Shortform Books

Time Is the Fourth Dimension: How H.G. Wells Explained It

How did H.G. Wells explain time and time travel in The Time Machine? Did he get it right, according to real science? A Victorian scientist builds a machine that can travel through time. The Time Machine, first published in 1895, is one of the earliest known science fiction stories. This literary classic by English author H.G. Wells popularized the concept of time travel and introduced the now-common phrase “time machine.” Read more to learn how the book explains that time is the fourth dimension.

How to Simplify Your Life: 3 Tips From Thoreau’s Walden

A woman simplifying her life by watering plants.

Does your life feel cluttered and complicated? Do you sometimes feel like you should escape to a simpler time or place? One reason why Henry David Thoreau went to the woods was to live a simpler life. To accomplish this, he adopted a certain mindset and made specific choices. From his example, you can simplify your life by considering what you can do without, managing your resources wisely, and savoring what you have. Keep reading for three tips on how to simplify your life with insights from Thoreau.

How Men and Society Silence Women’s Voices

Why are women being silenced in society? What prominent figures have silenced their victims in the past? The authoritarian belief that men have the right to control women is what motivates misogyny and the mistreatment of women. According to Rebecca Solnit, mistreatment and control include silencing women’s voices. Continue reading to learn the many ways men have used their privilege to shut women down.

Peak Performance Quotes on Stress, Rest, and Purpose

What are the best Peak Performance quotes? How does the combination of stress and rest enhance optimal performance? In Peak Performance, human performance experts Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness highlight optimal strategies for subjecting your body to stress and recuperating afterward. By doing so, you’re refreshing your body so you can perform at your best when something important comes up. Below we’ve listed a few of the best Peak Performance quotes that represent the authors’ main ideas.

Quotes From The Time Machine (+ Context & Explanation)

In The Time Machine, what aspect of humanity “had committed suicide”? Why did humanity grow weaker over time? What’s the significance of the two flowers? The Time Machine is a science fiction classic that tells the story of a Victorian scientist who builds a machine that can travel through time. In the distant future he finds that, rather than advancing, human civilization has collapsed. Continue reading for a few quotes from The Time Machine that provide insights into the book’s profound ideas.

How to Connect With Nature: Follow in Thoreau’s Footsteps

A young girl connecting with nature by looking up at a tree.

What rhythms does your life follow? When was the last time you bathed in a river? At Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau spent hours each day walking in the woods. He bathed in the pond. He got to know individual trees. Drawing from Thoreau’s experience, you can learn how to connect with nature and get into its rhythm. Continue reading to learn more about Thoreau’s connection with nature and two specific ways you can follow his example.

Personal Kanban: Book Overview and Productivity Takeaways

What’s Personal Kanban about? How can you use kanban boards to organize your life? In Personal Kanban, Agile productivity experts Jim Benson and Tonianne DeMaria teach you how to use kanban boards—a management method that keeps automakers efficient and software developers productive—to organize your life. Read below for a brief Personal Kanban book overview.

Synopsis of The Time Machine: Get to Know H.G. Wells’s Classic

What year does the Time Traveller in The Time Machine travel to? What does he find when he arrives? H.G. Wells’s classic book The Time Machine, first published in 1895, is one of the earliest known science fiction stories. It popularized the concept of time travel and introduced the now-common phrase “time machine.” Continue reading for a synopsis of The Time Machine by H.G. Wells.

How to Enjoy Solitude: 3 Tips Inspired by Walden Pond

A man enjoying solitude by sitting next to a lake.

Are you lonely? How often do you spend time alone? Is that time enjoyable and valuable? One of the reasons why Henry David Thoreau went to live in the woods was to be alone—but not to feel alone. Appreciating this distinction and following Thoreau’s example can help you find meaning in time spent alone. Keep reading to learn how to enjoy solitude as Thoreau did at Walden Pond.

What Is the Kanban System? The Best Way to Stay Productive

What is the kanban system? How does having your own personal kanban improve productivity? Before you start developing your own personal kanban, it’s helpful to understand the system’s background. In Personal Kanban, Jim Benson and Tonianne DeMaria explore what kanban is, its origins and benefits, and the difference between traditional and personal kanban. Let’s break down the basics of the kanban system below.