Shortform Books

4 Self-Sabotaging Habits You Should Watch Out For

Do you self-sabotage by engaging in behaviors you know are holding you back? What are some common self-sabotaging habits to watch out for? Many common behaviors that we tend to think of as natural and normal can actually be signs that we are self-sabotaging in order to undermine our success and happiness. Take some time to reflect on whether any of these rings true for you: 1) you worry habitually, 2) you tend to be critical of others, 3) you can’t accept compliments, 4) you often get sick following positive experiences. Here are four self-sabotaging habits to watch out for.

Brené Brown: The Need for Love and Belonging

How important is it for humans to feel love and belonging? What exactly is love? According to Brené Brown, love and belonging are essential to human well-being. Belonging is when you can truly be yourself, and the people around you love you for it. Love is a deep form of shared belonging. Keep reading to learn about the human need for love and belonging, according to Brené Brown.

John Rawls’ Principles of Justice: Pros and Cons

What are John Rawls’ principles of justice? How does his theory exercise fairness and give people free agency? The Rawlsian justice theory is described in Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen, who compares the relatively modern theory to utilitarianism and libertarianism. John Rawls’ theory proposes an emphasis on liberty to allow people to succeed or fail at their own will. Check out more on the pros and cons of Rawls’ principles of justice.

Amartya Sen: Poverty Is About More Than Just Income

What is poverty, according to Amartya Sen? How can we approach poverty as a social problem? In Development as Freedom, Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen argues that economic development is about more than increasing wealth—it must be about expanding freedom. Poverty shouldn’t be just about the amount of income you make; it’s also about the lack of rights you have. Learn more about this ethical approach by Amartya Sen, poverty as capability deprivation, and development as freedom.

Is the Appendix a Useless Organ?

Is the appendix useless? What is the purpose of the appendix? The appendix has a reputation of having no practical purpose in the body, but that’s not true. The appendix is a vital part of the digestive system; it kills bad bacteria and maintains good bacteria. Learn why the appendix isn’t so useless after all, according to scientist Giulia Enders.

How Schools Can Improve Students’ Confidence

What role do schools play in students’ self-esteem? What can educators do to help nurture their students’ confidence? Many parents are emotionally unable to teach their children the skills and beliefs necessary to achieve healthy self-esteem. Schools can rectify this gap and boost their students’ confidence—or, if they misstep, they can reinforce the harmful behaviors learned at home and further impair their students’ psychological development. Here’s how schools can help nurture children’s self-esteem.

How to Break Negative Thought Patterns

Do you often find yourself falling down the negative thinking spiral? How do you break the habit of negative thinking? Human beings are creatures of habit. Once you get into the habit of thinking a certain way, it sticks with you. The longer you practice the negative thinking habit—whether consciously or unconsciously—the harder it is to break. Here’s how to break negative thought patterns once and for all.

How Did the One-Child Policy Affect China?

What was China’s one-child policy? How did the one-child policy affect China? Between 1980 and 2016, China had a one-child policy designed to combat overpopulation by limiting families to having one child. The policy restricted women’s rights, caused higher child mortality rates, and led to more crime in the nation. Continue reading to learn more about the impact of China’s one-child policy, according to Amartya Sen in Development as Freedom.

Richard Koch: What Is the Key to Success?

What is the key to success? How do your ideas of what it takes to achieve success compromise your ability to do so? Many people believe success is a matter of luck, talent, or intelligence. While these things matter, the key to success lies in your mindset. According to Richard Koch, the author of The 80/20 Principle, there are three core beliefs you must internalize to embark on the path of success: 1) major improvements are always possible, 2) it’s your duty to enjoy life, and 3) time is abundant. Let’s examine the mindset shifts you must make to invite

The Importance of Self-Esteem in Education

What role does self-esteem play in modern education? Why is it important that educators put effort into building healthy self-esteem in their students? Developing self-esteem should be a major objective, not an afterthought. That’s the view of psychotherapist Nathaniel Branden. Since the aim of educational institutions is to provide students with the skills and qualities necessary for professional success, they must make building self-esteem—not compliance—their central focus. One way to do this is through the curriculum. Read about the importance of self-esteem in education and how schools can adjust their curricula to promote healthy self-esteem.