The World's Best Book Summaries
What’s Weapons of Math Destruction about? How is math used to discriminate against people in poverty? In Weapons of Math Destruction, Cathy O’Neil explores the difference between benign mathematical models and dangerous ones. She also describes the negative effects that dangerous mathematical models produce. Read below for a brief Weapons of Math Destruction book overview.
When did Jordan Belfort’s drug use start? What were Belfort’s primary addictions? Despite Belfort’s belief that money could solve any problem, his riches did nothing but fuel his drug use and enabled him to endanger himself in ways that only the super-wealthy can. In The Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort recounts his worsening drug addiction and the self-destructive behavior it inspired. Here’s a look at the damage Jordan Belfort’s drug use caused.
What’s Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring about? Are pesticides damaging to the environment and human health? In her 1962 book Silent Spring, biologist Rachel Carson condemns the widespread use of pesticides in the 20th century. She argues that these chemicals threaten to devastate the natural environment and poison animals and humans alike. Read below for a brief overview of Silent Spring.
What’s situational anxiety? Is there a way to treat it? Situational anxiety happens when you feel abnormally nervous about a new situation or environment. This could range from interviewing for a new job to meeting a new group of people at a party. Continue reading for situational anxiety treatments that’ll help you.
How powerful is math? What’s the difference between benign math models and dangerous math models? In Weapons of Math Destruction, Cathy O’Neil notes that not all mathematical models are dangerous. When implemented responsibly, mathematical models can be powerful tools that enable organizations to make effective decisions that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Below we’ll define mathematical models to show the power of math.
What are the different types of pesticides? What’s the difference between herbicides and insecticides? In Silent Spring, Rachel Carson discusses how and why chemicals are applied to the environment. She also describes how insecticides and herbicides are used, and the harmful effects they have on the environment and humans. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of pesticides that are dangerous.
Do you have a fear of failure? Do you strive to be a perfectionist? The thought of failure is so terrible that it sometimes prevents people from working towards their goals. The only solution to overcoming the fear of failure is to accept that failure is normal. Continue reading to learn how to address this fear.
What are the consequences of emotional suppression? What are some ways to accept your emotions, even if they’re negative? The act of suppressing your emotions happens when you avoid or distract yourself from uncomfortable feelings. When you don’t let yourself experience negative emotions—such as guilt, frustration, and grief—you might channel those emotions into unhealthy habits. Below we’ll explore the consequences of emotional suppression and how to allow yourself to feel uneasy emotions.
What’s the definition of mathematical models? Are math models biased toward a specific group of people? In Weapons of Math Destruction, data scientist Cathy O’Neil details the insidious ways mathematical models are being used to determine everything from interest rates to prison sentences. She contends that, while mathematical models can efficiently sort through vast amounts of information, they can produce dangerous results. Let’s take a look at O’Neil’s definition of a mathematical model.
What’s Brené Brown’s advice on empathy and shame? In her words, how does empathy help you overcome shame? Brené Brown is a world-renowned author who’s known for her work on shame, wholeheartedness, and leadership. In most of her books, she discusses the concept of empathy, and where it falls in human nature. Read below for more about Brené Brown on empathy.