The World's Best Book Summaries
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.
Is social stratification necessarily a bad thing? How can social stratification cause inequality? As communities grow, stratification (a division between more experienced and less experienced members) will naturally occur. Charles Vogl explains that stratification is a good thing, as it gives members something to aspire to. Discover why social stratification and inequality don’t always mean the same thing.
Why is sexism in the entertainment industry such a problem? Are there double standards for men that women wouldn’t be able to get away with? In The Woman in Me, musician Britney Spears uses her own narrative to point out the favoritism toward men in the entertainment industry. The differing treatments between men and women stand out when it comes to their dating lives, mental health issues, and physical appearances. Learn what else Spears discovered about the mistreatment of women in an industry where men aren’t held to such high standards.
What makes something go viral? Why do some ideas catch on when others don’t? Economist Robert J. Shiller contends that narratives drive behavior far more than we might realize. He outlines five factors that contribute to the widespread dissemination of economic narratives: memorable visuals, emotional resonance, influential endorsers, holistic explanations, and a human-centric focus. Continue reading to understand these virality factors that apply to narratives of all kinds.
How are you helping others grow? Should there be room for advancement in communities? Although you should prioritize relationships over status, Charles Vogl says it’s natural to want to continue growing as a person and advancing within a community. In The Art of Community, he makes a few recommendations that can help community members make healthy progress. Continue reading for his recommendations that apply to both offline and online communities.