Shortform Books

A History of Social Justice: How It Ended Up as Critical Theories

What’s the history of social justice ideology and approaches? How have the goals and methods changed over time? Past movements for equality used to fight for concrete issues. Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay contend that contemporary activists and scholars are now more concerned with policing language and culture, shutting down rational debate, and challenging the very foundations of liberal society. Read on to understand how this incredible transformation came about.

Stop Seeking External Validation! Here Are 3 Reasons Why

Do you feel validated by other people’s opinions of you? Why should you stop seeking external validation? It’s normal to want to try other people’s styles and hobbies if it makes you feel good. But what you shouldn’t do is adopt other people’s values. You need to come up with values on your own that reflect your desires in life. Here’s why seeking external validation will ultimately lead to an unhappy life.

The Origins of Psychology: From Plato to William James

What are the origins of psychology? Where did early ideas about consciousness come from? Psychology is the study of human thought and behavior, as well as the mental processes that underpin them. In its infant form, psychology dealt with the concept of human consciousness before experimentation and behavioral observation. Below we’ll explore that transition by discussing the history of basic psychology.

Competency Mapping Process: What It Is & How It Works

What is the competency mapping process? How should you organize your team by their skills and abilities? Employees need job titles and descriptions so they know where they fit in with the company. Competency mapping ensures that everything is running smoothly by matching specific skills with certain roles. Below we’ll discuss how the competency mapping process works, as described in The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni.

Work as Hard as You Possibly Can: Beyond Order Rule 7

Do you go in too many directions at once? What could you achieve if you focused on depth rather than breadth? Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life is Jordan B. Peterson’s practical guide to navigating the chaos of today’s world and living a life of excellence. It’s a sequel to 12 Rules for Life. Beyond Order Rule 7 is this: Work as hard as you possibly can on at least one thing and see what happens. Continue reading to learn more about the value of commitment, consistency, and single-mindedness.

How Psychedelic Research Is Safely Carried Out Today

How is psychedelic research conducted? Is testing psychedelics on human subjects safe? Research has to be done in order to understand the full effect of psychedelics on the brain. To make it as safe as possible, the John Hopkins Center has developed several guidelines to limit the risk to subjects. Discover how psychedelic research is conducted and the conclusions it’s drawn.

How to Be a Man in a Relationship: Stefan Aarnio’s 2 Tips

Are you failing to find the right person to be with? What’s the key to being a man in a relationship? In relationships, everyone has a role to play. Hard Times Create Strong Men by Stefan Aarnio discusses how to behave like a strong man in relationships so you and your partner can thrive. Here’s how to be a man in a relationship without losing yourself.

Do Boycotts Work? A Look at Cancel Culture in the US

What’s behind the recent rise in boycotts in the US? Do boycotts work? Is there such a thing as too many boycotts? Boycotts are on the rise in the US, but experts say they’re not leading to the change that Americans participating in them hope to see. Experts say the growing ubiquity of boycotts could reduce their effectiveness in the future, as constant controversy associated with them causes Americans to tune out. Keep reading to learn about the most recent boycotts in the US and whether or not they’re working.

Reform & Diplomacy: A Fresh Look at the Carter Administration

How did Jimmy Carter reshape the role of the vice president? Why was the Department of Energy created? What are the highs and lows of Carter’s foreign policy? Supporters of Jimmy Carter would probably rather talk about his post-presidential years than his time in the White House. However, biographer Jonathan Alter thinks the Carter Administration deserves another look. While mistakes were made, Alter believes Carter’s achievements should be acknowledged. Continue reading for Alter’s assessment of Jimmy Carter’s presidency.

China-US Diplomatic Relations: Normalization & Beyond

Why did the US want China as an ally in the 20th century? After the two nations normalized diplomatic relations, what were the sticking points? In The Avoidable War, Kevin Rudd explains the complex factors contributing to hostility between the US and China. One chapter in this fascinating history is the normalization of relations between the two countries. Read on for an overview of China-US diplomatic relations in the latter part of the 20th century.