3 Anthropogenic Threats to Humanity (Toby Ord’s The Precipice)

A fiery mushroom cloud from a nuclear bomb explosion illustrates anthropogenic threats to humanity

Are we on the brink of a human-made disaster? What catastrophic threats to our existence could be our own fault? Toby Ord’s book The Precipice explores the dangers posed by anthropogenic threats. He speculates on the potential consequences of nuclear weapons, climate change, and environmental damage. These human-driven risks could lead to civilization collapse or even extinction. Keep reading to get Ord’s take on these potential existential challenges.

Higher Education and Race: Why Do US Schools Get a Bad Rap?

Racially diverse students on a university campus illustrate the intersection of higher education and race

How has the history of college admissions shaped our current educational landscape? Why do conservative politicians deride higher education? Ijeoma Oluo’s exploration of higher education and race reveals a complex history of exclusion and change. In her book Mediocre, she examines how American universities were initially designed for wealthy white men and how this legacy continues to impact our educational system today. Continue reading for Oluo’s analysis of race and American educational institutions.

How to Get Along With Other People: 2 Strategies for Harmony

A smiling couple, the woman with her arm around the man, illustrates how to get along with other people

Do people enjoy being around you? Is there more tension between you and others than you would like to have? Getting along with others is a crucial skill that can enhance your personal and professional life. Marc Reklau, in his book How to Become a People Magnet, says you can build stronger connections and create a more harmonious environment around you by showing appreciation and avoiding conflict. Keep reading for Reklau’s advice on how to get along with other people.

What Causes the Fear of Public Speaking? Past Trauma

A woman at a podium with a scared look on her face illustrates the question, "What causes the fear of public speaking?"

What causes the fear of public speaking? If you could pinpoint the reason for your own fear, how could that help you overcome your anxiety? In Speak With No Fear, Mike Acker suggests that the root of the fear of public speaking often lies in past traumatic experiences. He offers strategies to identify and work through these memories, helping you move past your anxiety and become a more confident speaker. Keep reading to understand Acker’s insights on uncovering—and healing from—the experiences that hold you back.

Gemeinschaftsgefühl: Adler Believed It Was Critical for Happiness

A group of four female friends talking and smiling illustrate Gemeinschaftsgefühl, Adler's concept of community feeling

Do you enjoy happiness and fulfillment in your relationships? Would you like to cultivate a stronger sense of community in your life? In The Courage to Be Happy, counselor Ichiro Kishimi and author Fumitake Koga explore the work of early 20th-century psychotherapist Alfred Adler and discuss why his ideas are still relevant. They explain Gemeinschaftsgefühl, Adler’s concept that translates to “community feeling,” or sense of community. Continue reading to discover how Adler’s teachings can transform your approach to relationships and community.

What Are Your Talents? Identify & Lean Into Your Super Strengths

What are your talents? A professional man in an office flexing his arm muscles illustrates his career super strengths

What are your talents, and how can you leverage them for career success? Are you making the most of your strengths in your current role? In The Squiggly Career, Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis emphasize the importance of identifying and utilizing your super strengths at work. Their insights can help you become more productive, effective, and satisfied in your professional life. Keep reading to discover strategies for recognizing and maximizing your unique abilities.

Obsess Over Quality: Cal Newport’s 5 Strategies for Excellence

A craftsman carefully making a product illustrates the desire to obsess over quality

Are you tired of feeling rushed and producing mediocre work? Do you want to create high-quality outputs that stand the test of time? Cal Newport writes that a significant aspect of slow productivity is committing to excellence in everything you do. By adopting the mindset of master craftsmen who obsess over quality, knowledge workers can elevate their work and make a lasting impact. Read on to learn strategies for prioritizing excellence and creating work you’re truly proud of.

The Importance of Rest: A Time for Recovery & Growth

A man in the woods wearing a jacket, hat, and backpack, sitting on a log, and journaling illustrates the importance of rest

Are you feeling exhausted and uninspired at work? Is there a secret to boosting your creativity and productivity? The importance of rest cannot be overstated. In his book Willpower Doesn’t Work, Benjamin Hardy explores how effective rest is crucial not only for recovery but also for skill improvement and creativity. Rest allows your mind to wander, fostering new connections and ideas. Keep reading to discover why rest is just as vital as work and how to strike the right balance for optimal performance and well-being.

How to Deactivate Fight-or-Flight: Take Small Actions

A calm, confident woman with black curly hair and her chin resting in her hand illustrates how to deactivate fight-or-flight

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by change? Do you want to know how to deactivate fight-or-flight responses that hold you back? Change doesn’t have to be scary. Clinical psychologist Robert Maurer writes that, by taking small, incremental steps, you can bypass your brain’s alarm system and embrace new possibilities with ease. This approach not only reduces fear but also helps build momentum and establish new behaviors. Keep reading to discover how tiny actions can lead to big transformations in your life.

3 Methods of Persuasion: Getting People to Want What You Want

Five coworkers chatting in an open workspace employ various methods of persuasion

Do you know how to influence others effectively? How effective are you at drawing them in and winning them over to your ways of thinking? Mastering the art of persuasion is a valuable skill in all facets of life. In How to Become a People Magnet, Marc Reklau explores three methods of persuasion: leading people to your ideas, appealing to authority, and focusing on positive responses. Keep reading to discover how you can apply these methods in your daily life and increase your ability to influence others.