The World's Best Book Summaries
Can you increase your intelligence? Or is IQ fixed at birth? Is human IQ genetically predetermined or can it be improved? Contrary to what many people think, your IQ isn’t predetermined. In fact, Americans’ average IQ has risen over time, likely because of changes in nutrition, schools, and culture. Learn about the factors that affect your IQ and some strategies for improving your intelligence.
What is spaced practice? How does spaced practice compare to cramming (learning a large amount of information in a very short period of time)? Which technique is more effective and why? Spaced practice is a study technique that involves multiple short study sessions spaced out over time. Spaced practice develops your “underlying habit strength,” which prepares you to use that knowledge when you need it. It may feel less productive than cramming initially because you’ve forgotten some of the material and it feels like you don’t have a grasp of it—but that extra effort is precisely what makes the method
What is interleaved practice? How does it compare to mass practice? Which method is more effective and why? Interleaved practice is a study technique where you alternate between several topics or skills, instead of focusing on one thing at a time. Although it may seem counterproductive to study this way, interleaved practice is actually more effective than massed practice because it boosts retention and emulates real life—where you’ll encounter situations that require a mix of different skills and knowledge. Keep reading to learn about interleaved practice and why it’s more effective than mass practice.
According to the authors of How to Read a Book, what is good reading? Why is it important to read for comprehension rather than passively? In their book, Adler and Van Doren assert that good reading is active rather than passive. They talk about the importance of reading for comprehension rather than just grasping the surface level and they believe that the best books challenge you and force you to grow. Continue below to learn what good reading is, according to Adler and Van Doren.
How and when should you use external resources when you’re reading a book? Is it okay to rely on outside help, or should you try to read a difficult book on your own? In their book How to Read a Book, Adler and Van Doren believe that you should struggle through a book as much as you can on your own. However, when you really need help understanding the material, there are some tools you can use to aid your understanding. Below are the external resources that Adler and Van Doren recommend using.
How is the “us versus them” mindset causing a quest for ideological purity in colleges? Why is it so important to have diverse viewpoints? In their book, The Coddling of the American Mind, Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff believe that many colleges today are trending towards ideological purity rather than diversity. They state that this way of thinking can lead to persecution of those who are perceived to be dissenters and can lead to intimidation and fear. Keep reading to learn why ideological purity in colleges is dangerous.
How can you tell which are the most important sentences in a book? What are the best ways to unpack complicated sentences? In How to Read a Book, authors Adler and Van Doren suggest identifying an author’s most important sentences to find their leading proposition. Once you’ve identified the primary proposition, paraphrase it in your own words to make sure you really understand its meaning. Keep reading to learn the best way to find and unpack an author’s most important sentences.
Do you want to know how to read fiction with an analytical eye? How is reading fiction different than reading nonfiction? In their book How to Read a Book, Adler and Van Doren discuss the differences between reading fiction and nonfiction. While most of the book focuses on how to read nonfiction, this section teaches how to actively read fiction with a critical eye and analyze quality. Continue reading to learn Adler and Van Doren’s method to reading fiction.
What are the negative effects of party polarization on college campuses? How are faculty members getting mixed up in campus politics? In the book The Coddling of the American Mind, the co-authors Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff discuss the growing divide on college campuses due to American politics. They argue that recent events such as presidential elections are further dividing the country and it is spreading to university students and impacting education. Continue below to learn about how party polarization is affecting college students.
What is shame? How can you determine your proneness to shame, guilt, and blame? In her TED Talk, Brené Brown discusses the differences between shame, guilt, blame, embarrassment, and humiliation. Brown also discusses the TOSCA test for determining your proneness to the above emotions. Continue reading for Brené Brown’s take on what shame is.