Don't Worry about Reading More Books. Focus on Reading Better.

Summary

The speaker discusses their personal practice of maintaining a journal to record every book they read, which has served as an 'intellectual autobiography' over the past five years. They reflect on their reading pace, which has varied from 45 to 76 books per year, and how they've found a natural pace of 52 books annually, equating to about a book a week. This pace allows for deeper engagement with the material rather than a focus on quantity. They argue against the 'toxic productivity culture' that emphasizes reading more over reading better. The speaker advocates for a mindful approach to reading, comparing it to exercising with health goals in mind. They stress the importance of savoring complex works, like Plato's 'Apology' or Dante's 'Divine Comedy,' rather than rushing through them. The video concludes with advice to choose books wisely, engage in thoughtful discussions, and treat books like friends to be revisited, rather than mere numbers on a list.

Takeaways

• 📚 Maintaining a journal of books read creates an intellectual autobiography, showing the evolution of interests over time.
• 🔢 The speaker discovered a personal reading pace of 52 books a year, which allows for depth and enjoyment without feeling pressured.
• 📈 Prioritizing the quality of reading over quantity leads to a more fulfilling and effective engagement with the material.
• 🚫 Resisting the toxic productivity culture is crucial for a healthier and more meaningful reading experience.
• 🧘 Becoming a better reader is more important than reading more, as it involves a deeper understanding and engagement with the text.
• 🏋️‍♂️ An analogy to gym workouts suggests that quality and mindfulness in reading, like in exercising, lead to better outcomes.
• 📚 Reading slowly and thoughtfully, especially with challenging works, contributes to personal and intellectual growth.
• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of savoring books, particularly those from the Western Canon, rather than rushing through them.
• 🤔 Questioning the value of reading a high volume of books quickly, and pondering if it allows for true comprehension and engagement.
• 📖 Selecting books wisely and focusing on those that resonate with you personally leads to a more profound connection with the material.
• 🗣️ Forming discussion groups or book clubs can enhance the reading experience by sharing insights and perspectives with others.
• 📒 Keeping a journal of the books read can be a nice way to reflect on your reading journey, but the number of books should not be the ultimate goal.

Q & A

What is the purpose of maintaining a journal of books read, according to the speaker?

The purpose of maintaining a journal of books read is to create an intellectual autobiography that allows the individual to reflect on their interests over time and observe how they have evolved or persisted.

How does the speaker describe the difference between a commonplace book and their book journal?

The speaker describes a commonplace book as a place to record thoughts about what they are reading, whereas their book journal is simply a list of books they have read, including the title and author, without any accompanying thoughts or commentary.

What is the speaker's reading pace that they have found to be natural for them?

The speaker has found that a pace of reading 52 books a year, which equates to a book a week, is natural for them, allowing for a balance between not pushing themselves too hard and being able to read more deeply.

Why does the speaker argue that reading better is more important than reading more?

The speaker argues that reading better is more important because it leads to a deeper engagement with the material, a better understanding, and ultimately, a more enriching experience. It also helps to avoid the toxic productivity culture that focuses on quantity over quality.

What is the speaker's view on the content found on YouTube about reading more books?

The speaker is critical of the content on YouTube that promotes reading more books quickly and efficiently, as it often contributes to a toxic productivity culture that values quantity over quality and understanding.

How does the speaker use the analogy of going to the gym to discuss the importance of being a better reader?

The speaker uses the gym analogy to illustrate that spending more time does not necessarily equate to better results. Just as someone can spend a lot of time at the gym without doing quality exercise, a reader can read many books without truly engaging with the content. Being a better reader is akin to doing quality exercise with mindfulness and focus.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to focusing on the number of books read?

The speaker suggests focusing on the quality of reading and the depth of engagement with the books. They recommend choosing books wisely, savoring them, and revisiting them to gain new insights over time.

Why does the speaker believe that certain books should not be read quickly or binge-read?

The speaker believes that certain books, especially those from the Western Canon, should not be read quickly or binge-read because they are meant to be savored and deeply engaged with. These books are considered 'soul food' and contribute to personal growth when given the time and attention they deserve.

How does the speaker describe the experience of reading a book multiple times?

The speaker describes the experience of reading a book multiple times as one that allows for deeper understanding and the discovery of new insights with each reading. It's akin to building a friendship with the book, which requires time, energy, and effort to nurture.

What advice does the speaker give regarding forming communities around reading?

The speaker advises forming book clubs, discussion groups, or local communities with like-minded individuals to discuss the books they read. This shared experience can enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the books and provide a support system for deeper engagement with the material.

How does the speaker feel about the 'toxic productivity culture' and why?

The speaker expresses a strong dislike for the 'toxic productivity culture' because it promotes a focus on metrics and success at the expense of genuine understanding and personal growth. They argue that this culture can lead to a misguided pursuit of reading more books for the sake of numbers rather than for the value and insight they provide.