Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Study the Past: Why Confucius Urges Us to Respect Tradition

Why doesn’t Confucius think he came up with any new ideas? If you want to be a good person, where does Confucius think you should start? Confucius looked back to the values and practices of the past to find wisdom for living today. He believed that certain traditions are worth keeping alive. This is reflected in The Analects, where he discussed the importance of respecting where we come from. Read more to learn why we would do well to study the past and respect tradition as Confucius did.

Convergent Evolution and Divergent Evolution: Darwin Explains

Why do some creatures have fins and others don’t? Why might the members of some species eventually all be the same color? In his classic work On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin posits that species gradually develop through a natural process called evolution. He explains that evolutionary pressures shape adaptive traits through convergent evolution and divergent evolution. Read more to learn how Darwin believes the process of evolution shapes the natural world.

3 Characteristics of Effective Speakers & How to Develop Them

Do you put yourself in your audience’s shoes? Do you speak about things that you don’t really have a good handle on? According to expert John C. Maxwell, effective speakers have three characteristics: They focus on connection, develop their credibility, and pursue constant learning. He explains the importance of these traits and provides practical tips on how to develop them. Read more to understand the three characteristics of effective speakers, according to John C. Maxwell.

Jimmy Carter’s Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Plains, GA

What were Jimmy Carter’s parents like? Why did he speak with an African-American accent as a child? Jimmy Carter made it to the White House—a far cry from where he began. In the book His Very Best, biographer Jonathan Alter paints a vivid picture of Carter’s formative years that set the stage for an extraordinary life. Keep reading to learn about Jimmy Carter’s early life and how it shaped him.

The Genius Zone by Gay Hendricks: Overview & Takeaways

Do you feel unfulfilled in life? Does it seem like you’re wasting your time and squandering your potential? You can spend your time thinking about the things you can control or the things you can’t. Stanford-trained psychologist Gay Hendricks writes that the way to be happy is to let go of the things you can’t control and instead devote your time and energy to things you can change. Continue reading for an overview of Hendricks’s book The Genius Zone.

Charles Darwin: Common Descent Is Evidenced in 4 Ways

Why are domestically-grown berries larger than wild berries? Why are lemurs only in Madagascar? Is there evidence of transitional species? Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution maintains that our current species descended from older, less developed species. According to Darwin, common descent is evidenced by changes in domesticated species, leftover characteristics, intermediate species found in the fossil record, and the role of natural barriers. Read more to learn why Darwin believes that species have descended from earlier species.

Confucius: Learning Requires Open Eyes & an Open Mind

Do you see everything as a learning opportunity? Are you eager to figure out things for yourself? According to Confucius, learning throughout life is vital. Whether it’s picking up new ideas and skills or gaining insights from other people, you should keep your eyes and your mind open to what you can learn and how you can grow. Read more to learn what Confucius had to say about learning in The Analects.

How to Identify Your Natural Public Speaking Strengths

Do you tend to see the best in people? Is it easy for you to open up to others, even strangers? Do you make people laugh (with you, not at you)? John C. Maxwell estimates that he’s spoken over 13,000 times throughout his career, and he shares his wisdom in his book The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication. He recommends that, as you prepare to speak, you figure out your strengths so you know how to play to them. Read on to learn about four public speaking strengths and how to determine your own.

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life (Book Overview)

What did Jimmy Carter learn from Admiral Rickover? What did Carter do during the Civil Rights Movement that he later regretted? What dominated his last year in the White House? In His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life, Jonathan Alter presents a fresh perspective on the complicated history of the person he suggests is one of the US’s most underrated presidents. He chronicles the life of Jimmy Carter, from his childhood to the decades after his presidency. Continue reading for an overview of this book that asks us to see Jimmy Carter’s presidency in a different light.

The Genius Move: 5 Steps to Turn Your Focus to What You Control

When you feel unhappy, do you know the cause? What’s the solution? Each moment, you can choose to focus on the things you can control or the things you can’t. Psychologist Gay Hendricks writes that the way to be content is to let go of the things you can’t control and instead devote your time and energy to things you can change. Keep reading to learn how to perform the Genius Move when you start thinking about things you can’t control.