Remember You Must Die: Why & How to Embrace Memento Mori

A young man looking thoughtfully at himself in the mirror illustrates the concept of memento mori ("remember you must die")

What would change in your life if you truly accepted that your time is limited? How can contemplating death actually lead to a more fulfilling existence? In You Only Die Once, Jodi Wellman explores how embracing our mortality through the ancient principle of memento mori (“remember you must die”) can transform our approach to living. She reveals how acknowledging death’s inevitability helps us prioritize what truly matters and live with greater purpose. Keep reading to discover how facing our mortality might be the key to activating a more meaningful and intentional life.

Positive Self-Pressure: 3 Tools to Amplify Your Willpower

A man holding a written schedule illustrates positive self-pressure

What does it take to harness your willpower effectively? How can external pressure help you achieve your goals? In Willpower, Roy Baumeister and John Tierney explore practical strategies for maximizing self-control. Their research reveals how self-pressure techniques can help you stay focused and motivated, even during challenging times when your willpower reserves run low. Keep reading to discover proven tools for applying positive self-pressure that can transform your approach to achieving goals and maintaining self-control.

Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine: Book Overview & Takeaways

A man with gray hair, a beard, glasses, a gray shirt, and jeans reading a book on a couch with bookcases in the background

What happens in your body when you experience trauma? Why do some seemingly minor events leave lasting emotional and physical scars while others don’t? In Waking the Tiger, Peter Levine challenges traditional views about psychological healing. He presents a groundbreaking approach that focuses on the body’s natural ability to process and release trauma. His method, called Somatic Experiencing, offers hope for anyone carrying the weight of past experiences. Read on to explore Levine’s revolutionary insights into healing trauma through the wisdom of our own bodies.

Darwin’s Dangerous Idea (Daniel Dennett): Book Overview

A grey-haired woman with glasses reading a book and sitting on a couch at home with bookshelves and plants in the background

What makes Darwin’s theory of evolution so revolutionary beyond its biological implications? How does understanding evolution change our perspective on human consciousness, culture, and morality? In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, Daniel Dennett explores how evolutionary theory transforms our understanding of life, consciousness, and human nature. He demonstrates that Darwin’s concept of natural selection extends far beyond biology, reshaping our views on everything from religious beliefs to cultural development. Keep reading to discover how Dennett reveals the profound ways evolutionary thinking illuminates the mysteries of human existence and challenges traditional beliefs about our place in the universe.

How Our Sense of Self-Importance Can Steer Us the Wrong Way

A man crossing his arms and standing in the middle of a stage with a spotlight on him illustrates a sense of self-importance

What drives our everyday decisions and behaviors? Why do we often feel like everyone is watching our every move? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney reveals how our sense of self-importance shapes our perceptions and choices. He explores two key ways this manifests: believing we’re the center of attention and making decisions to protect our ego. Keep reading to discover why you might be overthinking what others think of you and learn practical ways to make better decisions.

How to Live a Full Life: 4 Tips From You Only Die Once

A middle-aged couple picking apples in an orchard illustrates how to live a full life

Would you like to live with purpose and energy? How can you create a life that’s both meaningful and vibrant? Jodi Wellman’s approach to living a full life in her book You Only Die Once combines practical strategies for increasing your daily energy with deeper insights about creating lasting purpose. Her framework offers a comprehensive path to a more enriched existence. Keep reading to discover how to live a full life—starting today.

What Is Random Mutation? Daniel Dennett Explains

A DNA molecule with a red spot illustrates the question, "What is random mutation?"

What exactly happens during random genetic mutations? What is random mutation, and how do these spontaneous changes affect living organisms? Random mutation stands as a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, representing unplanned changes in genetic material that can alter an organism’s characteristics. From Darwin’s early theories to modern scientific understanding, our knowledge of genetic mutations has evolved dramatically over time. Keep reading to get Daniel Dennett’s explanation from Darwin’s Dangerous Idea of how these genetic changes shape life itself.

How Good Are You? Perhaps Not as Good as You Think

A man thinking deeply while people around him are chatting is contemplating the question, "How good are you?"

How good are you? Are you at your best when you’re around others or when you’re on your own? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney reveals fascinating insights about human behavior and self-perception. He explores how our actions change in group settings and why we’re not as independent-minded as we’d like to believe. Keep reading to discover why it can be more difficult to maintain your values and motivation when others are around.

How to Create Meaning in Life: 4 Tips From You Only Die Once

A mother and daughter playing the piano together illustrates how to create meaning in life

What creates depth and significance in our lives beyond simple pleasure? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of purpose and connection to something larger than ourselves? Finding meaning in life enhances our well-being, strengthens our resilience, and helps us face life’s challenges with greater acceptance. Research shows that people who discover their purpose experience improved mental health, stronger self-esteem, and a more positive outlook on mortality. Continue reading for Jodi Wellman’s advice on how to create meaning in life from her book You Only Die Once.

A Peace to End All Peace (David Fromkin): Book Overview

A young man with dark hair and glasses reading a book at a table in a library with bookshelves in the background

What led to the creation of today’s Middle East? How did European decisions after World War I shape the region’s ongoing conflicts? In A Peace to End All Peace, David Fromkin reveals how Britain and France carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I, creating new countries and drawing borders that still spark tension today. He explores the complex alliances, secret agreements, and cultural misunderstandings that transformed the region. Keep reading for an overview of this book that can help us understand the world.