The World's Best Book Summaries
What changes have youth activists brought about? Are they really making a difference? Youth activists around the world are suing their governments over climate change. Some have forced governments to rework emissions targets or stop deforestation. And even unsuccessful suits can influence public opinion and create pressure for change. Keep reading for a look at some of the lawsuits and their outcomes.
Is a shorter workweek any closer to being a reality? What signs point to “yes”—and what barriers prevent it from happening? Countries around the globe have been running 4-day workweek trials and touting the benefits for years, yet implementation of the policy has been limited. Barriers to the policy’s implementation are keeping many companies from testing out the new schedule. Keep reading to learn about the results of the 4-day workweek trials, and why some companies are still reluctant to try it.
Why is Silicon Valley on psychedelics? Do they really make you more creative? What are the associated risks? A growing number of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and others working in Silicon Valley appear to be embracing psychedelic drug use to enhance their creativity and treat anxiety and depression. Experts say that more research is needed to understand the benefits and dangers of psychedelics. Here’s a look at psychedelic use in Silicon Valley.
What can we learn about the brain by studying history? What do the Classical period, the Renaissance, and the Romantic era have in common? Contrary to popular opinion, Iain McGilchrist contends that the left brain hemisphere should be subservient to the right. He contends that three historical eras embody the primacy of the right hemisphere: classical antiquity, the Renaissance, and Romanticism. Read on to get a new perspective on history by seeing it through the lens of right hemisphere dominance.
What does the future of ADHD look like? What role does society play in treating ADHD? ADHD most often develops in children who live in stressful environments. Even if you aren’t a parent, there’s a way you can help prevent ADHD in children by making society a better place to live in. Continue reading to learn how you can contribute to preventing ADHD in children of the future.
Does it seem like we’re increasingly losing meaning in our lives? Are we prioritizing knowledge over wisdom? Iain McGilchrist argues that the right brain hemisphere is more important than the left. The problem is that we live in an era when the left brain dominates. He makes three predictions about a world dominated by the left hemisphere and explains why such a world would diminish our happiness. Keep reading to learn three ways that left-brain hemispheric dominance is detrimental to society, according to McGilchrist.
If inflation is going down, why are food prices still rising? Will the prices ever go down? What’s causing grocery inflation? Americans continue to feel the pain of rising grocery store prices, but food manufacturers appear unlikely to lower them—even as inflation cools and raw materials costs fall. Experts say that food prices will continue to rise through the end of 2023. Below we’ll take a look at the causes of grocery inflation, and predictions for the future.
What is extreme tourism? What dangers does it pose—and does it offer any redeeming social value? What is its future? On June 20, the US Coast Guard announced that a “catastrophic implosion” had killed five passengers on the Titan submersible. The deadly, $250,000-per-seat escapade raises questions about the perils and possible benefits of extreme tourism—an industry growing in popularity among the world’s financial elite. Keep reading for the two points of view on extreme tourism.
How do Russian minorities in European nations influence geopolitics? How have the borders of African nations affected people? In Prisoners of Geography, Tim Marshall highlights the importance of human geography, showing how it shapes nations. Furthermore, he illustrates how borders that don’t take geography into account usually lead to internal conflicts. Keep reading to learn about human geography and why it matters.
Are you ready to make a change in society? What are ways to make the world a better place? Even with so many advancements that have made lives easier, the world is far from perfect. With climate change getting worse every year and people not getting along, there’s room to make the world a safer and more enjoyable place to live in. Keep reading to learn the actions you and others can take to make the world a better place.