Shortform Books

Who Are the Power Elite in America? Where the Influence Lies

Who are the power elite in America? What institutions wield influence over nearly everything? In The Power Elite, sociologist C. Wright Mills discusses how a small group of leaders has taken over a vast majority of American political and economic decision-making. He defines the power elite—who they are and how they operate—and he identifies the three institutions where the power elite emerged. Keep reading to learn who these people are and how they’ve consolidated their power.

How to Be a Good Host and Make Guests Comfortable

Do you know how to direct a gathering? How can you be a good host to your guests? At an event you’re hosting, your guests should be your number one priority. The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker says many people think that hosts should relax when it comes to their duties, but it’s actually quite the opposite. Keep reading for the truth behind learning how to be a good host.

The Best Stop Overthinking Quotes by Nick Trenton

What are the most memorable Stop Overthinking quotes? Have you ever spent a long time worrying about a problem only to end up feeling stressed and no closer to a solution? In Stop Overthinking, Nick Trenton explains that you were probably overthinking the problem: reflecting on it so much that it made you feel bad. He argues that by adopting stress management skills, you can stay grounded in the present moment and not be controlled by endless worrying. Below we’ll look at the four best Stop Overthinking quotes that highlight the main ideas.

The Benefits of Connecting With Your Higher Self

What are the benefits of connecting with your higher self? What is the most crucial element for success? Your higher self is the person you aspire to be. According to Benjamin Hardy’s book Be Your Future Self Now, when you stay in touch with your higher self you become a more productive person with ambition and drive. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of connecting with your higher self.

Cultivating Spirituality: Why It Matters & How to Do It

Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? How does practicing spirituality improve one’s health and well-being? People who practice some form of spirituality are happier, healthier, and more resilient. That said, you don’t have to be religious to be spiritual. According to Lissa Rankin, the author of Mind Over Medicine, spirituality is simply finding and honoring what’s sacred for you. Here are some tips for cultivating spirituality.

The Body Keeps the Score: Discussion Questions for a Book Club

Did you read The Body Keeps the Score? Are you looking for some questions that will generate thoughtful discussion? We tend to think of trauma in its most extreme forms, such as PTSD. But nearly everyone is likely to either suffer from trauma or know someone who does. In The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk explains that the physiological toll can be tremendous. Read on for The Body Keeps the Score discussion questions that will help you understand and internalize the book’s ideas and apply them where appropriate.

The Earth After Humans: Alan Weisman’s Thought Experiment

What effects, positive or negative, would the disappearance of humans have on the world? How permanent are the changes we’ve made? The human race has left a mark on our planet. In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman asks what would happen if the human race vanished overnight. Weisman’s goal is to address humanity’s environmental impact by imagining a world in which nature is allowed to flourish. Keep reading to learn how the Earth after humans would be significantly different than what came before.

The Law of Intentionality: The 4 Ways to Grow on Purpose

Do you expect to grow as you go through life? How do you think growth happens? John C. Maxwell understands that growth operates by certain laws. One of those laws—the Law of Intentionality—says that growth doesn’t just happen by itself; it happens when you make it happen. You have the power to grow by planning strategically and taking thoughtful action. Read on to learn why thoughtful action helps you on your journey of personal growth and to discover four ways to take thoughtful action effectively.

What Is Self-Transcendence? Maslow & Kaufman Explain

What is self-transcendence? What are the key characteristics? What are transcendent experiences? According to Abraham Maslow, some people can transcend self-actualization. In Scott Barry Kaufman’s book Transcend, he explains how people can reach this state of self-transcendence by losing themselves to a bigger cause and being motivated by values that go beyond the self. Read on to learn about what self-transcendence is and how to reach it, according to Maslow and Kaufman.

How the Corporate Elite Quietly Rose to Power in America

What’s the “executive class”? How did corporations in the United States get so powerful? In The Power Elite, C. Wright Mills discusses how influential institutions came to control a majority of wealth and power in America. Corporations are one of the three main institutions where Mills believes the power elite developed. Mills explores the process by which their influence solidified over the years. Read more to learn about the subtle rise of the corporate elite in America.