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.

Tyson explains in layman’s terms how physicists use the fundamentals of science and the full range of visible and invisible light to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. He then goes on to cover the three biggest mysteries in astrophysics today—the origin of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy—while making a case for the benefits of understanding where we fit in the universal scheme. In this guide, we’ll also provide the historical context for astronomy’s groundbreaking discoveries and explain in more depth the current theories that are guiding astrophysics’ progress.

In this guide, you’ll learn why modern work requires inspirational leaders, the five doctrines inspirational leaders believe in, and the three commitments you must adopt to become an inspirational leader. Our commentary will compare Covey’s ideas to other popular approaches to leadership, such as those discussed in Complexity Leadership Theory, First Things First by Stephen R. Covey, and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.

In this guide, we’ll discuss Stulberg’s thoughts on our modern obsession with productivity and the dangers of what he calls "heroic individualism." We’ll then share the six elements of groundedness you can practice to achieve more sustainable success. Along the way, we’ll compare Stulberg’s ideas with those of other well-being and performance experts, and we’ll offer additional tips to help you become more grounded.

Throughout this guide, we’ll supplement Haberman’s account with commentary from outside sources to both support her critical portrayal of Trump’s life and career, as well as to bring in perspectives that offer a more favorable view of the 45th president.

Our commentary will provide additional information about psychology and trauma, as well as actionable advice for people who want to start their recovery journey or help a loved one with theirs. We’ll also compare and contrast Walker’s ideas with those from other psychology self-help books such as Why Does He Do That?.

In our Master Guide to what makes a good life, we’ll examine different answers to these questions from significant philosophers and spiritualists like Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics) and Friedrich Nietzsche (Thus Spoke Zarathustra). We’ll distill their complex arguments into three main perspectives on what a good life looks like: living according to reason, dedicating yourself to a larger project or goal, and abandoning any fixed idea of "goodness" altogether. Our exploration of each perspective explains why its proponents consider it the best way to live, and we’ll outline how to apply their "good life" principles in your own life.

In our guide, we’ll fully define what it means for a nation to be "open" or "exclusive" and how these qualities determine a nation’s success or failure. We’ll also examine how nations might change over time to become open or exclusive—or how they might resist such change. Through our commentary, we’ll provide alternative perspectives on what causes a nation to fail or succeed. We’ll also explore different interpretations of the historical examples that Acemoglu and Robinson discuss.

In our guide to Justice, we’ll explore Sandel’s take on a number of major philosophical and political dilemmas like freedom versus welfare, reason versus virtue, and the individual versus the community. Then, we’ll examine the real-life political and moral dilemmas that Sandel uses to inform these contrasting views. Through our commentary, we’ll offer alternative philosophical views on justice, the history of philosophy, and the specific examples that Sandel offers.

In this guide, we explore Levitsky and Ziblatt’s thesis that norms are the bedrock of democracy—and assess their argument that Donald Trump’s presidency posed a unique threat to their survival in the United States. We also include commentary and additional insights from the last three-fourths of Trump’s term, as well as the period after his presidency—events that Levitsky and Ziblatt could not have commented on in 2018.