The World's Best Book Summaries
What conspiracies are associated with the Federal Reserve? Is there anything to them? Edward Griffin discusses two conspiracies that are said to be behind the Federal Reserve: the bank cartel conspiracy and the world domination conspiracy. Griffin believes that these help us understand what’s going on with the Fed specifically and economics and politics in general. Keep reading to learn about these two Federal Reserve conspiracies.
What is The Gulag Archipelago? What was the book’s purpose, and what difference did it make? In the Soviet Union, prisoners such as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn were arrested on minor or fabricated charges, abused by officials, and held in camps for decades. Many were worked to death. Solzhenitsyn’s landmark exposé was banned, and he was persecuted by his own government for publishing it. Keep reading to learn about the significance of The Gulag Archipelago.
Can water cooler conversations be productive? How important are routines at work? Are flexible schedules good for productivity? When employees don’t know what to expect, they expend valuable brain energy that could be used for productivity instead. Whether you’re a manager or not, you can contribute to creating mental comfort zones at work. Read more to learn four ways to get and keep consistency in the workplace.
What’s the best virtue? What’s the worst sin? Why? According to C. S. Lewis, humility is the most important Christian virtue. Its opposite—pride—is the greatest sin. In his classic book, Mere Christianity, Lewis explains why pride is so dangerous. Keep reading for a brief discussion of humility and pride from Lewis’s perspective, along with an explanation of the difference between pride and self-esteem, as understood by psychologists.
What exactly is moderation? When should we practice moderation, and when should we practice abstinence instead? God calls on everyone to choose good over evil, but how do we know what is “good”? In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis argues that Christianity instructs us to be good by following Christian virtues, or moral principles that can be applied to a wide range of situations. One of these is moderation. Continue reading to understand Lewis’s take on the virtue of moderation, including his perspective on sexuality.
What’s the best way to start your work day? How should you handle stressful situations at work? How can you break through a creative impasse? In Your Brain at Work, David Rock argues that, by understanding the neuroscience behind the brain’s functions, you can increase your productivity by working with your brain’s natural rhythms. He shares the neuroscience you need to know and some strategies to optimize this knowledge. Keep reading for our overview of this interesting and practical book that will help you get the most out of your work day.
Do you believe that you are responsible for your own actions, even if the outcomes aren’t what you intended? Do you feel justified in making excuses? Courage involves saying and doing the right thing. This includes taking responsibility for your words and actions, even when they lead to negative outcomes. Ryan Holiday writes about this aspect of Stoic courage in his book Courage Is Calling. Continue reading to understand how you must accept responsibility for what you say and do, no matter what.
How does the Federal Reserve System affect the economy? Should it be abolished? If so, how? In his book The Creature from Jekyll Island, Edward Griffin argues that much of what the Federal Reserve does is contrary to the best interests of the American people. He lays out a case that the Fed harms the economy, and he offers a strategy to abolish the system. Continue reading for an overview of this thought-provoking book.
What were Soviet prison labor camps like? Why was The Gulag Archipelago so courageous and impactful? What lessons does it hold for us today? The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn describes life in Soviet prison labor camps from the late 1910s to the mid-50s. It exposed human rights abuses by the Soviet Union, counteracting decades of propaganda. Today, it acts as a warning of how governments can use violence, paranoia, and repression to control and exploit their citizens. Keep reading for an overview of this important book and an exercise you can use to apply Solzhenitsyn’s lessons to the modern
Do you treat people the way you want them to treat you? Do you forgive those who hurt you? The Bible calls people to love both their neighbors and their enemies. This love includes God’s spirit of forgiveness. In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis discusses these Christian virtues that inform how we regard and treat people. Read more to understand Lewis’s view on Christian love and forgiveness.