Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Current US-China Relations as Seen From Each Perspective

How do the US and China view each other? Why have US-China relations soured in recent years? Hostility between the US and China has been growing for over a decade, eroding the wary but pragmatic relationship of years past. Australian diplomat and politician Kevin Rudd argues that this tenuous relationship is unraveling, and he provides an analysis of where relations stand now. Read on to understand current US-China relations from America’s and China’s perspective.

3 Effective Memorization Techniques to Recall Lists, Ideas, & More

Do you need to memorize information for school or work? Or, do you just wish you could remember people’s names and what’s on your shopping list? The Memory Book by Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas is a collection of strategies intended to teach anyone how to improve their memorization skills and recall nearly any kind of information. They provide three effective memorization techniques you can use to remember lists, abstract information, and more. Keep reading to learn three of the book’s techniques that you can put to work for you.

A History of Social Justice: How It Ended Up as Critical Theories

What’s the history of social justice ideology and approaches? How have the goals and methods changed over time? Past movements for equality used to fight for concrete issues. Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay contend that contemporary activists and scholars are now more concerned with policing language and culture, shutting down rational debate, and challenging the very foundations of liberal society. Read on to understand how this incredible transformation came about.

Work as Hard as You Possibly Can: Beyond Order Rule 7

Do you go in too many directions at once? What could you achieve if you focused on depth rather than breadth? Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life is Jordan B. Peterson’s practical guide to navigating the chaos of today’s world and living a life of excellence. It’s a sequel to 12 Rules for Life. Beyond Order Rule 7 is this: Work as hard as you possibly can on at least one thing and see what happens. Continue reading to learn more about the value of commitment, consistency, and single-mindedness.

Reform & Diplomacy: A Fresh Look at the Carter Administration

How did Jimmy Carter reshape the role of the vice president? Why was the Department of Energy created? What are the highs and lows of Carter’s foreign policy? Supporters of Jimmy Carter would probably rather talk about his post-presidential years than his time in the White House. However, biographer Jonathan Alter thinks the Carter Administration deserves another look. While mistakes were made, Alter believes Carter’s achievements should be acknowledged. Continue reading for Alter’s assessment of Jimmy Carter’s presidency.

China-US Diplomatic Relations: Normalization & Beyond

Why did the US want China as an ally in the 20th century? After the two nations normalized diplomatic relations, what were the sticking points? In The Avoidable War, Kevin Rudd explains the complex factors contributing to hostility between the US and China. One chapter in this fascinating history is the normalization of relations between the two countries. Read on for an overview of China-US diplomatic relations in the latter part of the 20th century.

The Anti-Science Stances of the Social Justice Movement

Are gender and sexuality cultural or biological? Is fatness unhealthy, or is that just a cultural narrative? In Cynical Theories, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay contend that social justice scholarship and activism changed from a force for good to a dangerous movement. One of the ways in which it’s a threat, they say, is the movement’s rejection of science in order to advance its agenda. Keep reading to learn about the anti-science positions of the Social Justice Movement.

Do Not Do What You Hate: Beyond Order Rule 5

Do you have qualms about anything? Do they stop you, or do you end up doing things you later regret? Everyone draws the line somewhere when it comes to things they don’t tolerate. Too often, people focus intolerance outward rather than inward. In Beyond Order, Jordan B. Peterson offers up this rule for life: Do not do what you hate. Continue reading to learn about Beyond Order Rule 5 and how it can save you pain and regret down the road.

The Anti-Free Speech Approach of the Social Justice Movement

Do you feel like social justice advocacy has gone too far? Does it seem like you have to constantly watch what you say? The authors of Cynical Theories explain how this came to be. While past movements for equality used to fight for concrete issues, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay claim that contemporary activists and scholars are more concerned with policing language and culture and shutting down rational debate. Continue reading to learn about the anti-free speech approach of the Social Justice Movement.

Abandon Ideology: Beyond Order Rule 6 (Jordan Peterson)

What, exactly, is an ideology? What are its limitations? How can people find meaning and direction without them? According to Jordan Peterson, ideology should be dropped. In Beyond Order, he discusses the pitfalls of ideology and recommends an alternative path toward civil society and personal fulfillment. Read more to learn why Peterson urges us to abandon ideology.