Becoming a Better Reader

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their journey to becoming a better reader. They discuss the pitfalls of setting numerical reading goals, explaining how such goals can lead to burnout and shallow reading choices. Instead, they advocate for reading projects—such as exploring genres or diving deep into a philosopher's work—focusing on personal growth rather than quantity. Emphasizing the importance of experimenting with different types of books, the speaker encourages readers to embrace challenges and fail without guilt. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a more meaningful and transformative relationship with reading.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reading goals based on numbers can be counterproductive. Instead of focusing on how many books you read, focus on how meaningful your reading experience is.
• 📚 Setting overly ambitious reading goals may lead to burnout and reading books just to hit a target, rather than enjoying the material.
• 😌 Reading without counting the number of books can lead to a more satisfying and fulfilling experience, allowing you to focus on quality over quantity.
• 👶 Having life changes, like becoming a parent, can impact your reading habits. If you focus solely on numbers, this might make you feel guilty or inadequate.
• 📝 The idea of being a 'promiscuous reader,' reading a wide variety of books, is valuable in finding what truly interests you and keeps you engaged.
• 🤔 Exploring different genres and authors can help you discover new areas of interest, like the speaker’s unexpected enjoyment of biographies.
• 💡 A good reader is willing to experiment, sample different books, and step out of their comfort zone to discover what resonates with them.
• 🎯 Instead of setting goals based on numbers, consider focusing on specific reading projects that align with your interests or intellectual curiosity.
• 📖 Reading projects, such as researching a specific topic, exploring a genre, or studying a philosopher, can give your reading focus and structure.
• 🧠 The most important reading advice: if you want to tackle challenging books, just start reading them. You might find they’re not as hard as you thought, or you might return to them later when you’re ready.

Q & A

Why does the speaker discourage setting big reading goals?

The speaker discourages setting big reading goals because it can lead to burnout, force readers to focus on quantity over quality, and encourage reading books that aren't enjoyable or meaningful. The pressure to meet a number can reduce the joy of reading.

What mistake did the speaker make when they set a high reading goal?

The speaker made the mistake of selecting an unattainably high reading goal and then resorting to reading short books quickly to catch up. This led to burnout and a sense of dissatisfaction with their reading experience.

What is the connection between setting reading goals and the concept of 'metrics' in business?

The speaker draws a parallel between reading goals and business metrics, explaining that when a goal becomes a measurable metric (like the number of books read), it can be gamed or distorted. This makes it less meaningful, as people may start focusing on achieving numbers rather than on the quality of their reading.

What does the speaker suggest instead of having numerical reading goals?

Instead of numerical reading goals, the speaker suggests focusing on 'reading projects.' These projects can involve deep diving into a particular genre, author, or theme, allowing for more purposeful and engaging reading experiences.

What is meant by being a 'promiscuous reader'?

Being a 'promiscuous reader' refers to the idea of sampling many different books and genres rather than committing to one specific type. This wide exploration helps readers discover what they truly enjoy and can expand their literary tastes.

How does the speaker's personal experience with biographies challenge their previous views?

The speaker's personal experience with biographies challenges their earlier belief that they were uninteresting or unnecessary. After reading a few biographies of philosophers, they discovered that biographies can be deeply engaging and offer valuable insights into history and thought.

What is the value of having a reading project according to the speaker?

A reading project provides a focused approach to reading, allowing readers to explore a specific topic, author, or genre in-depth. This approach leads to a more enriching and purposeful reading experience, as opposed to aimlessly reading books without a clear objective.

How does reading projects help readers understand complex subjects?

Reading projects, such as exploring a particular philosopher's works, allow readers to engage deeply with a subject. By committing to understanding a specific thinker or topic, readers can develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding over time.

What are the different types of reading projects the speaker suggests?

The speaker suggests three types of reading projects: 1) Research-like projects, where a reader asks a specific question and tries to answer it through a variety of sources. 2) Genre-based projects, where a reader explores a specific genre, like fantasy, and understands its evolution or diversity. 3) Author or thinker-based projects, where a reader focuses on comprehending the works of a single author or philosopher over time.

What is the most crucial piece of reading advice the speaker offers?

The most crucial piece of advice is to simply start reading difficult or intimidating books. Even if the book is too hard or not the right fit at the moment, attempting it will still contribute to personal growth, and you might come back to it at a later time when you’re more ready.