Evicted by Matthew Desmond: Book Overview and Exercises

A mother and two children stand outside a house that has an "Evicted" sign on the door

Why are eviction rates rising in the United States? Why is the poverty-eviction cycle so hard to break? Can anything be done to help the situation? Imagine living with the knowledge that you could lose your home at any time, for any reason. In Evicted, sociologist Matthew Desmond explains that millions of Americans live every day under the threat of eviction, and it takes a heavy toll on them both psychologically and financially.  Keep reading for our brief overview of Desmond’s book Evicted.

Trailblazer by Marc Benioff: Book Overview & Takeaways

A business leader in a suit and tie wearing glasses, reading a book in front of a window of a skyscraper building

What’s Trailblazer by Marc Benioff about? What type of business model prioritizes ethics over income? Traditional capitalism is facing increasing scrutiny because of its association with socioeconomic inequality, environmental degradation, and corporate greed. In Trailblazer, Marc Benioff says his company is leading the way forward by practicing a business model that foregrounds ideals over profits and represents the future of capitalism. Read below for a brief overview of Trailblazer.

The Republic: Plato’s Foundational Work (Overview & Takeaways)

A man in a three-piece suit reading a book while sitting on a bench in an urban park with flowers and birds in the background

What’s Plato’s primary argument in The Republic? Why did he choose to write in the form of dialogues? In The Republic, Plato provides one of the foundations of the Western philosophical canon. He gives key arguments, images, and allegories about morality, politics, and knowledge. This includes but isn’t limited to Plato’s ideal city, his concept of philosopher kings, and his allegory of the cave. Continue reading for our overview of The Republic by Plato.

The Best of Marc Benioff’s Quotes From Trailblazer

Marc Benioff talking at an event

What are the best quotes from Trailblazer? Why does Marc Benioff encourage moral principles over profit? The capitalism that powered the 20th century is under increasing scrutiny. In Trailblazer (2019), Marc Benioff argues that the time has come for a conscious revolution in business—and that his company, Salesforce, is leading the way forward. Let’s look at Marc Benioff’s quotes from Trailblazer that summarize the book.

The Republic’s Allegory of the Cave: What Does It Mean?

A cave with a campfire and shadows on the wall illustrates The Republic's allegory of the cave

What’s the true nature of reality? What if everything you perceive is just a shadow of something greater? In Plato’s The Republic, the allegory of the cave explores these profound questions. This thought-provoking metaphor illustrates the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and the role of philosophers in society. It’s part of a series of metaphors Plato uses to explain his concept of the ideal ruler. Keep reading to learn about one of philosophy’s most enduring allegories.

Doesn’t Hurt to Ask by Trey Gowdy: Book Overview

A woman reading a book while sitting in the audience of a theater

What’s Doesn’t Hurt to Ask by Trey Gowdy about? Do you wish you could change anybody’s mind about something you’re passionate about? In Doesn’t Hurt to Ask, Trey Gowdy outlines how to effectively persuade others by asking questions, using concrete evidence, and getting to know your conversation partner. Gowdy draws on his experiences in court and on investigative committees in Congress to teach you how to change someone’s way of thinking. Read below for a brief overview of Doesn’t Hurt to Ask.

A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence (Overview)

A bearded grey-haired middle-aged man thoughtfully reading a book in a room with large windows

Do you know how your brain really works? What if understanding our own intelligence could revolutionize artificial intelligence? In A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence, neuroscientist Jeff Hawkins presents a groundbreaking theory of human cognition. He explores how the brain’s neocortex creates mental models and makes predictions. This new framework offers insights into both human intelligence and potential advancements in AI. Read on to discover how your brain’s “mini-brains” work together to create your understanding of the world.

Determined: Robert Sapolsky Argues for Life Without Free Will

A young bearded man in a cozy living room sitting on a couch and thoughtfully reading a book

Do we have free will, or is everything predetermined? What difference does it make? In Determined, Robert Sapolsky says that decades of research have led him to two conclusions. First, people do not have free will. Second, accepting this fact will empower us to create a better world for everyone. Read on for an overview of this book that deals with a matter that scientists, philosophers, and theologians have been debating for millennia.

Dan Martell’s Buy Back Your Time: Book Overview & Takeaways

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of running your business? Do you wish you could find more time for yourself without sacrificing your company’s success? In his book Buy Back Your Time, entrepreneur Dan Martell offers a solution. He presents strategies for reclaiming your time and energy while still growing your business. The book covers time analysis, efficiency improvements, and effective planning techniques. Read on for an overview of Dan Martell’s Buy Back Your Time, and discover how you can take control of your schedule and achieve both personal and professional success.

The True Believer: Book Overview & Takeaways (Eric Hoffer)

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What drives people to join mass movements? What makes some movements succeed while others fizzle out? In his book The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores the psychology behind mass movements. He examines why certain groups are more susceptible to joining these movements and what factors contribute to their success or failure. Keep reading to discover Hoffer’s insights on the forces that shape our society and drive social change.