The World's Best Book Summaries
Why do politicians lie? Why do we continue to support politicians, even when we know they’re lying? Research shows that Americans will continue to support their preferred political candidates even when they know those candidates lie. Since 2016, the term “post-truth politics” has come into regular use for just this reason. Read on to learn why politicians lie and why Americans tolerate it.
How does the power grid work in the U.S.? Why does it fail at times? What factors make the power grid vulnerable? The power grid in the U.S. works to transmit and distribute electricity across long distances, but extreme weather events in recent years have highlighted its growing vulnerability. Several factors contribute to the power grid’s problems, including its age and the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Read on to learn more about how the power grid works in the U.S. and why it’s in poor shape.
Why is it hard to make decisions? Why is it harder now than it’s ever been? The modern world overwhelms us, and this hampers our ability to make decisions. Our brains expend a lot of energy on decisions that must be made—even ones that aren’t important. That energy drain makes decision-making difficult. Read more to understand why it’s hard to make decisions, especially these days.
What are Avatar 2 critics saying about James Cameron’s new film? What are the problems with Avatar 2, according to critics? With the release of Avatar 2, James Cameron has been accused of cultural appropriation and promoting a “white savior” narrative. Some indigenous activists have even called for a boycott of the film. Read on for an explanation of the controversy and to learn exactly what some Avatar 2 critics are saying.
What does permitless carry mean? How many states allow permitless carry? What should you know about open and concealed carry laws? In the last decade, the number of permitless carry states—those that allow people to carry concealed weapons without a license—has jumped from two to 25. However, the change isn’t as drastic as it sounds. Read on for an overview of permitless carry in the United States, including what’s changing for gun owners.
What is mimetic desire? Where did the theory originate? What are some examples of mimetic desire? In Wanting, Luke Burgis explores the ideas of René Girard, an academic whose theory of “mimetic desire” seeks to explain where our desires originate. According to Girard’s theory, we don’t form our own desires—rather, we imitate what other people want or have. Read on to learn more about what mimetic desire is, its origins, and examples in our daily lives.
What is Neuralink technology? What can this technology do? What are brain-computer interfaces? Neuralink is a medical research company working to develop a safe, effective, and affordable brain-computer interface (BCI). BCIs allow people to control devices such as computers and smartphones with their thoughts, but in theory such devices have extensive applications and possibilities. Read on to learn about Neuralink technology, what it can do, and what the future holds for the company.
Looking for an overview of Wanting by Luke Burgis? What are the key takeaways from the book? In Wanting by Luke Burgis, he explains how to apply René Girard’s theory of “mimetic desire” to your own life. By doing this, you’ll learn how to push both yourself and others to chase meaningful desires instead of misleading ones, says Burgis. Read on for an overview of the theories and advice in Wanting by Luke Burgis.
What’s causing the shortage of skilled labor in the U.S.? What are some possible solutions? As the overall labor shortage begins to ease in the U.S., there’s still a chronic shortage of skilled labor. In the long term, efforts to resolve the shortage focus on educating young people about the trades to clear up misconceptions and increase interest. Keep reading to learn what’s causing the shortage of skilled labor and some proposed solutions.
What causes chronic dissatisfaction both personally and in society at large? What are some ways to overcome it? In Wanting, author Luke Burgis argues that most of our desires in society are inauthentic. According to the theory of “mimetic desire,” we’re hardwired to pursue false desires because we mimic what others in society want, leaving us chronically dissatisfied. Read on to learn more about the causes of chronic dissatisfaction and how to overcome it, according to Burgis.