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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Sacred Cows summary
Danielle Teller and Astro Teller
The Truth About Divorce & Marriage
12 mins
Brief summary
'Sacred Cows' by Danielle and Astro Teller is a thought-provoking book that challenges commonly held beliefs in society such as the perfect career, marriage and parenthood. It offers a fresh perspective on how to live life on one's own terms.
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Sacred Cows
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
Cultural assumptions are there to be torn down, especially when it comes to marriage.
We all know the world isn't flat, but it took us a long time to get there. For millennia, it was thought by most people that the world couldn’t be anything but flat. An unquestioned cultural assumption like this is known as a sacred cow. These sacred cows feel so much like facts that they are often thought to be integral to society. Challenging them can be difficult.
For example, thinkers like Galileo, a man who disputed multiple “facts,” including the earth’s flatness and the geocentric model of the universe, were harshly criticized by their contemporaries. But time – and science! – proved them right.
Of course, sacred cows can also exist on a smaller scale – for instance, in the world of marriage and divorce. For a number of reasons, society regards people who divorce as morally suspect, disloyal, irresponsible or even defective. Such a dogmatic view of marriage and divorce is more than questionable – it’s a modern-day sacred cow, and it needs to be challenged.
We’re taught that the institution of marriage is the bedrock of decent society. Married people are thought to be logical, responsible and caring. And divorce threatens these societal norms and personal attributes. Indeed, America is seething with people who propagate the sacred cow of marriage.
In the following blinks we'll look at some of these people, including the Holy Cow, the Expert Cow, the Defective Cow, and the Innocent Victim Cow. This myth-mongering herd can and must be challenged!
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What is Sacred Cows about?
Sacred Cows (2014) tackles the sacrosanct subject of marriage, an institution often considered to be above criticism. Rather than offering practical guidance on how to fix a marriage or how to recover after a marriage dissolves, these blinks consider how society is arranged to make us feel bad about divorce. The advocates of certain societal viewpoints are given a firm dressing down.
Sacred Cows Review
Sacred Cows by Danielle Teller and Astro Teller (2021) is a thought-provoking exploration of the societal expectations that often hold women back. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With sharp insights and a fresh perspective, the authors challenge long-standing cultural norms and invite readers to question their own beliefs.
- Backed by extensive research and real-life examples, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that limit women's progress and offers practical solutions.
- By delving into controversial topics with courage and clarity, Sacred Cows ensures that readers are engaged and compelled to rethink their own assumptions.+
Who should read Sacred Cows?
- Anyone looking for a novel perspective on divorce
- Individualists and libertarians
- People interested in sociology and psychology
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Sacred Cows FAQs
What is the main message of Sacred Cows?
Sacred Cows challenges conventional wisdom and encourages us to question deeply ingrained beliefs.
How long does it take to read Sacred Cows?
The reading time for Sacred Cows varies based on your speed. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.
Is Sacred Cows a good book? Is it worth reading?
Sacred Cows is worth reading as it exposes the flaws in societal norms and prompts us to think critically.
Who is the author of Sacred Cows?
Danielle Teller and Astro Teller are the authors of Sacred Cows.
What to read after Sacred Cows?
If you're wondering what to read next after Sacred Cows, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Live No Lies by John Mark Comer
- A Radical Awakening by Shefali Tsabary
- The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller
- The All-or-Nothing Marriage by Eli J. Finkel
- Life Is in the Transitions by Bruce Feiler
- Marriage, a History by Stephanie Coontz
- Self-Help That Works by John C. Norcross et al.
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
- The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell