Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

China’s Economic Reform: Maintaining Xi’s & the CCP’s Power

How does Xi Jinping use China’s economy to achieve his aims? How does the Chinese economy impact the US? According to diplomat Kevin Rudd, China changed course when Xi Jinping came to power. Rudd believes that the core of President Xi’s vision is retaining control over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), keeping the CCP in power, and using Marxist-Leninist ideology to guide the country’s economic policies. Keep reading to learn why Rudd thinks that China’s economic reforms are really about keeping Xi and the CCP in power.

On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection

Why did Charles Darwin believe all organisms share a family tree? How does natural selection work? What criticism did Darwin’s ideas receive during his lifetime? On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection revolutionized the way people look at life on Earth. In the book, Charles Darwin explains his theory of evolution and the genealogy of species as he understood it. He also responds to a few contemporary arguments against his ideas. Continue reading for an overview of this groundbreaking book.

The Analects: Quotes That Illuminate the Teachings of Confucius

How well do you know what Confucius taught? What did he actually say? Confucius is one of the most famous philosophers in history. The Analects is a collection of his teachings compiled by his most devoted students, and it’s one of the foundational books of Confucianism. In it, you’ll find lessons about how to be a good learner, person, and leader. Keep reading for several The Analects quotes that shine a light on Confucianism.

Jimmy Carter’s Political Career: From Georgia to Washington

How did Jimmy Carter’s political career start? What are some of the defining moments that shaped his career and formed his legacy? Biographer Jonathan Alter takes us on a journey through Jimmy Carter’s political career that starts well before his presidency. Alter discusses what drew Carter to politics in the first place, and he describes the various stops on the winding road that ended at the White House. Read more to learn about Carter’s career from the Georgia State Senate to the US presidency.

China’s Global Influence: Challenging the Global Rules-Based Order

Why is China attempting to rebuild its historic trade relationships? Why is it establishing businesses in various parts of the world? China isn’t content with the “world power” status it’s enjoyed for decades. They want even more. That’s the view of diplomat Kevin Rudd, who writes that President Xi Jinping aims to challenge the “global rules-based order” and wield more and more influence all over the world. Read more to learn about China’s global influence and how it’s growing.

How to Strengthen Speaker Credibility: 3 Ways to Build Trust

Do you ever deliver presentations that you don’t really believe in? Do you practice what you preach? According to John C. Maxwell, effective communication starts with the speaker: Your identity, actions, and values affect the way you speak and how others view you. Before you can sway your audience with your words, you must first win them over with your character. Keep reading to learn three ways your speaker credibility can be strengthened.

Using Memory Association Techniques to Memorize Abstract Data

Do you have trouble remembering people’s names? How might you make abstract information easier to recall? We always use association, often subconsciously, to commit things to memory. In other words, we remember things in relation to each other. So, we can recall anything if we link it to another piece of information we already know. This is particularly helpful for abstract information, which is harder to remember. Read on to learn how to use memory association techniques to memorize abstract data.

What Are Critical Theories? Lindsay & Pluckrose Explain

What are critical theories? How are they a new take on postmodernism? Why are they popular? Authors, academics, and cultural critics Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay dive into the history of social justice in their book Cynical Theories. They believe the movements started out on a positive note but eventually became corrupted through critical theories. Read on to understand what critical theories are, including their methods and doctrines.

Imagine Who You Could Be & Then Aim Single-Mindedly at That

What’s your full potential? Is there a path to reaching it, or is it just pie in the sky? Jordan Peterson believes that potential knows no bounds. In his book Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, he challenges you to imagine who you could be, and then aim single-mindedly at that. Read more to learn about Beyond Order Rule 2 and how it can open you up to a world of possibility.

Jimmy Carter’s Humanitarian Work: Redeeming His Legacy?

Do you think of Jimmy Carter more as a president or as a humanitarian? What does he believe is the first step to improving human rights? Why was the Carter Center downgraded from its status as a charity recipient? Jimmy Carter isn’t remembered as a great president, but he’s come to be revered for his work as a humanitarian. Biographer Jonathan Alter writes about this man who, for decades, refused to let his advancing years slow him down. Keep reading to learn about Jimmy Carter’s humanitarian work that has made him a beloved figure all over the world.