Shortform Books

Niten Ichi-ryū: Miyamoto Musashi’s Sword Style

What does Miyamoto Musashi teach in The Book of Water? In what ways should a samurai be like water? In The Book of Five Rings, legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi says that a samurai must learn to be like water. He teaches three fundamental components that a warrior must master if he wants to learn his famous sword style Niten Ichi-ryū: 1) don’t memorize, absorb, 2) train both body and mind, and 3) master yourself first. Let’s take a look at each in detail.

What Is Hawking Radiation? So Far, Just a Theory

What is Hawking radiation? Can black holes emit heat? Stephen Hawking published his theoretical prediction that radiation would be produced at the event horizon of a black hole in 1974, the same year he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society. “Hawking radiation” was named after him, since it was regarded as his theoretical discovery. Continue reading to learn about this theory.

How the Universe Began: Evidence for the Big Bang

How did the universe begin? What’s the evidence for the big bang? In the twentieth century, new scientific discoveries challenged the theory that the universe had always existed. Based on these discoveries, the “big bang” theory ultimately replaced the old model. In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking discusses the theory, the evidence for it, and its philosophical and theological implications. Keep reading for Hawking’s discussion of how the universe began.

Ryder Carroll: The Bullet Journal Method

Do you want to start a bullet journal but don’t know where to begin? What types of pages should you create, and how often should you write? In his book The Bullet Journal Method, Ryder Carroll tells you how to create, maintain, and review your bullet journal. He also provides suggestions on what bullet system to use and how to index. Here are the basics of Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal Method.

The Book of Fire: Miyamoto Musashi’s Fighting Guide

What is Miyamoto Musashi’s Book of Fire chapter about? What advice does Musashi give to samurai warriors in training? In The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, the Book of Fire chapter teaches samurai warriors how to apply the teachings of the previous two chapters (the Ground Book and the Water Book). Specifically, Musashi teaches three key principles that are necessary for facing enemies in combat. Let’s take a look at how each of these principles works in practice.

Embrace Your Imperfections With Bullet Journaling

Do you hold yourself to unrealistic expectations? Do you beat yourself up when you can’t reach your goals? To combat self-loathing, you must embrace your imperfections. One method to do that is through Bullet Journaling. Bullet Journaling can help you reflect on the progress you’ve made and to set new, realistic goals for self-improvement. Here’s how Bullet Journaling can help you embrace your imperfections.

Black Hole Thermodynamics & the Question of Entropy

Are black holes consistent with the second law of thermodynamics? Do they have entropy? For a time, scientists thought black holes had no entropy because they didn’t emit radiation. However, Stephen Hawking realized that, if black holes emit Hawking radiation, then they have a measurable temperature, and so their entropy can also be measured. Read more to learn about black hole thermodynamics.

What Is Quality Information—and How Can You Find It?

What is quality information? How can you be more intentional about the quality of the information you consume? We’re bombarded with information and stimuli. The information you allow into your brain impacts your creativity and, ultimately, your productivity. You can increase the quality of information you take in by asking yourself five particular questions before you consume any information. Read more to learn how to find higher-quality information.

Einstein’s Theory of Time—Explained by Hawking

What’s Einstein’s theory of time? What’s the difference between special relativity and general relativity? Einstein’s theory of time encompasses his theories of special relativity and general relativity. In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking aims to explain this to a general audience. He discusses why time is relative as well as the implications of this relativity. Keep reading for Hawking’s insights.

Bullet Journal Reflection: Put Your Life in Perspective

Do you have a bullet journal? Do you take the time to reflect back on previous days, months, or years? According to Ryder Carroll, the author of The Bullet Journal Method, bullet journal reflection is an integral part of the bullet journaling method. Carroll suggests reviewing your entries every morning and night, every time you start a new month, and every new year. Here’s how and why you should review and reflect on your bullet journal.