A TÉCNICA DE LEITURA DE LUIZ FELIPE PONDÉ | JOTA JOTA PODCAST #45

Summary

In this reflection on the everyday process of reading and studying, the speaker emphasizes the deep, unceremonious relationship they have with books, where reading becomes a natural part of daily life. They discuss the distinction between reading and studying, stressing the importance of intimacy with books rather than a formal, ritualistic approach. With insights into their routine—reading on the go, annotating books, and writing regularly—they challenge the idea of a 'favorite book,' suggesting that reading is a continuous, habitual part of intellectual growth. The speaker also highlights the role of books in their family's life, including their wife and daughter's shared love for reading.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reading is an integral part of daily life and can be done in many settings, including at home, in transit, or during meals.
• 😀 The act of reading is not about setting a specific time or environment; it should be a seamless part of one's routine.
• 😀 Writing and reading are closely linked; the more one writes, the easier it becomes to write and understand complex ideas.
• 😀 There is a distinction between reading casually and studying a book deeply. The process of study involves more interaction and engagement with the material.
• 😀 Some people form a deeper connection with books, creating an intimate relationship where books become part of their lifestyle.
• 😀 The author has a no-ceremony approach to reading, taking notes directly in the book and underlining key points.
• 😀 The idea of 'favorite books' is questioned, as it implies a superficial, fetishized relationship with reading rather than an ongoing engagement with a variety of books.
• 😀 Reading is a habit, a consistent activity, rather than an event that requires special preparation or a specific environment.
• 😀 Books should be treated as part of daily life, like tools or machines that become partners in a routine rather than objects of reverence.
• 😀 The interviewee comes from a family of voracious readers, including their mother and daughter, and shares a similar reading culture with their spouse, who is a psychoanalyst.

Q & A

How does the speaker describe their relationship with reading books?

The speaker describes their relationship with books as unceremonious and intimate, emphasizing that reading is a part of their daily life. They read in various settings, such as at the breakfast table, on planes, and in bed. They don't create a special 'reading time,' but rather, reading is integrated into their routine.

What is the difference between reading and studying a book, according to the speaker?

The speaker differentiates between reading a book for enjoyment or understanding and studying it in a more methodical way. They suggest that some people read books, others study them, and some live with them, forming a deeper connection. The process of studying a book involves more active engagement, like taking notes or analyzing its content.

What role does writing play in the speaker's daily life?

Writing plays a significant role in the speaker's life, as they mention writing weekly for a newspaper. The act of writing enhances their ability to articulate thoughts, and they imply that regular writing improves both their thinking and writing skills.

How does the speaker manage their schedule with regards to teaching and work?

The speaker mentions that they hardly teach anymore due to an unpredictable schedule at Cruzeiro. Their teaching and lecture schedule depends on various factors, such as travel or commitments related to Camila's work, who handles course recording and other logistical tasks.

What is the significance of the phrase 'It's not that I read fast, it's that I understand fast'?

The phrase is key to the speaker's philosophy on reading. It highlights that comprehension is more important than speed. The speaker believes that understanding the material quickly is what allows for efficient reading and deeper engagement with the content.

How does the speaker perceive the idea of having a 'favorite book'?

The speaker dismisses the concept of a 'favorite book,' describing the question as naive and fetishized. They argue that there are too many books to choose from, and that a book doesn’t need to be considered a 'favorite' to be valuable. They believe this perspective is rooted in a superficial or social notion of reading.

What is the importance of reading in the speaker's family life?

Reading is a significant part of the speaker's family life. Their mother was a voracious reader, their daughter is also a dedicated reader, and their wife, a psychoanalyst, reads a lot as well. Books are an essential part of their household, indicating a shared value for reading in their family.

How does the speaker view the act of reading in public spaces or casual environments?

The speaker suggests that reading in casual environments, like on a plane or in bed, is a natural and unremarkable part of life. They emphasize that reading doesn’t require a formal setting or ceremony; it can happen anywhere, as long as the person is engaged with the material.

What does the speaker mean by the 'discipline of reading and writing'?

The speaker refers to the 'discipline of reading and writing' as a consistent, daily practice. This discipline sustains their work, including content creation for platforms like TV Cultura and YouTube. They highlight the importance of regularly engaging with books and writing as part of their professional and personal routine.

What is the speaker’s perspective on how people approach reading and books?

The speaker suggests that many people have a superficial or ceremonial approach to reading, often seen in social contexts where reading is more about displaying intellectual status than actual engagement with the material. They criticize this 'fetishized' view of books, implying that true engagement with books is more organic and part of one's daily routine.