Historian's advice for young people: Read a lot | Lex Fridman

Summary

The video script features a discussion on the transformative power of literature and its impact on personal growth. The guest recommends 'Dr. Zhivago' and Robertson Davies' 'Deptford Trilogy', emphasizing the importance of reading for empathy and critical thinking. They express concern over the decline of deep reading in digital times and advocate for engaging with books as a means to counter misinformation and AI's false realities. The conversation also touches on the hopeful resilience of humanity, drawing on our diverse reactions and cultural exchanges throughout history.

Takeaways

• 📚 A book or movie from childhood can inspire lifelong interests, as seen with the film and novel *Doctor Zhivago*.
• 🇨🇦 The Canadian author Robertson Davies, especially his *Deptford Trilogy*, blends mystical, mythical, and real-life elements, deeply influenced by Jungian philosophy.
• 📖 Reading and absorbing books' messages—rather than just snippets—is crucial for developing empathy, understanding human experience, and critical thinking.
• ⚠️ The shift to digital and paperless formats in education risks reducing the depth of student engagement with texts.
• 🎧 Audiobooks are not inferior to reading, as oral traditions were the original form of literature. They allow flexibility and are a valid way to engage with stories.
• 🧠 Engaging with AI while reading can spark imagination and enhance understanding, but there are technological and legal barriers that limit seamless interaction.
• 📱 Smartphones and social media are designed to capture attention and can detract from deep thinking and sustained focus on a single idea.
• 💡 The process of prolonged reading and thinking is essential for intellectual growth, much like the importance of experiencing boredom and introspection.
• 🌎 Human resilience and the ability to rebuild after tragedy offer hope for the future, showcasing the strength and endurance of the human spirit.
• 🌐 Cultural appropriation is an essential part of world history, and the transfer of ideas and influences across cultures is a key element of human progress.

Q & A

What childhood experience led the speaker to a lifelong fascination with certain topics?

The speaker recalls watching the film 'Doctor Zhivago' as a child and later reading the novel by Pasternak. The movie's magical portrayal of revolutionary Russia and the human resilience depicted in the story sparked his lifelong interest in similar themes.

Who is the speaker’s favorite author, and what makes his work unique?

The speaker’s favorite author is Robertson Davies, a Canadian writer known for blending mythical, mystical, and brutally real elements. His work, heavily influenced by Carl Jung’s philosophy, explores deep psychological and cultural themes, particularly in the 'Deptford Trilogy.'

What does the speaker think about the importance of reading for young people today?

The speaker believes that reading is crucial for developing empathy and broadening one's understanding of human experiences. He is concerned that students are reading less, especially with the rise of digital snippets, and he emphasizes the irreplaceable value of sustained reading.

Why does the speaker worry about the shift to paperless formats in education?

The speaker is concerned that the move to digital formats may lead to a decline in deep reading. Without physical books, students might engage less with texts, reducing their ability to think critically and empathize with others.

How does the speaker view the role of audiobooks in the reading experience?

The speaker supports audiobooks as a valid form of literature, noting that storytelling originated in oral traditions. While audiobooks can sometimes make it harder to control pacing, they offer a valuable alternative for those who prefer audio formats.

What does the speaker think about the potential for AI in enhancing the reading experience?

The speaker finds AI's potential as a reading companion exciting, especially in helping to spark imagination and thought by providing additional ideas and summaries. However, current DRM restrictions limit AI's interaction with books.

What is the speaker's view on social media and smartphones in relation to reading?

The speaker views smartphones and social media as distractions that can hinder deep thinking and reading. He notes that social media is designed to capture attention and reduce critical thought, whereas reading requires sustained focus and reflection.

What does the speaker believe is the value of 'sitting with an idea' while reading?

The speaker emphasizes that the value of reading lies in the journey of engaging with a set of ideas and having a conversation with the text. This process of deep reflection is crucial for personal growth and understanding.

What gives the speaker hope for the future of humanity?

The speaker finds hope in the resilience and variety of human reactions to adversity. He believes that despite the darkness in history, the human capacity for endurance, rebuilding, and curiosity about other cultures provides an inexhaustible source of optimism.

How does the speaker respond to criticisms of cultural appropriation?

The speaker argues that cultural appropriation is a fundamental part of world history, through the trade, transfer of ideas, and mutual influence between cultures. He believes that valuing what is different from one’s own culture enriches human experience.