Shortform Books

Symmetry in Mathematics: Evidence of a Grand Design?

How can symmetry lead to scientific discoveries? What might symmetry imply about the universe? Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku describes himself as agnostic. But, he finds it amazing that all the laws of physics can be summarized succinctly and that they display such symmetry. For him, the mathematical beauty of the laws of physics opens the door to the possibility that there’s a grand design. Keep reading to learn why Kaku repeatedly points to symmetry in mathematics in his book The God Equation.

The 6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Care What Others Think

Think and Grow Rich: Autosuggestion and Faith

Do you worry about your position in society? Why shouldn’t you care about what others think of you? In The Status Game, Will Storr writes that a status game is successful when it generates status for its members and for the group as a whole. Though there are plenty of reasons to play status games, they have a dark side. Find out why you shouldn’t care what others think of your status in society.

How to Improve Self-Awareness and Master Focus

Do you lack control of your life? How can you improve self-awareness? Focus consists of intentionally directing your orb of awareness to specific regions of your mind, without letting anything else direct your orb of awareness for you. In The Power of Unwavering Focus, Dandapani explores how to improve your self-awareness and stay in control. Below we’ve organized Dandapani’s techniques for improving self-awareness into three steps, with additional advice on developing focus over time.

Was Robert Oppenheimer a Communist? A Look at the Evidence

Was Robert Oppenheimer a communist? Was he actually a member of the Communist Party? In American Prometheus, Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin examine the claims that scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer was a communist. They explain that his political activism and connections led to allegations of Communist Party membership. Read more to learn what Bird and Sherwin learned and concluded.

Albert Camus: Suicide Isn’t a Satisfactory Response to Absurdity

How did people react to Albert Camus’s philosophy of the absurd? Why did some think that suicide seemed like a reasonable response? According to Albert Camus, suicide isn’t the answer. In The Myth of Sisyphus, Camus draws on existentialist theory to argue that humans are doomed to an absurd condition. He asserts that, rather than surrendering to this belief via suicide, you should derive fulfillment from your brief existence. Continue reading to learn more about Camus’s views on suicide in the context of the absurd.

Why a Culture of Candor Is Essential for Businesses

Why is candor important in organizations? How can you establish a culture of candor? Some businesses suffer from miscommunication because employees are too afraid to speak their minds. When candor is encouraged in organizations, people bounce ideas off each other and discuss potential issues that need to be solved. Continue reading for more reasons why a culture of candor is essential for every organization.

What Is the Standard Model of Physics? Michio Kaku Explains

What is the Standard Model of physics? How close is it to a unified theory? What’s it missing? Scientists have yet to figure out the unifying theory—what theoretical physicist Michio Kaku calls “the God Equation.” But, physicists have made a great deal of progress using an intermediate step toward that theory. They refer to it as the Standard Model. Keep reading to understand the Standard Model, what it tells us about the universe, and what it doesn’t explain.

The Chevalier Incident: Oppenheimer’s Opportunity for Treason

What did J. Robert Oppenheimer discuss with Haakon Chevalier? Why did Oppenheimer lie to the FBI about it? When J. Robert Oppenheimer was fighting to keep his security clearance after World War II, the Chevalier incident threatened to sink his efforts—and his career. Biographers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin explain the affair in their 2006 book American Prometheus. Continue reading to learn about the intriguing Chevalier incident.

How to Choose an Investment Property: The 3-Step Process

Understanding Real Estate Discrimination Tactics

Are you ready to invest in your first property? How do you choose an investment property that’ll generate money? The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner covers the basics of finding properties to invest in. You need to choose the location of your rental properties, the different property types to pick from, and how to find suitable properties. Continue reading to learn how to choose an investment property.

Albert Camus: Absurdity Is Man’s Futile Search for Meaning

Does it ever feel like life is just, well, ridiculous? What does Albert Camus mean by absurdity? According to Albert Camus, absurdity defines our lives. He observes that we search for meaning and purpose and ask huge questions about our existence. But, for all our searching and asking, we come up with just beliefs, theories, and hopes—and always come up short of certainty. Read more to learn about Camus’s philosophy of the absurd.