Short Studies

Robert Greene, in his book Mastery, lays out exactly what we all need to do to gain mastery in any given field. In this book, we will analyze, discuss, and summarize Robert Greene's Mastery and see if we too can become masters in whatever endeavor we want to embark upon.

Sonia Shah, in her wonderful book Pandemic: Tracking Contagions, from Cholera to Ebola and Beyond, goes into some depth as to how we need to prepare for a future pandemic. In this review, we will analyze, discuss, and summarize the key points in Pandemic: Tracking Contagions, from Cholera to Ebola and Beyond. Enjoy!

The Internet changed everything. Alec Ross, in his book The Industries of the Future, discusses how technology has completely changed several industries both for the better and for the worse. In this volume of Summary Shorts, we will analyze, discuss, and summarize the core concepts of The Industries of the Future by Alec Ross.

In this summary, we will analyze, discuss, and summarize the key points in The Myth of the Rational Voter by Bryan Caplan. Most people would agree that democracy is broken yet we all know that it is the best governmental system we have. Despite it being the best system, we are facing an unprecedented crisis.

We may not think of our brain as being a computer, but in many ways it very much is like a computer. It is just far more complex than even the most advanced computer out there that we know of. In light of this fact, it is possible to program our minds to change how we react and behave. One effective program we can use is called neuro-linguistic programming or NLP as we will call it going forward. Millions of people around the world have used NLP to change their lives.

We are simply inundated with diet and nutrition advice. It seems that every book contradicts the other. Each book has a different theory. However, there are some books out there that truly break the mold. Why We Get Fat is one of them. It shatters all the preconceived notions as to why we get fat and what we can do about it. In this edition of Summary Shorts, we will discuss, analyze and summarize the main points of Why We Get Fat.

Not many people will tell you that they are motivated by their jobs. In fact, we would wager that most people would say they are not motivated by their jobs at all and that if they didn't need the money, they wouldn't be at their current jobs. In other words, they are not motivated. Dan Ariely, in his book, Payoff, discusses what really motivates people and surprisingly, it is not money. What motivates is an underlying sense of meaning. Here we will summarize and analyze Payoff.

Despite the availability of "stuff", our lives are often not very fulfilling. As we pursue one shiny object after another we come to the realization that none of it is making us happy. And worse still, it estranges us from our true purpose in life. There must be another way. Alan Watts, in his book The Wisdom of Insecurity, proposes a solution. In this edition of Summary Shorts, we will analyze and summarize the ideas put forth in The Wisdom of Insecurity and learn how to truly experience life when consumerism fails us.

There is no doubt that the economic crisis of 2008 was one of the worst in recorded history. It was scary times. What is even scarier still is the fact that it's only a matter of time before another crisis will occur. In Thomas E. Wood's book Meltdown, he makes the case that the US Government was to blame for the 2008 meltdown and asks how the government can insure it doesn't happen again. In this edition of Summary Shorts, we will analyze and summarize the ideas put forth in Meltdown and learn how a future financial crisis can be avoided.

In this summary, we will analyze, discuss, and summarize the key points in Tubes by Andrew Blum.

Pope Francis is one of the most interesting popes of modern times. In his book, The Name of God Is Mercy, he makes the point that God is not a God of judgment and punishment but one of love and mercy. In this edition of Summary Shorts, we will analyze and summarize the ideas put forth in The Name of God Is Mercy and learn more about this great Pope and his message of love.

In this review, we will analyze, discuss, and summarize the key points in The Only Game in Town: Central Banks, Instability, and Avoiding the Next Collapse.

Doesn't it seem like some geographical areas seem to produce more innovation and invention than others? We have Silicon Valley which is the hub of all the top tech innovations. In the ancient past, we had Athens which was the founding city of western philosophy and genius; a genius that until this day informs our societies. In this review of the book The Geography of Genius, you'll hear about how Eric Weiner addresses why it seems as if some places are hotbeds for genius, innovation, and invention.

If you have been on top of the news as of late you would have heard of the various scandals and exposes of the rich and powerful sheltering their money in offshore tax havens. Tax havens are a very popular way for those who have the means to hide their assets from taxation as well as other legal proceedings. In this review of The Hidden Wealth of Nations by Gabriel Zucman, we will analyze, discuss, and summarize the book's key points.

In this edition of Summary Shorts, we will analyze and summarize the ideas put forth in Aja Raden's Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World and learn how the value of these gems and precious stones changed through history.

Through introducing concepts of active imagination, shamanic practices, and how to connect and dream with plant and tree spirits (and what that means), this short book provides insight, encouragement, and practical application for you to discover or strengthen your relationship with the plant and tree world in general, and with redwoods, in particular.