The World's Best Book Summaries
Are affirmative action policies still relevant in 2023? Why do some lawmakers want to eliminate affirmative action policies? The Supreme Court will soon decide whether to eliminate affirmative action policies. One side says these policies are still needed to create a just society. The other says they create reverse discrimination. We’ll look at both sides of the debate here.
Why aren’t we using more geothermal energy in the US? What are the benefits of switching to geothermal energy? America is the world’s leading producer of geothermal energy—but that currently generates less than 1% of the nation’s power. The US hopes to see geothermal generate 8.5% of electricity by 2050, but the cost and accessibility to tap the resource pose significant challenges. Below we’ll explore what geothermal energy is, its benefits and downsides, and prospects for its expansion.
What are the pros and cons of adopting new banking rules in the U.S.? Do we need stronger banking regulations? Banking regulations are a hotly debated topic in the U.S. currently, with some arguing that they provide essential consumer protections and others contending that they stifle competition and innovation. Now, with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, there’s an even greater push for new banking rules. Read on to learn about the debate over new U.S. banking rules, based on various experts’ perspectives.
What is the psychedelic revolution? How is today’s revolution being challenged? What are the main obstacles? In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in higher states of consciousness and some say we’re in a new psychedelic revolution. In their book Stealing Fire, Stephen Kotler and Jamie Wheal explain the main challenges to the success of the revolution. Read on to learn about the psychedelic revolution and the challenges it faces, according to Kotler and Wheal.
Is natural gas “green energy” or a fossil fuel? Does natural gas harm the environment? On January 6, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill into law classifying natural gas as “green energy.” Tying the “green” label to a fossil fuel that drives global warming has created some confusion, but it’s a potentially powerful branding tool for U.S. leaders seeking to advance their respective causes. Read on to learn about the debate surrounding natural gas and the “green energy” label.
How did former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s 1MDB scandal fall apart? What did he do once the scandal was exposed? Billion Dollar Whale describes the shocking story of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s involvement in the 1MDB scandal and how it all fell apart. Authors Tom Wright and Bradley Hope unravel the exploits of Jho Low and his relationship with Najib as they stole from Malaysia’s sovereign funds. Read on to learn how Najib’s 1MDB scandal fall apart, according to Wright and Hope.
Whom can we trust to report climate science accurately? Why would anyone twist the facts? Steven E. Koonin argues that climate science is frequently misconstrued, and he attempts to diagnose the root of this problem. He accuses various parties of distorting climate science and explains some of the biases and motivations that appear to be behind the misrepresentations. Continue reading to learn who’s not telling the whole truth about climate change—and why.
What is stochastic terrorism? What’s behind the rise in violence and hate crimes in the United States? From racially motivated mass shootings to threats to elected officials to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, political violence and hate crimes have been on the rise in the U.S. Some psychological experts point the finger at stochastic terrorism. Read on to learn what stochastic terrorism is and why it could be to blame for this uptick in violent acts.
Is Europe’s gas shortage over or is another energy crisis on the way? Why do experts’ viewpoints differ on this issue? Last November, Europe appeared on the brink of an energy crisis, facing a shortage of natural gas as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted global supply and distribution. Now, some say that Europe not only weathered the storm but put itself in a stronger energy position than ever—but others don’t readily agree. Read on to learn if Europe’s gas shortage is truly over or if another energy crisis is on the horizon.
Who really has the power in the United States? How did they get it? In The Power Elite, C. Wright Mills claims that the United States is controlled by a small group of powerful economic, military, and political elites. Writing in 1956, he suggests that the decisions, failures, and successes of the power elite are what truly determine the course of the country. Keep reading for an overview of this illuminating book.