The World's Best Book Summaries
Are there hidden messages in the way news is reported? What myths does Hollywood perpetuate? Many of Roland Barthes’s essays provide concrete examples of how myths are used to reinforce cultural norms and values. Particularly, these essays seek to unmask class, gender, race, beauty, and political constructs. Read more to see how Roland Barthes’s essays shed light on cultural myths.
What is the new space race? Who is the race between? What does the future hold for space exploration? Space exploration largely faded into the background after the end of the Cold War, but it’s coming back with a vengeance. Participants in the new space race are vying for the advantages of establishing a space presence that could set them up for future success. Read on to learn more about what’s happening with the new space race and who’s involved.
Why do politicians lie? Why do we continue to support politicians, even when we know they’re lying? Research shows that Americans will continue to support their preferred political candidates even when they know those candidates lie. Since 2016, the term “post-truth politics” has come into regular use for just this reason. Read on to learn why politicians lie and why Americans tolerate it.
What are noncompete clauses in contracts? Why has the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a ban on noncompete clauses? The FTC recently proposed banning noncompete clauses, which restrict former employees and contractors from launching or working with rival companies. The clauses aim to protect businesses’ sensitive information. Keep reading to learn why the FTC wants to ban noncompete clauses in contracts and if they’ll succeed.
What does permitless carry mean? How many states allow permitless carry? What should you know about open and concealed carry laws? In the last decade, the number of permitless carry states—those that allow people to carry concealed weapons without a license—has jumped from two to 25. However, the change isn’t as drastic as it sounds. Read on for an overview of permitless carry in the United States, including what’s changing for gun owners.
Can the government regulate cryptocurrency? What challenges do regulators face? The cryptocurrency industry has been marked by volatility, bankruptcies, and scandals, and after the recent implosion of crypto exchange FTX, many are calling for long-overdue regulation. However, regulators are struggling to write laws as no one can agree on the fundamentals of the industry. Keep reading to learn if the government can regulate cryptocurrency and why it’s a challenge.
How can creating new jobs cause problems in society? Why does job creation sometimes result in useless jobs? According to anthropology professor David Graeber, useless jobs have become widespread in most modern societies. He claims that creating new jobs, while beneficial when done responsibly, can also cause the proliferation of useless jobs for economic and political reasons. Keep reading to learn how creating new jobs can also produce meaningless jobs, according to Graeber.
Why are Black people poor? Is there a way out of generational poverty? Candace Owens believes that Black Americans are stuck in generational poverty because of the breakdown of families. This breakdown, she says, comes from Democratic policies. That’s why it’s time for Blacks to leave the “Democratic plantation” and embrace true independence and prosperity. Continue reading to understand what Owens means—and what she hopes will change.
Are Black voters in America manipulated for profit? If so, who profits and how? Candace Owens believes that Black Americans are being used. She contends that four groups benefit from their loyalty to the Democratic Party: Democrat politicians, the mainstream media, guilty whites, and irresponsible Blacks. Continue reading to learn Owens’s argument.
What promise did countries make with the Paris Agreement? Is the Paris Agreement effective? To spark the green revolution, world leaders took a more concrete approach to climate change via the Paris Agreement. However, Bjorn Lomborg argues that, if the goal is to achieve a meaningful and cost-effective reduction in global temperature, it’s a failure. Continue reading to see how Lomborg comes to this conclusion.