Shortform Books

The 2016 American Election: Behind Trump’s Victory

What can we make of the results of the 2016 American election? What does Trump’s victory say about the psychology of the American nation? Many considered the 2016 American election to be an uncommon event. While some voters thought the choice was a no-brainer, they weren’t prepared for the divisiveness and discussions of race brewing below the surface of American society. Keep reading for more about the 2016 American election and the psychology behind its outcome.

The Empathy Wall: Stepping Out of Your Political Bubble

What is an empathy wall? Why is overcoming the empathy wall necessary to find political unity? The empathy wall is our inability to look beyond political affiliations and help people vote for policies that will better their lives. It means assuming what another group thinks and feels and needs, instead of communicating with each other. Read more about the empathy wall and how we can overcome it.

Yoga and Spirituality: Finding Your Path to God

What is the connection between yoga and spirituality? How is spiritual yoga defined in The Bhagavad Gita? Many people are familiar with hatha yoga, which is controlling the body and mind through physical exercise and meditation. But yoga and spirituality also have a higher purpose. By focusing on yoga, or your connecting with god, you can break free from karma. Read more about yoga and spirituality, and how Arjuna learns how to use yoga to break free from karma.

What Happened to the Panamanian Golden Frog?

What happened to the Panamanian golden frog? What is the reason for its disappearance? Panamanian golden frog was once common in the village of El Valle de Anton in central Panama, where it was considered a symbol of luck. The frogs could easily be seen and heard in the hills around town. Then they started disappearing. Read about the Panamanian golden frog and what caused its disappearance.

Netflix: Radical Transparency At All Times

What is the Netflix radical transparency approach? How is this strategy implemented in real-life scenarios? At Netflix, radical transparency is a way of life. Even when it isn’t easy or simple, Reed Hastings has committed to this level of candor with staff. Read more about Netflix, radical transparency, and how it works in practice.

Scientific Progress: Revolutionary Changes in Science

What is scientific progress? Why is there a lack of consensus on what constitutes progress in science? The definition of scientific progress is not a simple one. According to Thomas Kuhn, what is deemed progress in normal science is different from progress in revolutionary science. To fully resolve this contradiction, we must give up the idea that science is linear and has a clear endpoint. Keep reading to learn more about scientific progress: the nature of it, why it’s expected, and how it happens.

Ego Traps: Blinded by Your Own Success

What are ego traps? How can ego trap you in the same place and prevent you from progressing further in your quest for success? Ego traps are beliefs and attitudes that cause us to behave in an impulsive, short-sighted, and self-aggrandizing way. People tend to develop these beliefs when they achieve some important milestone of success such as being granted a promotion, winning a competition, or receiving a reward. Read about the three most common ego traps and how to avoid them.

Alpha Dog: Meaning and Concept Interpretation

What is the meaning of alpha dog? What qualities are associated with the alpha personality and leadership style? The alpha dog is a concept derived from the wolf community, where alphas are the highest members of the pack. The concept is often used figuratively to refer to the head of a group who leads through brute force and intimidation. However, this is a distortion of the true meaning of alpha dog. Keep reading to understand the true meaning of the alpha dog concept.

Examples of Empathy in the Workplace: Show You Care

Are you looking for examples of empathy in the workplace? How can you show you care without being unprofessional? In Trillion Dollar Coach, empathy is critical to being a good manager and colleague. Examples of empathy in the workplace impacted the culture at companies including Google, Intuit, and Twitter. Read on for some real-life examples of empathy in the workplace.

Culture of Character: A Relic From the Past

What is a culture of character? How does it differ from a culture of personality and which does society currently default to? A culture of character is the idea that people in society are judged on their ethics, values, and reliability. In contrast, a culture of personality relies on things like charisma and likeability. Read more about how American society has shifted from a culture of character to a culture of personality, and what that means for introverts.