Shortform Books

The Great Mental Models Volume 3: Book Overview

Would you like to sharpen your thinking and decision-making? What practical lessons can you learn from models such as critical mass, algorithms, and randomness? The Great Mental Models Volume 3: Systems and Mathematics is the third in a series of books designed to improve your thinking by giving you a set of models that you can use to better understand the world. The premise of the series is that the world operates according to specific rules and patterns (“models”) that occur again and again in many different contexts. Volume 3 draws its models from systems science and mathematics—fields rich in

Why a Regenerative Economy Is the Future

Is economic progress destroying the planet? How does the focus on economic growth deplete the planet’s resources? Most economies are inherently extractive and wasteful. If we continue at this rate, it’s only a matter of time until we reach a point of no return. To prevent this from happening, we need a top-to-bottom redesign of our global economic order: away from an extractive economy and toward a regenerative economy. Here’s why an economic revolution is in order, according to Kate Raworth.

What Is the Purpose of War? Carl von Clausewitz’s View

What is the purpose of war? Can political objectives be achieved without resorting to war? According to Prussian general and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz, the purpose of war is to achieve a political outcome, but war is often misused. Politicians often start wars that achieve the opposite of what they wanted to achieve. Keep reading to learn about the main purpose of war, according to Clausewitz.

What Is the New Thought Movement?

What is the New Thought movement? What are the main beliefs? Is the movement still alive today? If you’ve read a self-help book, most likely you’ve been exposed to ideas from the New Thought movement. The 19th-century spiritual movement has even found its way into the secular literature of the 21st century—with tenets such as positive thinking and the law of attraction. Read more for an introduction to the New Thought movement and its ideas.

The Pros and Cons of Buying a House: Is It for You?

Should you buy a house? What are the advantages? Are there disadvantages? Even if purchasing a home is within your budget, that doesn’t mean you should necessarily do it. If you choose to rent rather than own, investing the money you save by renting might even be a better investment than owning a home. In The Wealthy Barber, David Chilton writes that home ownership has its advantages and disadvantages. Keep reading for Chilton’s discussion of the pros and cons of buying a house.

Duflo and Banerjee: Poverty and Healthcare Access

Do poor countries have access to healthcare? What obstacles do the poor face in accessing healthcare? Many affordable and effective healthcare resources are available to the poor, yet they don’t use them as much as they should. According to Duflo and Banerjee, the authors of Poor Economics, there are four factors affecting the poor’s approach to their healthcare. Here’s a look at poverty and healthcare access.

How to Make Positive Changes in Your Life in 3 Steps

What’s the secret to making a positive change in your life? What changes will make your life better? In The Alter Ego Effect, Todd Herman recommends making behavioral and mental changes in a particular realm of your life. These changes will help you become the best version of yourself. Learn more about how to make positive changes in your life by following three easy steps.

How Social Media Filters Create Toxic Beauty Standards

Do you use social media filters? Did you know that these filters can actually do more harm than good? Almost every social media platform has a filter, whether it be Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok. While they can be fun, they can also promote an unhealthy and narrowing idea of what beauty should look like. To understand the controversy behind filters on social media, we’ll look at the history of selfie culture and how the Kardashians have made filters acceptable on social media. Then we’ll delve into the damaging effects of these unattainable beauty standards.

Always Trust Your Instincts—You Know Yourself Best

Why is it so important to always trust your instincts? What happens if you don’t listen to your instincts? The tendency to look to others for validation has diminished your ability to tap into your intuition and trust your decisions. Author Glennon Doyle explains how you can learn to always trust your instincts through quiet reflection. Read on to find out why trusting your gut feeling is crucial for happiness and learn to recover your capacity for believing your instincts.

How to Track Progress (& Why It’s Important for Artists)

Why should artists track their progress? What is the best way to track your work’s progress? In Show Your Work!, Austin Kleon says that documenting and tracking your progress can help you study your methods and enhance your skills. To document the creative process, you can use a smartphone or any other recording device for filming. Keep reading below to learn how to track progress and why it’s essential for artists.