Shortform Books

The Problems With Alternatives to Fossil Fuels

Can renewable energy replace fossil fuels? How do renewable energy sources compare to fossil fuel burning in terms of efficiency and output? Transitioning our energy sources away from fossil fuel consumption is a key environmental challenge of the 21st century. However, replacing fossil fuels altogether is likely impossible—at least in the near future. In this article, we’ll discuss the main problems with alternatives to fossil fuels (nuclear energy, wind energy, solar energy).

The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal (Book Overview)

What is Kelly McGonigal’s The Upside of Stress about? What is the key message to take away from the book? The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal goes beyond fight-or-flight to explore the nuances and overlooked benefits of stress. McGonigal claims that with a balanced understanding of stress and a positive mindset, you can transform your stress from a hindrance into a resource. Below is a brief overview of The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal.

How Carcinogens Cause Cancer & Drive Its Growth

Can cancer be passed down genetically? To what extent is cancer hereditary? And if bad genes don’t cause cancer, what does? Contrary to a common misconception, cancer can’t be directly passed down to offspring (although various genes do make certain types of cancer more likely). According to Dr. Jason Fung, cancer is almost always the result of environmental factors called carcinogens—literally, “tumor creators.” Here’s how carcinogens cause cancer and drive its growth.

The Big Four Tech Companies: The Secrets to Their Success

Just how big are the big four tech companies? What are the four deep human desires that these companies appeal to? The Four—Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google—are among the largest companies in the U.S., and their products and services infiltrate every aspect of American life. In The Four, Scott Galloway takes a hard look at these technology companies that dominate the modern marketplace. Keep reading for an explanation of just how pervasive these companies are and the two factors that are major contributors to their continuing success.

Create a Teal Company (or Transform Your Business Into One)

Would you like your company to put purpose above profit? Are you eager to lead self-directed employees? In Reinventing Organizations, Frédéric Laloux identifies an emerging breed of company that operates from a new set of rules. These visionary organizations (“Teal companies”) embody principles of self-direction and individual authenticity while following a collective higher purpose. Keep reading to learn how to create a Teal company of your own.

The Most Powerful Economies in the World, According to GDP

What are the most economically successful countries in the world? Does the GDP of a country accurately reflect its standard of living? The top three countries by GDP—the United States, China, and Japan—seem to thrive on the surface. However, a closer inspection tells a different story: High GDP doesn’t necessarily translate into a high standard of living. Here’s a closer look at the most powerful economies in the world.

Organizational Trust and Transparency: Treat Employees as Adults

Does your company operate on a “need to know” basis? Does management wield all of the power? Visionary companies eliminate the compartmentalization of information, and they distribute power. This transparency leads to trust. Employees feel respected, and performance increases. Read on to learn more about organizational trust and transparency.

The Food Production Carbon Footprint: How Bad Is It?

How does the food production industry contribute to climate change? What are some ways we can offset the CO2 emissions resulting from food production? Food production plays a huge role in climate change, and as the global population continues to rise, we must make changes in the way we produce and consume food. Specifically, we should reduce our reliance on nitrogen fertilizers, tackle food waste, and limit meat consumption. Here’s a look at food production’s carbon footprint in these areas.

The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest: Book Overview

What is The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In The Mountain Is You, Brianna Wiest tells you how you can quit self-sabotaging behaviors so you can fulfill your life purpose. Her book explains Wiest’s concept of self-sabotage, how to recognize your self-sabotaging behaviors, and what you can do to overcome them. Read below for a brief overview of The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest.

The Best Books on Confidence and Character-Building

How can you become more confident? Is confidence a personality trait or a skill you can develop with practice? The first step towards becoming more confident is believing that confidence is something that can be attained, that it’s a skill that can be cultivated and honed with practice. Then, the question becomes: how exactly do you practice something as elusive as confidence? There are many answers to this million-dollar question, and these books on confidence offer perspectives worth exploring.