Shortform Books

Is Communication With Aliens Possible? Brittany Broski Reflects

An alien and human shaking heads in a desert

Is communication with aliens possible? How does the film Arrival portray the relationship between aliens and humans? With the skill of a seasoned storyteller, Brittany Broski navigates the blurred lines between fiction and reality on her podcast The Broski Report. She references the 2017 film Arrival to reflect on human nature and the possibility of alien diplomacy. Keep reading to learn more about hypothetical engagement with aliens.

The Indigenous Civil Rights Movement: 1960s and Beyond

What were the key features of the indigenous civil rights movement in the US? What did Native activists accomplish in the 1960s? The indigenous civil rights movement sought to achieve self-governance, treaty enforcement, and land restitution for Native Americans. The movement has had many long-term impacts still seen today. Read on for more about Native American activism during the civil rights era.

The 2 Parts of the Self: Karma and Life Energy (Sadhguru)

An outline of a woman in lights and rays

What are the parts of the self? Are they mortal or immortal? When you die, only one part of you dies. And, that part isn’t really you. That’s the view of Sadhguru, a spiritual teacher based in India. In his book Death: An Inside Story, he explains his concept of the self and its components. Keep reading to learn about the two parts of the self and why Sadhguru’s perspective might give you some encouragement.

What Does the Subconscious Mind Do? 3 Critical Tasks

What does the subconscious mind do? How does it free up mental energy and keep you safe? The subconscious mind is always at work, whether you realize it or not. In our guide to rewiring your subconscious, we explain how the subconscious mind forms automatic routines, influences your thoughts and decisions, and keeps you mentally and physically safe. Continue reading to learn what the subconscious mind does.

Complex PTSD by Pete Walker: Book Overview & Healing Advice

How is Complex PTSD different from PTSD? How does specialist Pete Walker describe the nature of Complex PTSD? Complex PTSD, Pete Walker’s book, describes a disorder caused by repeated traumatic experiences, like in the case of chronic child abuse or neglect. By looking at how CPTSD develops, you can clearly see the impacts of abuse and learn how to heal from it. Read on to learn more about how trauma impacts the brain in cases of abuse.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai: Book Overview

A woman reading a book outside in autumn with trees in the background

How did a little girl from Pakistan become a Nobel laureate? Why did Malala leave Pakistan? Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai was only 10 years old when the Taliban arrived in her hometown in Pakistan. When Malala was 15, the Taliban shot and nearly killed her. I Am Malala, a New York Times best-seller, is Malala’s autobiography. Continue reading for an overview of I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai.

Native American Struggles Today: The Right to Self-Determination

A man standing in front of two posts with arrows pointing different ways

What are key Native American struggles today? How are indigenous people fighting for justice in the 21st century? Native American struggles today are focused on the right to self-determination—for example, the right to independent governing bodies. Many see the current US policies as a continuation of the genocide at the foundation of the country. Here are some of the ways that Native Americans are still fighting for their rights.

What Are the Regions of the Brain and Their Functions?

A skeleton showing the inside of a skull and brain.

What are the regions of the brain and their functions? How do your mind and body depend on your brain? The brain has five main regions, each playing a unique role: the limbic system, the basal ganglia, the prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), and the temporal lobes. Dr. Daniel G. Amen discusses these five regions of the brain in his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Keep reading to learn about the areas of the brain and what they do.

Why Is It Hard to Change Unhealthy Habits? Experts Weigh In

A man destroying a wall that says Bad Habits

Do you struggle to stop doing things you shouldn’t? Why is it hard to change unhealthy habits? Your subconscious mind creates and relies on automatic routines, which has its advantages. But, this reliance has a negative flip side: It makes it difficult for you to break free from unhealthy habits. Read more to learn from Charles Duhigg, Tony Robbins, and others why it’s hard to break out of negative routines.

Top 3 Employee Well-Being Initiatives for a Healthy Workplace

Do you want to prioritize the well-being of your employees? How can you create a more casual workplace? In his book Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard says that a core tenet of Patagonia’s business philosophy is prioritizing the well-being of its employees. Your business depends on your employees, so ensuring their happiness and safety is a recipe for success. Discover three employee well-being initiatives that you should utilize as a manager.