Shortform Books

Many Lives Many Masters: Catherine’s Story

What was the experience of Catherine, who was featured in the book Many Lives Many Masters? What happened during her treatment? In the classic bestseller Many Lives Many Masters, “Catherine” is a pseudonym that Dr. Brian Weiss uses to protect his patient’s real identity. She was in her late 20s when she first came to Weiss seeking treatment for her severe, lifelong phobias—as well as insomnia, recurring nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Keep reading to learn about Catherine and her time with Dr. Weiss.

The Cause of Suffering: The Stoic Perspective

What is the Stoic take on suffering? How does subjective perception cause suffering? According to Stoics, suffering is, to a great extent, the result of our inability to see things as they are. In contrast, Stoics view events neutrally—that is, they observe only the facts of any given situation, without judgment. Here is how our inability to see things as they are leads to unnecessary suffering.

There Is Nothing Wrong With Being Unhappy

Are humans meant to be happy? What’s wrong with treating happiness as the norm and unhappiness as a problem? There is a tacit assumption in our society that humans are meant to be happy. One consequence of this idea is that there is something wrong with being unhappy or experiencing psychological distress. Here is why there is nothing wrong with being unhappy.

The Top 4 Myths About Happiness: Debunked

What is happiness to you? Do you think happiness is the natural state for humans? Are your beliefs about happiness rooted in reality? People have many misguided beliefs about happiness. These widely held beliefs trap us in vicious cycles that actually increase—rather than decrease—our suffering. In this article, we’ll explore four common myths about happiness, and debunk them with human psychology rooted in empirical evidence, rather than cultural misconceptions.

Best Books About Money, Wealth, & Personal Finance

Are you looking for the absolute best books about money? Do you want to increase your financial literacy and potentially start investing? With so much financial material out there, it can be difficult to pick out the authoritative resources written by authors who don’t just preach theory but also offer actionable strategies to help you get to grips with your finances, understand basic investment principles, and start building wealth. That’s why we’ve rounded up the following list of the absolute best books about money—written by financial educators with decades of experience, featured on well-known bestsellers’ lists, and positively rated by thousands

How to Create a Blue Ocean Product That Sells

How do you design a blue ocean product? What is the key to creating a product in a yet uncontested market? To begin brainstorming ideas for a blue ocean product offering, think of a product or service your company already sells, to use as a starting point. To help you come up with product ideas, Kim and Mauborgne explore some different approaches you can take to brainstorming. Here are seven potential routes you could take to brainstorm a blue ocean product that sells.

How to Embrace Suffering and Be Happier

Can you free yourself from suffering? How can embracing suffering help you free yourself from it? According to Buddhism, suffering is inherent to human existence. That’s why the first step toward eliminating suffering is, paradoxically enough, to accept it. There are four strategies to embrace suffering: 1) don’t take things personally, 2) stop feeling guilty, 3) contemplate your mortality, and 4) stop resisting change. Let’s explore each in more detail.

How to Maximize Happiness: Put Faith in the Unknown

What Is the Secret to Living a Happy Life?

Do you know what makes you happy in life? How do you know whether a certain choice or decision will make you happy in the end? You never know for sure whether a certain path is going to make you happy in the end. According to Brian Christian and Thomas Griffiths, the authors of Algorithms to Live By, computer science has the answer to this dilemma: to maximize happiness in your life, pursue whatever opportunity has a chance to be the greatest. Here is why to maximize happiness, you need to put your faith in the unknown.

Why Are Habits Important? They Influence Everything

What exactly is a habit? Why are habits important? A habit is an action repeated over time until it becomes automatic. Habits influence everything—from our purchasing decisions to social movements. Continue reading to learn why habits are so important and influential.

Many Lives Many Masters Review: Are Its Claims Valid?

Why is the book Many Lives Many Masters controversial? Are its claims true? In 1981, the course of Dr. Brian Weiss’s career changed dramatically when one of his therapy patients, “Catherine,” suddenly recalled details of her past lives while under hypnosis. Weiss wrote about his experience with Catherine in his book Many Lives Many Masters. In the decades since the book’s publication, many have grappled with its claims. Continue reading for our Many Lives Many Masters review.