How Bill Gates reads books

Summary

In this reflective discussion, the speaker shares insights on their reading habits, emphasizing the importance of deep concentration, especially with non-fiction. They mention the challenge of taking notes and engaging critically with texts, often finding themselves frustrated when they disagree with the author. The speaker contemplates starting David Foster Wallace's 'Infinite Jest,' drawn by its intriguing themes but hesitant due to its length. They express a preference for reading in longer, uninterrupted sessions rather than in short bursts, highlighting the struggle to engage with complex narratives in a fast-paced world.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker avoids starting books they won't finish, valuing commitment to reading.
• 📝 Taking notes while reading non-fiction helps the speaker engage with the material more deeply.
• 🤔 Disagreement with a book can slow down reading as the speaker writes in the margins.
• 🎥 The speaker enjoyed the movie 'The End of the Tour,' which sparked interest in David Foster Wallace.
• 📖 The book 'Infinite Jest' is appealing but daunting due to its length and complexity.
• 🕒 The speaker prefers reading for extended periods, finding short reading sessions less effective.
• 🗞️ Magazine articles and short videos fit better into busy schedules than lengthy books.
• 🎒 The speaker travels with a large collection of books, despite their antiquated nature.
• 🌙 They dedicate time each night to reading, aiming for at least an hour to make progress.
• 💡 Engaging with a book requires concentration, especially with dense or complicated texts.

Q & A

What is the speaker's approach to starting new books?

The speaker avoids starting books they are unlikely to finish.

Why does the speaker emphasize taking notes while reading?

Taking notes helps the speaker concentrate and connect new knowledge to what they already know.

What challenges does the speaker face when reading non-fiction?

The speaker finds it frustrating when they disagree with the book, as it leads to lengthy note-taking in the margins.

What book is the speaker considering reading, and why is it a difficult decision?

The speaker is considering reading 'Infinite Jest' but is hesitant due to its length and complexity.

How did the speaker's interest in David Foster Wallace begin?

The speaker's interest was sparked by watching the movie 'The End of the Tour.'

What is the speaker's reading routine?

The speaker reads for about an hour each night, often choosing magazines or shorter works.

How does the speaker feel about the books they carry with them?

The speaker has a large and somewhat outdated collection of books that they take on trips.

What is the speaker's frustration regarding reading time?

The speaker is frustrated that short reading sessions of five or ten minutes make it hard to remember what they read.

How does the speaker balance reading different types of materials?

The speaker finds that magazine articles and short YouTube videos fit better into brief time slots compared to longer books.

What does the speaker hope to achieve by reading consistently?

The speaker aims to make progress in their current book by dedicating time each night to reading.