Shortform Books

Why Dieting Doesn’t Work in the Long Term

Do any diets actually work? Why does food- or calorie-restrictive dieting not work in the long term? According to Gin Stephens, the author of Fast. Feast. Repeat., dieting for weight loss doesn’t work in the long term. However, decades of contradictory advice about how and what to eat for weight loss has created immense confusion, a tangle that she calls “diet brain”: When you no longer have any clue how to eat “properly.” Here’s why dieting doesn’t work in the long term, according to Stephens.

Capitalist Values: Trust, Sympathy, and Commitment

What are the most important capitalist values? Are these values essential for a flourishing economy? In Development as Freedom, Amartya Sen says that a capitalist economy can help underdeveloped nations whose economies are struggling. He says the three core capitalist values—trust, sympathy, and commitment—are a big reason why Western economies are so successful. Here are the three capitalist values in detail and an argument that claims these principles shouldn’t be forced on non-capitalist societies.

Marketing Message: How to Appeal to Your Audience

Do you have a product that you’re proud of? How should you use a marketing message to sell that product to a certain audience? A marketing message conveys the benefits of your product to your target audience. William M. Luther gives great advice on how to deliver your marketing message effectively in The Marketing Plan. Continue reading to find out how to create and deliver your marketing message.

2 Effects of Childhood Trauma in the Short-Term

What are the major short-term effects of childhood trauma? How can trauma affect other areas of a child’s life? According to Oprah Winfrey and psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry in their book What Happened to You?, two of the most common short-term effects of childhood trauma are 1) an inability to love and be loved, and 2) an overactive stress response, which can lead to increased anxiety and difficulty concentrating. We’ll explore both in detail below.

What Does Organizational Culture Mean?

What does organizational culture mean? It is something the employees say or something they do? The title of the book, What You Do Is Who You Are, stresses that actions define a culture. Author Ben Horowitz explains how leaders shape organizational culture, and he offers insights into what culture is not. Keep reading to understand Horowitz’s definition of organizational culture.

An Overview of Scrum Roles and Responsibilities

What are the Scrum roles and responsibilities? How do the three roles work together to make an efficient team? In his book Scrum, Jeff Sutherland details the three roles within a Scrum team. The roles are product manager, Scrum coach, and developer. Here’s how the roles work together to create an efficient and flexible team.

Single Mother in Poverty: Stephanie Land’s Journey

How do single mothers in poverty provide for their children? How did Stephanie Land raise her child with almost no support from her ex-boyfriend? When Stephanie Land was in her early 20s, she met the father of her child, Jamie. He was emotionally abusive toward Land during her pregnancy, forcing her to be the sole breadwinner for herself and her child after leaving him. Learn more about Stephanie Land’s journey as a single mother in poverty, detailed in her book Maid.

Does Stress Cause Cancer? The Disturbing Answer

Does stress cause cancer? How can stress lead to growth of cancerous cells? In his book When the Body Says No, Dr. Gabor Maté explains that certain cancers result from hormonal changes, and hormones can be affected by stress. Therefore, chronic stress can cause a domino effect, eventually leading to the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Here’s a look at the link between stress and cancer.

3 Levels of Mastery: Robert Greene’s Path to Excellence

What’s the path to excellence? What are the different levels of mastery? In Mastery, Robert Greene argues that there is a clear path anyone can follow to achieve mastery, the highest level of creative excellence. He explains the three levels of mastery, and he argues that pursuing it yields a fulfilling life and great creative power. Keep reading to learn about these three levels of mastery.