A Victorian scientist builds a machine that can travel through time. In the distant future he finds that, rather than advancing, human civilization has totally collapsed. 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.”

This guide will organize The Time Machine into four sections. It begins with the Time Traveller showing off the time machine he invented. He journeys into the future, where humanity has evolved into the childlike Eloi and the bestial Morlocks. He then goes even further into the future and sees the end of the world. Finally, he goes back home to tell his friends what he’s seen. Our commentary will discuss the science behind the story, including which concepts are real and which are fiction. It will also discuss the literary techniques and symbolism Wells used to craft this story.

Everyone gets only 24 hours in a day. But how much more could you get done—and how much more life could you experience—if you could slow those hours down and ensure you’re getting the most out of every moment? Organizational psychologist Benjamin Hardy writes in Slipstream Time Hacking (2015) that you can do exactly that, moving more quickly to make time run more slowly.

In this guide, we’ll explore Hardy’s theory that you can increase the speed you’re traveling toward your goals while simultaneously decreasing the rate at which time seems to pass—effectively buying yourself more time to enjoy the ride. Along the way, we’ll look at how other psychology, physics, and even science fiction experts have explored the principles that Hardy incorporates into his method.

How much do you know about the universe you live in? Thanks to scientific discoveries of the twentieth century, scientists have gained insight into many of nature’s secrets, from the origin of the universe to the nature of space and time. In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking explains these insights for a general audience.

In this guide, we’ll present Hawking’s exposition of modern physics through the lens of five big questions that the book answers: Is reality relative or absolute? Is the future predetermined? How did the universe begin? What is the nature of a black hole? And can you build a time machine? Where applicable, we’ll also examine how Hawking’s assertions and predictions stack up to new data that scientists have collected since the book was published.

Everyone wants to be happy, but the modern world is rife with obstacles to happiness. Many people view happiness as an elusive goal that’s perpetually out of reach. However, Mo Gawdat argues that we can be consistently happy if we bring our expectations and perceptions of our lives into alignment.

In Solve for Happy, Gawdat outlines a simple algorithm to do so: First, dispel six misconceptions that cause us to suffer; next, remove seven weaknesses that make us unhappy; and finally, embrace five pillars to become permanently happy. By following this three-part algorithm, we can enjoy lasting happiness.

In this guide, we’ll examine Gawdat’s algorithm and address the misconceptions, weaknesses, and pillars that he discusses. We’ll examine concrete strategies for following this algorithm, and we’ll compare Gawdat’s work to other guides for happiness.

How much do you know about the universe you live in? Thanks to scientific discoveries of the twentieth century, scientists have gained insight into many of nature’s secrets, from the origin of the universe to the nature of space and time. In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking explains these insights for a general audience.

In this guide, we’ll present Hawking’s exposition of modern physics through the lens of five big questions that the book answers: Is reality relative or absolute? Is the future predetermined? How did the universe begin? What is the nature of a black hole? And can you build a time machine? Where applicable, we’ll also examine how Hawking’s assertions and predictions stack up to new data that scientists have collected since the book was published.

In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, philosopher Daniel Dennett explores the far-reaching impact of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Dennett argues that Darwin's theory sent shockwaves across philosophy, psychology, religion, and culture by explaining the emergence of complex design without the need for a “designer” or God. Further, he says that this theory has radical implications for our ideas about the development of the human mind, culture, and even morality and consciousness.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key themes in Dennett’s book, including:

• That evolution is unguided by an intelligence, purpose, or conscious design
• How the theory of evolution eliminates the need for a divine creator and argues that our existence is a matter of chance
• How our understanding of evolution has influenced our understanding of human thought, language, culture, morality, and free will

Throughout the guide, we’ll supplement Dennett’s analysis with insights from philosophers, evolutionary biologists, and other thinkers who support and challenge his ideas.

A Victorian scientist builds a machine that can travel through time. In the distant future he finds that, rather than advancing, human civilization has totally collapsed. 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.”

This guide will organize The Time Machine into four sections. It begins with the Time Traveller showing off the time machine he invented. He journeys into the future, where humanity has evolved into the childlike Eloi and the bestial Morlocks. He then goes even further into the future and sees the end of the world. Finally, he goes back home to tell his friends what he’s seen. Our commentary will discuss the science behind the story, including which concepts are real and which are fiction. It will also discuss the literary techniques and symbolism Wells used to craft this story.