Shortform Books

Stephen Hawking on the Relativity of Space and Motion

Is space relative or absolute? What about motion? How are space and motion related to each other? In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking shares his insights on some of the major scientific discoveries of the twentieth century that deepened our knowledge of the universe. These insights include Hawking’s explanation of the relative nature of space and motion. He provides his analysis of ancient and modern theories. Continue reading to learn about Hawking’s insights on the relativity of space and motion.

The Book of Five Rings: Quotes by Miyamoto Musashi

Are you looking for The Book of Five Rings quotes? How do Miyamoto Musashi’s sword-fighting philosophies relate to the modern day? In The Book of Five Rings, one of Japan’s most famous Samurai warriors, Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), shares his principles for any aspiring warrior wishing to know the true Way of Japanese swordsmanship. Although his book was published in the 17th-century, many of his lessons are still applicable today. Here are some of the best quotes from The Book of Five Rings with explanations.

Bullet Journal Tracking: Stay on Track With Your Goals

Why is it important to track your goals? How does goal tracking help you make faster progress in achieving them? One method to reach your goals is to use a Bullet Journal. Tracking your goals helps you break them down into smaller steps so they feel more manageable. This will help you recognize when you’ve made progress and keep you motivated. Here’s how to use your Bullet Journal to track your goals.

Chris Bailey: How to Set Aside Time to Focus

When should you set aside time to focus? How long should your focus sessions last? Hyperfocus requires planning, according to productivity expert Chris Bailey. In his book Hyperfocus, he discusses scheduling focus sessions, using timers, setting deadlines, and spacing out tasks. He also writes about scheduling focus time within the context of biological and external realities. Read more to learn when and how to schedule a time to focus.

How to Be More Mysterious: Don’t Show All Your Cards

Why is mystery so attractive? What do mysterious people do that makes them so irresistible? People are attracted to those who seem mysterious, so cultivate an air of mystery yourself. Be vague about what you’re doing or plan to do. Don’t show all your cards and you’ll create an atmosphere of anticipation—people will pay attention to see what you do next. You can use mystery to deceive, enthrall, and intimidate. Here’s how to be more mysterious, according to Robert Greene.

The Arrows of Time Explained by Stephen Hawking

What are the arrows of time? How is the direction of time defined? You probably have an intuitive idea of what it means to move backwards versus forwards in time, but formally defining the direction of time is more difficult. Although various views on the direction of time exist, Stephen Hawking identifies three distinct arrows of time: thermodynamic, psychological, and cosmological. Read on to learn about the arrows of time from various perspectives.

Stephen Covey: First Things First—Book Overview

What is Stephen R. Covey’s First Things First about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book First Things First, Stephen R. Covey presents a time-management approach that focuses on priorities, or “first things.” This approach teaches you to use your time effectively rather than efficiently. Using your time effectively means focusing on what you’re spending your time on, rather than how much time you’re spending. Here’s a brief overview of the key concepts.

The Benefits of Bullet Journal Migration

What is bullet journal migration? Why is it important to relocate your past journal entries? As the name implies, migrating your bullet journal is when you review and copy the information you’ve previously recorded. This process helps you keep track of your tasks and reflect on your actions. Here’s what Ryder Carroll has to say about migrating.

What Makes a Good Theory? 3 Traits It Must Have

What makes a good theory? What are some things you should consider when evaluating a scientific theory? Not all scientific theories are created equal. In his book A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking outlines three characteristics of a good theory. A good theory is one that is testable, consistent with past observations, and able to predict future observations. Lets’ explore each one in turn.

How to Set Up a Bullet Journal Daily Log

What is a bullet journal daily log? How do you set up and use a daily log? A daily log is for capturing any information, thoughts, or ideas that come up throughout the day in the form of tasks, events, and notes. In his book The Bullet Journal Method, Ryder Carroll outlines how to make a daily log. Here are the steps to follow if you want to make a daily log in your bullet journal.