The World's Best Book Summaries
What’s a status competition? What are the rules and symbols of a status game? A status game has rules and symbols that draw us in and compel us to play along. In The Status Game, Will Storr takes a look at the rules and symbols that create a competition for status. Let’s look at how a status competition operates.
What’s a contrarian investing strategy? Why do smart investors do the opposite of what other investors are doing? Contrarian investing involves going against market trends to receive above-market returns. This means that when other investors are selling, you should be buying, and vice-versa. Discover more about contrarian investing, and why you should consider this methodology.
Do you tend to read at the same speed that you talk? Do you lose your place or your focus when you read? The book 10 Days to Faster Reading provides several strategies for quicker, more effective reading. One way to improve your reading speed is by addressing three bad reading habits: mouthing or speaking the words, accidentally rereading what you’ve already read, and getting lost in thought. Let’s take a look at several behaviors that people commonly engage in that slow down their reading—along with some tips for breaking these habits.
Does alcohol help you relax? How much wine is good for you on a daily basis? Why do so many people struggle to stay sober, even after treatment programs? You’re being lied to. Society promotes untruths about alcohol that make people think it’s beneficial, at least when it’s “done right.” That’s the view of Annie Grace, who says that ignorance about alcohol and its abuse lulls people into a false sense of safety in regard to drinking, ultimately leading to addiction for many. Keep reading to learn five myths about alcohol that will cause you to think again about your
How did Malcolm X become a civil rights activist? Who was Johnson Hinton, and what did he have to do with it? In 1957, New York City police officers severely beat up a Black Muslim man named Johnson Hinton. That incident eventually pushed the Nation of Islam—and Malcolm X—into the spotlight of America’s civil rights movement. Read more to learn about the launch of Malcolm X’s activism.
Do you deliberately cultivate eulogy virtues? What does it mean to succeed, especially in the second half of your life? Naturally, your career and life morph as you get older. Management expert Arthur Brooks recommends that you change your idea of “success” from career achievement and material wealth to happiness and fulfillment. Rather than career success, this is life success, and it’s a way to continue thriving as you age. Continue reading to learn how to make the switch from a focus on “résumé virtues” to a focus on “eulogy virtues.”
What’s a love ethic? Is everyone entitled to live meaningful lives? In All About Love by bell hooks, a love ethic is described as the belief that all people have an innate right to live self-determined and meaningful lives. Additionally, she claims that our own well-being is wrapped up in collective well-being. Below you’ll learn how to live by a love ethic.
What’s the importance of focus in life? How does awareness reshape your mind? In The Power of Unwavering Focus, Dandapani discusses the power of awareness and how it reshapes the mind for better—or worse. Then he considers the many benefits of living a more focused life. Keep reading to learn why Dandapani says focus is a crucial skill to master.
What would happen if the AMOC collapsed? How could rising temperatures possibly affect the ocean’s currents? Why do some doubt the studies? A recent scientific study suggests the Gulf Stream may slow or stop due to climate change, which would have dramatic effects on the world’s weather. However, some are skeptical that a collapse would happen in this century. Here’s a look at what the AMOC is, what’s causing the collapse, and what it would mean for every person on Earth.
Why do people care about their status? Is social status important? The Status Game by Will Storr explains that on a basic level, people play status games because we’ve evolved to do so. But the reasons that people care about status are more numerous and nuanced than that. Below we’ll explore some of the reasons that explain the importance of social status.