Societal Norms

Apr 28 2024
Society&Tech

When to Rob a Bank Summary of Key Points

When to Rob a Bank’ by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner is a collection of blog posts from their Freakonomics blog. It compiles the most intriguing and insightful pieces written over the years, covering a wide range of topics from economics to societal norms. Unlike their previous books, which focused on explaining counterintuitive truths about our world, this book is more of a miscellany that offers a glimpse into the authors’ curious minds. Through their exploration of bizarre questions and unconventional thoughts, Levitt and Dubner invite readers to look at the world differently.

Apr 28 2024
Fiction

Persuasion Summary of Key Points

Persuasion is the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen. It was published posthumously in 1817, and it depicts the story of Anne Elliot, a young Englishwoman with modern and liberal ideas about women and society. Eight years prior to the start of the novel, Anne was persuaded to reject a proposal of marriage from Frederick Wentworth, a man she truly loved, due to his lack of fortune and uncertain prospects. However, when Wentworth returns from sea a wealthy and successful captain, Anne must confront her past decisions and the society that led her to make them.

Apr 28 2024
Society&Tech

Talking to Strangers Summary of Key Points

Talking to Strangers is an exploration of the misunderstandings and misinterpretations that can arise when we interact with those who are outside of our familiar social circles. The book examines high-profile cases such as the arrest of Sandra Bland and the trial of Amanda Knox to illustrate the difficulty of truly understanding a stranger’s intentions, beliefs, and character.

Apr 28 2024
Fiction

Lessons in Chemistry Summary of Key Points

Set in the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry revolves around Elizabeth Zott, an incredibly talented chemist. Shunned from the male-dominated scientific world, she finds a new path on a TV cooking show. Here, she uses her scientific knowledge to explain why recipes work, and becomes an unlikely national hero, challenging gender norms and societal expectations.