The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the best measure of a country’s standard of living? What is the problem with using GDP per capita as a quality of life indicator? According to Vaclav Smil, the author of Numbers Don’t Lie, the most important measure of the quality of life in a country is not GDP per capita, as many people believe. It’s the infant mortality rate. Here’s why infant mortality more accurately reflects the standard of living.
Can stress be good for you? What are the benefits of stress? We’re often taught that stress is harmful and best avoided, but the reality is less black-and-white and more nuanced. According to psychologist Kelly McGonigal, stress isn’t the enemy it’s typically made out to be—rather, it’s an ally we should embrace. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of stress.
What exactly is cancer, and why is it so hard to treat? Why is cancer so prevalent? How close are we to eradicating cancer? Cancer is one of the most frightening diseases in the world today. It’s deadly and often extremely hard to cure. As such, doctors and researchers have spent enormous amounts of time and money trying to figure out exactly what cancer is, how it works, and how to cure it. In this article, you’ll learn about the progress we’ve made toward our understanding of cancer.
Can technology avert climate change? What are some potential technological solutions to climate change? According to Vaclav Smil, the author of Numbers Don’t Lie, we rely too much on technology to save us from climate change. Environmental destruction—which is what drives climate change—is happening at a faster rate than technology advances. Here’s why technology won’t save us, as many people falsely believe.
Do you try to avoid stress at all costs? How can embracing stress help you live a happier and more fulfilling life? According to Kelly McGonigal, the author of The Upside of Stress, avoiding stress is futile and harmful. She claims that to resist stress is to resist living a full life. So, it’s important to embrace the benefits of stress in order to live meaningfully. Here’s how avoiding stress makes you miserable and why a moderately stressful life leads to happiness and meaning.
What is Jason Fung’s The Cancer Code about? What is the key message to take away from the book? Published in 2020, The Cancer Code by Jason Fung is one of the most up-to-date and comprehensive books on this topic. It provides an overview of scientists’ major discoveries about cancer, starting from ancient times and continuing to the present day. Below is a brief overview of The Cancer Code by Jason Fung.
Can renewable energy replace fossil fuels? How do renewable energy sources compare to fossil fuel burning in terms of efficiency and output? Transitioning our energy sources away from fossil fuel consumption is a key environmental challenge of the 21st century. However, replacing fossil fuels altogether is likely impossible—at least in the near future. In this article, we’ll discuss the main problems with alternatives to fossil fuels (nuclear energy, wind energy, solar energy).
What is Kelly McGonigal’s The Upside of Stress about? What is the key message to take away from the book? The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal goes beyond fight-or-flight to explore the nuances and overlooked benefits of stress. McGonigal claims that with a balanced understanding of stress and a positive mindset, you can transform your stress from a hindrance into a resource. Below is a brief overview of The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal.
Can cancer be passed down genetically? To what extent is cancer hereditary? And if bad genes don’t cause cancer, what does? Contrary to a common misconception, cancer can’t be directly passed down to offspring (although various genes do make certain types of cancer more likely). According to Dr. Jason Fung, cancer is almost always the result of environmental factors called carcinogens—literally, “tumor creators.” Here’s how carcinogens cause cancer and drive its growth.
What are the most economically successful countries in the world? Does the GDP of a country accurately reflect its standard of living? The top three countries by GDP—the United States, China, and Japan—seem to thrive on the surface. However, a closer inspection tells a different story: High GDP doesn’t necessarily translate into a high standard of living. Here’s a closer look at the most powerful economies in the world.