Shortform Books

How Religious TV Shows Undercut Religion

How does a church-based religious experience differ from a religious tv show? In what way do religious tv shows negate the traditional religious experience? According to Neil Postman, the author of Amusing Ourselves to Death, religious tv shows turn religion into something easy, self-serving, and trivial. Rather than focusing on the messages of the religious texts, tv programs attract audiences with lavish sets, images, and even secular actors who endorse them. Learn how religious tv shows focus more on entertainment value than the religion itself.

How to Cope With Anxiety Triggered by Criticism

Do you suffer from anxiety triggered by criticism? How can you reframe this criticism so that you no longer feel anxious about it? One aspect of life that triggers anxiety in almost everyone is criticism. Though unjust criticism might sting, it can be considered a compliment—it means you’re doing something that merits jealousy and attention. Here is how a small change in perspective can help ease anxiety triggered by criticism.

Psychological Safety in the Workplace in 4 Easy Steps

What difference does psychological safety in the workplace make? How do you know when you have it? Charles Duhigg, in his book Smarter Faster Better, argues that creating a norm of psychological safety in the workplace is crucial for productivity. What is psychological safety, and what are the steps to create it? Duhigg provides a practical guide. Read on to discover how to achieve psychological safety in the workplace.

Brené Brown’s 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living

What are Brené Brown’s 10 guideposts for Wholehearted living? How can following these guideposts help you develop worthiness? In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown outlines 10 guideposts for Wholehearted living. The objective of these guideposts is to help you overcome your feelings of never being “enough,” and to live a happier, healthier life. Continue below for Brené Brown’s 10 guideposts for Wholehearted living.

Understanding Pricing in the U.S. Healthcare System

How are prices determined in the U.S. healthcare system? How do doctors bill for their services? In the United States, prices for medical procedures are determined by the American Medical Association of Physiology (AMA). Once set, the Relative Value Units (RVUs) have systemic national implications, nudging doctors toward performing the higher compensated procedures. In addition, doctors have their own methods to fluff up the patient’s bill. This article takes a look at the pricing in healthcare, including the strategies that doctors themselves use to bill their patients.

How Exclusionary Zoning Perpetuated Racial Inequality

What is exclusionary zoning? How did exclusionary zoning laws turn black neighborhoods into slums? Exclusionary zoning is the use of racial zoning laws to prohibit Blacks from owning homes in white neighborhoods and vice versa. These racial zoning laws were structured to ensure blacks were confined in densely packed zones adjacent to industrial areas or the pollution industry leading to the deterioration of these neighborhoods into slums. Read on to learn more about how exclusionary zoning laws disadvantaged African Americans.

Why Hereditary Monarchies Are Inherently Evil

What’s the problem with hereditary monarchy? How does a monarchical form of government compare to a republic? According to Thomas Paine, monarchical governments are inherently evil, and hereditary monarchies are particularly unjust. Compared to a republican form of government, the monarchical rule is inferior because it is based on the idea of the inherent superiority of some men over others. In this article, we’ll analyze monarchies as a system of government.

The Gifts of Imperfection: Quotes From Brené Brown

Are you looking for the best The Gifts of Imperfection quotes from Brené Brown? Are you trying to live a Wholehearted life? In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown discusses the concept of Wholehearted living. She says that in order to feel happier, reduce anxiety, and be healthier, the first step is to allow yourself to feel worthy. Keep reading for some of the best The Gifts of Imperfection quotes.

Sam Walton: Made in America Book Overview

What can you learn by reading Sam Walton: Made in America? How did Walton manage to grow a five-and-dime store into a nationwide superstore? Sam Walton: Made in America is Sam Walton’s autobiography. Walton details his whole life story, from growing up in a dysfunctional household to purchasing his first retail store to managing over 15k Wal-Marts nationwide. Here is a brief overview of Sam Walton: Made in America.

One-Minute Redirect: Instantly Fix Poor Performance

What is a one-minute redirect? How can performing one-minute redirects improve your staff’s performance? In The New One-Minute Manager, a one-minute redirect is a way to give immediate, effective, and constructive feedback to your employees when they’re not performing up to standard. This method works better than the typical performance review because it allows employees to correct their mistakes immediately. Learn why you should use one-minute redirects rather than performance reviews.