The World's Best Book Summaries
What is YIMBY? What’s the frustration behind it, and what’s its goal? YIMBY (“Yes in My Back Yard”) is a social and political movement focused on affordable housing. A response to NIMBY (“Not in My Back Yard”), they demand reforms in policies and regulations that govern housing in large cities. Keep reading to learn about the YIMBY movement and its demands.
Do you want to keep the poor out of your neighborhood? Are you struggling to become a homeowner? In Poverty, by America, social scientist Matthew Desmond addresses the link between housing and poverty. He argues that some public policies and personal choices exploit the poor. But, he says that we can turn things around and offer empowerment instead of exploitation. Keep reading to understand Desmond’s argument.
Does the tax code favor the rich? Is a progressive tax system the most fair? Matthew Desmond asserts that poverty in America persists because it benefits many people to keep some others in a state of want. He offers a multifaceted approach to eradicating poverty. One part of this is to crack down on welfare for the rich and use the money to empower the poor instead. Continue reading to get the details of Desmond’s proposal as well as a counterargument to it.
What is the drone economy? How are various industries using it and what does the future promise for it? The global drone market is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach $56 billion by 2030. However, strict FAA regulations on drone flights are limiting further growth of commercial drone services. Here’s a look at the FAA’s regulations, and the potential future uses of drones.
How and why did Abraham Lincoln get into politics? When did his centrist approach fail him? What song did he want played after the announcement of the Union’s victory? In And There Was Light, historian and biographer Jon Meacham discusses Abraham Lincoln’s political career, including the president’s actions during the Civil War. Meacham also provides some background information that sheds light on Lincoln’s politics and abilities. Continue reading to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s political career.
Why did Abraham Lincoln choose Andrew Johnson as his running mate? Did Johnson carry on Lincoln’s work? Historian and biographer Jon Meacham writes about the life and leadership of Abraham Lincoln in his book And There Was Light. He also discusses the drastic change of course in the presidency and nation after Lincoln’s assassination. Read more to learn about Lincoln and Johnson, according to Meacham.
What can we learn from Chris Miller’s Chip War? What is there to know about the economic history of the semiconductor? In Chip War, Miller describes the growth of the semiconductor industry from invention to globalized mass production. He walks through each step of the semiconductor’s technological development, highlighting key international competitors in the industry. Read on for insights and explanations drawn from Chris Miller’s Chip War.
What does it mean to be “woke”? Is it a good thing, or does it go too far? Douglas Murray argues that the West is consumed by an ideology that insists that certain groups endure widespread prejudice and oppression. Therefore, this ideology goes on to insist, these groups should receive sensitivity, accommodations, and apologetic behavior from the social majority. Read more to get Murray’s take on social justice ideology and wokeism.
Why did the Republican Party choose Abraham Lincoln as a presidential candidate? What backlash did his election receive? Just as Abraham Lincoln was losing a Senate race, he was winning the confidence of his fellow Republicans. Biographer Jon Meacham discusses the election of President Lincoln and how it stirred up a hornet’s nest that put the nation on the path to war. Read more to learn about the election of President Lincoln and the stunning aftermath.
What’s woke culture? Why do many people believe that it’s gone too far and become destructive? In The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray argues that Western society is under attack from woke culture. He argues that this ideology is obsessed with social justice, intersectionality, and identity politics. Murray contends that what appears on the surface to be a compassionate movement is dangerous at its core. Continue reading to understand woke culture from Murray’s perspective.