Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

The Two Mountains: Why David Brooks Is a Relationalist

What are the two mountains that David Brooks discusses? Why does he choose one over the other? In The Second Mountain, David Brooks talks about two approaches to life. The first approach is characteristic of individualism, which prioritizes personal liberty and spurns commitment. The second approach is characteristic of relationalism, which celebrates community and prizes commitment. Read more to learn about these two worldviews and to understand why Brooks chooses the second mountain in his own life.

Why Are Sea Levels Rising? Let’s Be Real About the Answer

Why are sea levels rising? What do the data say? Can we know for sure? “Climate Scientists Unsure Whether Rising Sea Levels the Result of Human Influences” isn’t a click-worthy headline. But, former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin argues that it would be more accurate than what we typically see in the news. Read on to learn what we know—and don’t know—about the cause of rising sea levels.

QuestionStorming: A Tool for Unleashing Creativity & Innovation

What’s QuestionStorming? How can it unlock ideas and solutions you’d never find otherwise? In The Innovator’s DNA, Hal Gregersen, Jeff Dyer, and Clayton Christensen identify five key skills that are shared by the world’s most innovative business leaders. One of these skills is questioning, and the authors recommend a technique called QuestionStorming to develop and implement this skill. Read more to learn how you can use QuestionStorming to find innovative solutions.

How to Find Your Vocation: Follow Your Obsession

What’s a daemon? How can it help you find your vocation in life? Unlike careers, vocations are central to your identity. That’s why it’s important to find yours. In The Second Mountain, David Brooks says that you first need to identify your obsession in life. Read on for Brooks’s advice on how to find your vocation in life.

The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker: Overview & Takeaways

What body parts do we use to speak? Is language an innate skill? Is grammar universal? In The Language Instinct, Steven Pinker aims to inspire readers to appreciate the unique qualities of human language. He describes how language works, argues that language is biologically innate, explains why children are linguistic geniuses, and contends that we should embrace language innovation. Keep reading for an overview of this fascinating book.

Fear Not: The Climate Catastrophe Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

What are the projections for climate-related deaths? Will climate change crash the economy? Climate activists have misled the public into thinking there’s proof that our actions have led to global warming and possible climate catastrophe, according to former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin. On the contrary, he argues, the facts about climate change are far from certain. Continue reading to learn why Koonin believes that we’re not headed for a climate catastrophe.

How to Use Catalytic Questions to Disrupt the Status Quo

Does your product or business need a breakthrough? How can you find new doors to open? Disruptive innovators ask disruptive questions. In The Innovator’s DNA, Hal Gregersen, Jeff Dyer, and Clayton Christensen argue that anyone can learn to innovate by practicing the five skills of the most successful innovators in the world. One of those skills is asking questions that disrupt the status quo. Read more to learn how to use catalytic questions to unleash your inner innovator.

How Do Humans Talk? The System & Mechanics of Speech

How do humans talk? What’s the infinite combinatorial system? What body parts do we use when we speak? In The Language Instinct, experimental psychologist Steven Pinker explains the basics of human language. He discusses the ingenious infinite combinatorial system as well as the physical mechanics of speaking. Keep reading to learn how humans talk.

Before “I Do”: How to Find the Right Partner for Marriage

How can you mitigate the risk of divorce? What personality traits should you look for? How many different types of love do you need? David Brooks takes the relationalist approach to life. In The Second Mountain, he outlines the four commitments that are crucial to relationalism. One of these is marriage, and he shares his criteria for deciding whether to marry someone. Read more to learn Brooks’s advice for how to find the right partner for marriage.

What Was Earth Like Before Humans? “Visit” the Primeval World

What was Earth like before humans? In what environment did the human race emerge? In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman asks what would happen if the human race vanished overnight. In an effort to figure that out, he begins by understanding what the primeval world was like long before the advent of human civilization. Continue reading to learn about the Earth before humans.