The World's Best Book Summaries
Why are community traditions and customs important? What’s the process of introducing a custom to people? According to Charles Vogl, communities must institute formal and informal customs that mark meaningful moments. Common customs include celebrations of progress, fun traditions, cultural demonstrations, and moments of silence. Discover more about creating traditions that people will practice for generations.
Why are some people poor? Are they keeping themselves down, or are they victims of others who don’t want them to succeed? In Poverty, by America, social scientist Matthew Desmond explores how and why the commonly cited explanations for poverty fall flat. Then he turns his attention to what he believes does explain the persistence of poverty in America. Read on to learn why Desmond thinks the exploitation of the poor is a reality in the US.
Does your community have a sense of identity? Do you know how to build connections with others? There are a few key characteristics that enhance connections between community members. In The Art of Community, Charles Vogl discusses the value of sharing community lore and explains how emblems and keepsakes foster a sense of belonging. Find out how to build connections with others through these elements of communities.
Which developed nation has the most poverty? What effect does poverty have on people? Which comes first: economic security or better choices? In Poverty, by America, Matthew Desmond argues that poverty in the US persists because it benefits many Americans to keep a share of their fellow Americans in a state of want. He issues a call to arms to readers to examine their role in benefiting from and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Read more for several Poverty, by America quotes that provide insights into the book’s ideas.
What’s community lore? What are the three types of lore that community members can share with one another? Lore is a collection of traditions and knowledge that are typically passed through stories. Sharing community lore can enhance the connection between members of a community by helping them understand each other and their morals better. Learn more about the types of lore your community can share.
What are employees’ concerns about AI in the workplace? How can companies foster a healthy relationship between employees and AI to enhance productivity? Nearly 40% of US workers fear that AI will make their job responsibilities obsolete—and psychologists say it’s wreaking havoc on their mental health. Employees who fear that AI will take over their jobs are more likely to feel undervalued at work, experience symptoms of workplace burnout, and look for other jobs. Here’s a look at the top AI fears, and what companies can do to assuage them.
Do you have an item that’s sentimental to you? How do emblems and mementos create a sense of belonging? In The Art of Community, Charles Vogl explains that communities can use emblems to foster a sense of belonging. Emblems are metaphoric representations of a community’s moral code, such as the US flag’s symbolism of the country’s history and values. Read more for a better understanding of why emblems are powerful to communities.
Does your community feel too small? What are the best practices for community growth? When your community is at a point where it’s been strengthened by lore, emblems, and keepsakes, it’ll be ready to invite new members. Charles Vogl has some tips for incorporating new members and discusses how to use stratification to your community’s advantage. Let’s look at the key ways to grow your community so it can reach new people.
What’s the relationship between speculation and the stock market crash? How did the media influence investors? In both 1929 and 1987, speculation and the stock market crash were deeply intertwined. A look at media coverage at the time shows how speculation set the stage for each crash. Let’s consider how speculative bubbles influenced by the media led to major stock market crashes in history.
Why are many US pharmacies closing? What does that mean for the local communities? Major pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens are closing hundreds of stores, creating “pharmacy deserts.” Continued pharmacy closures could exacerbate healthcare disparities, necessitating new approaches for equitable access to vital medications and health services in all communities. Continue reading to learn about the reason for the closing pharmacies and the potential effects.