Shortform Books

Max Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

What’s “the Protestant ethic”? How did it give rise to modern capitalism? In The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Max Weber contends that the Protestants’ way of life laid the seeds for capitalism to emerge as a full-fledged economic system. His argument in The Protestant Ethic is considered a classic and is often compared to Karl Marx’s writings on the economic origins of capitalism. Keep reading for an overview of Weber’s argument presented in the book.

The Last Supper Artwork: History and Symbolism

What is Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” artwork about? What is the history behind the piece? “The Last Supper” mural by Leonardo da Vinci took three years to paint, but its precision to detail and artistry made the years worth it. The painting is also iconic for its narrative that depicts Jesus’s prediction that one of his apostles will betray him. Read below for a history of “The Last Supper” artwork by Leonardo da Vinci, as read in Walter Isaacson’s biography of the artist.

High Stress Levels Are Killing You + How to Relax ASAP

What are the effects of high stress levels? How does chronic stress affect your health? How can you reduce high stress levels? Nicole LePera, who wrote the self-help book How to Do the Work, claims that feeling emotional distress as a child trained your subconscious mind to categorize many safe situations as threatening. She says that a consequence of experiencing these situations is suffering from high stress levels as an adult. Keep reading to learn the effects of high stress levels, including a calming technique, according to LePera.

Adaptation to the Changing Environment Is Crucial Now

How important is adaptation to the changing environment? Can we still prevent climate change? According to experts, it’s too late to reverse the effects of climate change. All we can do is try to keep things from getting worse and adjust to our new normal with adaptations like green technology, updated building codes, and better infrastructure. Keep reading to find out why adaptation to the changing environment is more important now than ever.

Is Inflation Good? It Depends Who You Ask

Is inflation good? Who is it bad for? what are the possible benefits? Economists disagree on whether or not inflation is a good thing. Some point out that it makes debt manageable, keeps housing prices in check, and allows the Federal Reserve to regulate interest rates. But others worry that it erodes purchasing power more than increased wages can support. Keep reading to find it if inflation could, in fact, personally benefit you.

Why Practicing Self-Compassion Prevents Burnout

Why is practicing self-compassion important? How does being kind to yourself improve your mental health? In Burnout, Emily and Amelia Nagoski say that practicing self-compassion can help women ignore what the patriarchy wants them to be. To limit self-criticism, you need to befriend your manic inner voice. Keep reading for the authors’ advice on avoiding burnout with self-compassion.

Adam Grant: The Power of Rethinking

What does Adam Grant mean by “rethinking” or “thinking again”? Why is it so important to regularly rethink your beliefs, goals, and ideas? According to Adam Grant, rethinking is the ability to question, investigate, and analyze your opinions and beliefs. Grant says that rethinking is a crucial skill that you can apply to many aspects of your life. Here’s why rethinking is so important, why most people don’t do it, and how you can engage in it.

How Satya Nadella Changed Microsoft’s Culture in 4 Steps

What was Microsoft’s corporate culture like when Satya Nadella became CEO? Specifically, what did he do to improve it? When Satya Nadella took over as CEO of Microsoft in 2014, he believed that the company had lost its soul and was no longer representative of its original core values. He adopted a four-tiered approach to rejuvenate that soul. Keep reading to learn how Satya Nadella changed Microsoft’s culture.

Is There a Worker Shortage? (Why It May Be a Myth)

Why is there a worker shortage? Is the news exaggerating the shortage? The news surrounding the global worker shortage shows that demand is currently rising for goods and services, but many people who lost jobs during the pandemic are no longer seeking them. Because of the unique nature of this downturn in employment, there are many factors that might be holding people back from work. Read on to learn why there is a worker shortage and why it could also just be a media myth.

Your Subconscious Brain: How It Helps and Hurts

What is the role of your subconscious brain? What’s the connection to your childhood? Does it help to keep you safe? In How to Do the Work, holistic psychologist and bestselling author Nicole LePera discusses the role of your subconscious brain and its connection to behaviors you learned in childhood. According to her, while it’s meant to keep you safe, your subconscious can also lead to self-destructive behaviors. Read on for LePera’s explanation of your subconscious brain and how it can both protect and harm you.