The 700-Word Read

A passion project. Stories and anecdotes, meticulously edited, that always park under 700 words to practice brevity.

Shostakovich’s Patriotic 10th Symphony Was Secretly Really Unpatriotic

Shostakovich’s Patriotic 10th Symphony Was Secretly Really Unpatriotic

The Russian composer etched anti-Stalinist codes throughout the work, which commemorates the 70th anniversary of its premiere in 2023.

What Einstein's Cluttered Desk Says About the Link Between Messiness and Creativity

What Einstein's Cluttered Desk Says About the Link Between Messiness and Creativity

His workspace was chaotic, a setup that works in some scenarios, but not others.

Why Bill Gates and Warren Buffett Say This Is ‘The Best Business Book Ever Written’

Why Bill Gates and Warren Buffett Say This Is ‘The Best Business Book Ever Written’

The two men, each worth over $100 billion, say a 1969 classic is their favorite read.

Dr. Brené Brown Nails Narcissists in 4 Sentences Flat

Dr. Brené Brown Nails Narcissists in 4 Sentences Flat

The shame researcher shared a fascinating reframe with Tim Ferriss in a recent interview.

A Growth Mindset Won’t Help You Get Into Flow — But This Will

A Growth Mindset Won’t Help You Get Into Flow — But This Will

Leading grit expert Angela Duckworth’s research was again validated in a recent study on what makes professional creatives go the distance.

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Advice for a Career of Lifelong Learning

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Advice for a Career of Lifelong Learning

An unexpected reply from the scientist on Goodreads offered sage vocational advice.

The Quiet Truth in Daniel Kwan’s Impostor Syndrome Confession

The Quiet Truth in Daniel Kwan’s Impostor Syndrome Confession

The triple Oscar¼ winner, 35, said onstage his impostor syndrome was at “an all-time high” upon receiving the award for best original writing.

Lizzo Now Officially 100% That B****Âź in Trademark Rejection Reversal

Lizzo Now Officially 100% That B****Âź in Trademark Rejection Reversal

An appeal board determined that consumers inevitably associate the phrase with the bop virtuoso’s brand, overruling the United States Patent and Trademark Office.