Shortform Books

Eckhart Tolle: How the Ego Gives Rise to the Self

What exactly is the ego? How does the ego give rise to one’s self? According to Eckhart Tolle, “ego” is the part of your mind that comments, doubts, and speculates on everything. The ego is driven by fear of being nothing, which it tries to alleviate through identification with material, thought, and emotional elements, giving rise to what you think of as your “self.” Here’s how spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle explains the concept of the ego and how it gives rise to the self and identity.

How to Be a Good Human Being & Why It’s Not Enough

Are you afraid you don’t know how to be a good human being? Why is being good not enough? Being a good person is more than just being helpful and kind to others. As stated in his book Relentless, Tim Grover thinks that in the context of improving yourself, being good doesn’t cut it—you have to be great or unstoppable. Nonetheless, it’s important to learn how to be a good human being to improve. Here’s what Grover defines as “good,” and why you shouldn’t stop there.

The 3 Elements of Self: Who Are You Really?

What exactly is the self? Where does our sense of self come from? According to Eckhart Tolle, the self arises as a result of the ego’s attempt to eliminate its fear of being nothing by collecting and identifying with material, thought, and emotional elements. Gaining elements alleviates the fear of being nothing because it gives the ego an identity—something to call “me,” “mine,” and “my story.” These elements and our social standing form the mental image most people conjure up when they think of the “self.” In this article, we’ll explore the elements of self and how they relate

How to Strike Up a Conversation & Keep It Going

Do you find it difficult to talk to strangers? How do you move the conversation beyond superficial details and get more personal? When people first meet each other, the conversation typically revolves around their background and what they do for a living. After that, the conversation often stalls or dies out. To keep the conversation going, prepare stimulating responses to common questions. Here’s how to strike up a conversation with a stranger, according to communications expert Leil Lowndes.

The Importance of Empathy in the Workplace

Why is it important to foster empathy in the workplace? What are the consequences of a lack of empathy in an organization? According to management theorist Simon Sinek, empathy in the workplace fosters a supportive environment by combating abstraction through the release of oxytocin. When empathy is absent, people see each other as abstract concepts rather than people. As a result, they focus on their own benefits, rather than the common goal. Read about the importance of empathy in the workplace, according to Sinek.

The Big Difference Between Good and Great People

What is the difference between good and great people? How do they handle pressure and fears differently? In essence, good people are rarely ever relentless, whereas great people can be relentless, but only under certain conditions. In Relentless, Tim Grover defines people into three categories by how they act: the “Good,” the “Great,” and the “Unstoppable.” In this article, we’ll look at the first two categories of people, the Good and the Great, and discover the differences between them.

Can You Take Too Many Vitamins? Science Says “Yes”

Can you take too many vitamins? How many of each vitamin does the body actually need? Bill Bryson, the author of The Body, explains that most people are vitamin-deficient because of the abundance of processed foods. However, Bryson says that scientists can’t agree on how much of each vitamin you’re supposed to take. Here’s why taking vitamins is a balancing act.

The Top 5 Nutrition Myths: Debunked by Science

What are the top nutrition myths that most people believe? And how did we come to believe them, especially when information is so freely available? With so much nutrition information floating around on the web, it can be hard to sift out the truth. Nutrition myths are everywhere—your social media feed, your favorite fitness blog, even your doctor’s office. Here, we bust the top five nutrition myths to help you make better food choices starting today.

Eckhart Tolle: Connecting With Your Inner Self

What exactly is the inner self? How do you connect to your inner self? According to Eckhart Tolle, your inner self is pure conscious energy. Connecting with your inner self, rather than the false self-image created by the ego, is the key to achieving a state of perpetual mindfulness. When we’re connected with our inner self, we’re always in a state of mindfulness. Here’s how spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle explains the elusive concept of the inner self and why realizing it is the ultimate purpose of human life.

How to Make a Good First Impression Every Time

How do you make a good first impression? What role does body language play in people’s first impressions of you? To make a positive first impression, you must pay attention to your body language and the nonverbal signals you’re emitting. Even before you had the chance to open your mouth, people have already formed an impression of you based on your facial expressions and the way you move. Keep reading to learn how to make a good first impression, according to communications expert Leil Lowndes.