thinking about death a good idea or a bad one? The Stoic philosophers thought it wise to think about death. They believed that considering life’s brevity has a way of getting us to focus on what matters most. In The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman share insights from the ancient Stoics like this that help us put things into perspective. Keep reading to learn more about this bit of Stoic wisdom, along with some analysis of their ideas.

Why Practicing Delayed Gratification Is Hard but Vital

What is delayed gratification? What are some ways to practice delaying gratification? Why does your brain thrive on instant gratification? Author Anna Lembke discusses practicing delayed gratification in her self-help book, Dopamine Nation. According to her, overindulgence is fueled by the pursuit of instant gratification, and learning how to delay gratification leads to a happier and more satisfying life. Keep reading to learn Lembke’s ways to practice delayed gratification by pursuing long-term rewards.

Bill Gates: How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

What is Bill Gates’s How to Avoid a Climate Disaster about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Bill Gates asserts that we need to find ways to produce more energy without emitting greenhouse gases and further warming Earth’s atmosphere. To this end, Gates uses his experience in the technology industry to highlight feasible technological innovations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and includes suggestions for their implementation. Below is a brief overview of How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates.

How to Get Your Point Across at Work & in Speeches

Are you wondering how to get your point across? Where should your communication skills shine? Whether it’s for public presentations or just a casual conversation, getting your point across can be nerve-wracking if you don’t know how to communicate. Luckily, Joel Schwartzberg’s book Get to the Point! has tips for maximizing your impact in various scenarios. Let’s look at the different scenarios where you need to learn how to get your point across.

Strongman Leaders: A Dangerous Trend We Shouldn’t Ignore

What does “strongman leader” mean? What makes citizens vote for them? And what does this mean for democracy? Strongman leaders are authoritarian leaders who mask their dictator-like actions behind a facade of democracy. From Russia’s Vladimir Putin to India’s Narendra Modi, these apparent autocrats have gained widespread appeal and are increasingly shaping global politics. Read on to learn more about strongman leaders, their characteristics, and why they pose a threat to freedom.

The Clitoral Network: Definition, History, & Anatomy

What is the clitoral network? Why do women achieve orgasms through clitoral stimulation? The clitoral network is spread throughout the female sexual region where nerves are most sensitive. This area is the key to women achieving orgasms. Learn more about the clitoral network from Ian Kerner’s book She Comes First.

3 Tips for College Students: Shape Your Own Experience

Should college students choose a career-oriented program or a major they enjoy more? What kind of mindset will help them succeed? In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz argues that college students can actively create a high-quality education for themselves. He recommends that they connect with inspiring professors, follow their interests, and expect and embrace failure. Continue reading to learn about these three tips for college students.

Ethical Issues in Information Technology: 3 Big Tech Secrets

What are the biggest ethical issues in information technology right now? What risks do they pose to society? According to author Shoshana Zuboff, Google and other tech giants have been able to mine user data with little regard for ethical data collection. She claims that there are three secret factors that have allowed big tech to carry on this way. Keep reading to find out the three ways information technology companies exploit users, according to Zuboff.

Should You Invest in Cryptocurrency? Consider These Risks

Should you invest in cryptocurrency in 2022? Which currencies are outperforming the others? What are the risks and benefits of investing? The cryptocurrency industry is large enough now that major investors take it seriously. But, before it becomes truly mainstream, it’ll need to address some basic problems that pose risks to the industry. Keep reading for an overview of the industry to help you decide if it’s worth investing in cryptocurrency.

Humility and Kindness: Following the Stoic Path to Wisdom

How does pride relate to suffering? Why should you be kind to others? In The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman explain that the Stoic philosophers advocated humility and kindness. The Stoics saw these qualities as a key to living wisely, which they believed was required for life’s ultimate goal—living virtuously. Continue reading to understand why the Stoics valued humility and kindness.