How to Choose What Books to Read

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the philosophy behind selecting meaningful books for deep reading. Emphasizing the importance of books that offer emotional, spiritual, and intellectual nourishment, the speaker encourages choosing works that provoke long-lasting reflection and discussion. By diving into classics like *Anna Karenina* and *Crime and Punishment*, the speaker demonstrates how books can expand one's understanding of diverse domains, from art to philosophy. The goal is to engage with literature that enriches the mind, fostering a deeper connection with the text and its themes, making reading a lifelong journey of growth and learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reading is a conscious choice and should be approached with the same care as living a meaningful life. You must choose books that nourish you spiritually, emotionally, and personally.
• 😀 The value of a book is measured by how much you can continue to discuss and reflect on it, long after you've read it. Great books offer endless insights and rewards through rereading.
• 😀 Classical literature, such as works by Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and Jane Austen, provides deep psychological complexity and timeless themes that continue to resonate with readers.
• 😀 Discussing great books with others enhances the experience, much like sharing a beautiful view with a companion. Reading can be both a solitary and communal activity.
• 😀 The true beauty of classic literature lies in its ability to expand your consciousness, offering opportunities to explore other domains like art, philosophy, and history through connected works.
• 😀 When selecting books, it’s important to choose works that continually expand your knowledge and consciousness, making you curious to explore related topics and authors.
• 😀 A good reading philosophy treats books as 'easter egg hunts' — each one offers hidden connections to other works, which deepens your understanding and knowledge in unexpected ways.
• 😀 Reading should not be limited to 'light' books or those for mere entertainment. Engaging with difficult, complex literature brings a deeper, more fulfilling form of pleasure.
• 😀 The classics have withstood the test of time for a reason: they offer something enduring, and reading them helps you connect with different periods, ideas, and intellectual traditions.
• 😀 To find great books, consider following a trusted book mentor whose recommendations have proven valuable. This can help you navigate through the overwhelming amount of books available.

Q & A

Why is it important to choose books wisely?

Choosing books wisely is essential because, in today's world, there is an overwhelming amount of reading material, and one can easily waste time on works that don’t provide deep emotional, intellectual, or spiritual nourishment. The speaker emphasizes that reading should be enriching, not just a way to fill time.

What is the connection between good reading and good living?

Good reading is compared to good living because both involve being intentional and mindful. Just as we don’t want to waste time living frivolously, we shouldn’t waste time reading books that don’t offer significant value. Good books nourish the mind, body, and spirit, and help us grow as individuals.

How does re-reading a book contribute to a deeper understanding of it?

Re-reading a book is seen as a way to gain more insight with each reading. As we grow and change, our interpretation and understanding of a novel also evolve. This continuous engagement with the text allows us to uncover new layers of meaning and deepen our connection to the work.

What makes a book 'great' according to the speaker?

A 'great' book is one that offers lasting value, continues to stimulate deep thought, and is never fully exhausted in discussion. It should provide nourishment on multiple levels—intellectual, emotional, and spiritual—and should remain relevant and engaging over time.

What role do discussions play in the reading experience?

Discussions enhance the reading experience by allowing readers to share insights, challenge ideas, and gain new perspectives. The speaker emphasizes the communal aspect of reading, where dialogue with others deepens one's understanding of the work and makes the experience more fulfilling.

What is the significance of reading works like *Anna Karenina* and *Crime and Punishment*?

These works are significant because they provide profound, complex characters and themes that allow for extensive discussion. They challenge readers intellectually and emotionally, and re-reading them at different stages in life offers fresh perspectives and insights.

How can reading a single book expand your knowledge in other areas?

Reading a single book can lead to an exploration of various related topics, such as art, philosophy, and history. For example, reading *Anna Karenina* could introduce readers to opera, art, and other literary works that the book references. This kind of deep, interconnected reading expands one's knowledge across different domains.

What is meant by treating a book like an 'Easter egg hunt'?

Treating a book like an 'Easter egg hunt' means actively searching for hidden connections, references, and deeper meanings within the text. It involves engaging with the work in a way that encourages exploration of its cultural, intellectual, and artistic references, enriching the reading experience.

How does the speaker suggest expanding your education through books?

The speaker suggests expanding your education by choosing books that connect to other works and fields of knowledge. For instance, reading *Anna Karenina* leads to exploring philosophy, art, and economics. By selecting a carefully chosen book, one can open doors to an entire realm of related knowledge and ideas.

What is the purpose of a 'book mentor' in the speaker's approach to reading?

A 'book mentor' is someone whose reading recommendations you trust and value. By designating a mentor, you can navigate the vast world of literature with guidance from someone whose judgment has been proven trustworthy. This approach ensures that your reading is directed towards books of lasting value.