Read Slowly And Finish More Books - How To Appreciate Difficult Books

Summary

The speaker challenges the notion that speed-reading or skimming summaries equates to being well-read or enlightened. They advocate for the joy of slowing down and deeply engaging with literature, emphasizing the importance of daily reading routines. By taking the time to savor each page, readers can gain a richer understanding and appreciation of the classics, transforming them into true connoisseurs of literature.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script challenges the notion that reading a large number of books makes one the most educated or enlightened person.
• 🔍 It critiques the trend of using apps, summaries, and videos to quickly digest information, suggesting that this approach may sacrifice the depth of understanding and enjoyment of literature.
• 🤔 The speaker asks a crucial question about the purpose of literature, implying that it's more than just accumulating facts and knowledge.
• 🧐 The script suggests that the internet and summaries provide only a 'flat snapshot' of literature, lacking the depth and psychological revelation that comes from in-depth reading.
• 📈 The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading not just for breadth, but also for the depth of understanding and the joy derived from engaging with literature.
• 📖 The speaker admits to being a slow reader, highlighting that reading speed is not the key to being well-read but rather the quality and routine of reading.
• 🕒 The importance of daily reading habits is stressed, with the speaker sharing their personal routine of reading for an hour or two each day.
• 🔑 The script suggests that routines can help overcome resistance and excuses about not having time to read, making reading a regular part of one's life.
• 😌 The speaker encourages readers to slow down and enjoy the process of reading, rather than rushing through books for the sake of quantity.
• 📚 The script promotes the idea that reading should be a source of pleasure and self-therapy, not just an exercise in accumulating knowledge.
• 🗓️ The speaker advises patience and a longer time horizon for reading difficult books, suggesting that spreading out the reading over months can lead to a deeper appreciation.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script regarding people's approach to reading books?

The main issue discussed is the tendency to rush through books using summaries, apps, and videos to condense the reading experience, which may result in losing the deeper pleasure and understanding that comes from reading at a slower pace.

What is the speaker's view on the use of apps that allow you to read a book in 15 minutes?

The speaker is critical of such apps, suggesting that they may provide only a superficial understanding of a book and miss the deeper insights that come from a thorough reading.

What does the speaker suggest is lost when we try to condense the time spent on reading?

The speaker suggests that the pleasure of slowing down and the deeper understanding of the material are lost when we try to condense the time spent on reading.

What is the speaker's opinion on the idea that reading a large number of books makes one the most educated or enlightened?

The speaker argues that quantity of reading does not equate to enlightenment or education, and that the quality of engagement with the material is more important.

How does the speaker describe their own reading habits?

The speaker describes themselves as an extremely slow reader who enjoys taking time to savor difficult books, often reading only a few pages at a time.

What is the secret to the speaker's ability to read so many books despite being a slow reader?

The secret is the establishment of a daily reading routine, where the speaker dedicates time each day to reading, making it a consistent part of their life.

What does the speaker suggest as a way to overcome the resistance to slow down and enjoy reading?

The speaker suggests establishing a routine that removes excuses and resistance, allowing one to discover the enjoyment of reading at a slower pace.

Why does the speaker recommend not rushing through reading a difficult book?

The speaker recommends not rushing because it allows for a deeper psychological revelation and true joy to be derived from the reading experience.

What is the speaker's advice for someone who wants to become a great connoisseur of classical literature?

The speaker advises patience, a broader time horizon, and making reading a mandatory daily practice to develop a deep sense of appreciation for literature.

How does the speaker define the true satisfaction gained from reading literature?

The speaker defines true satisfaction as the deep understanding and emotional connection that cannot be put into words, which comes from engaging with literature at a deeper level.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Illusion of Reading for Quantity Over Quality

This paragraph discusses the common misconception that reading a large number of books equates to being well-educated or enlightened. It critiques the trend of using apps and summaries to quickly consume literature, arguing that this approach misses the depth and pleasure of reading. The speaker emphasizes the importance of slowing down and engaging with the material deeply, rather than rushing through for the sake of quantity. They also touch on the idea that true understanding and appreciation of literature come from a more immersive and patient reading experience.

05:02

🔄 Establishing a Daily Reading Routine for Depth and Enjoyment

The speaker shares their personal reading habits, advocating for a daily routine that allows for consistent engagement with literature. They explain how integrating reading into daily life, even in small increments, can lead to a deeper appreciation and enjoyment of books. The paragraph highlights the importance of setting aside dedicated time for reading and how this practice can overcome the initial resistance and the allure of instant gratification. The speaker also encourages readers to be patient and to extend their reading horizon, suggesting that a broader time frame can lead to a more profound connection with the material.

10:03

🌟 The True Value of Literature Beyond Quantitative Measures

In the concluding paragraph, the speaker reflects on the true value of literature, which lies beyond the number of books read or the ability to recite facts. They emphasize the transformative power of literature as a form of self-therapy and the personal growth that comes from a deep understanding of literary works. The paragraph ends with a call to action for the audience to develop a genuine appreciation for literature, to be patient, and to make reading a daily practice, resulting in a rich and rewarding experience.

Keywords

💡Reading

Reading in the context of the video refers to the act of interpreting and understanding written text. It is central to the video's theme, which emphasizes the importance of engaging deeply with literature. The script discusses the tendency of modern society to seek quick summaries and the value of taking time to read and understand books fully, rather than skimming or relying on condensed versions.

💡Informational Age

The term 'Informational Age' describes the current era characterized by the rapid availability and dissemination of information through digital means. The video mentions this to highlight the contrast between the instant access to knowledge and the slower, more contemplative process of reading and understanding literature.

💡Summaries

Summaries are condensed versions of longer works, providing the main points or gist without the detail of the original. The script critiques the reliance on summaries for literary works, suggesting that they rob readers of the full experience and understanding that comes from reading the complete work.

💡Synopses

A synopsis is a brief summary of the plot of a story or the main ideas of a work. The video discusses how synopses, like other condensed forms of literature, can provide the basic story but fail to capture the depth and richness of the original text.

💡Pleasure of Slowing Down

The 'pleasure of slowing down' is the enjoyment derived from taking time to fully engage with an activity, in this case, reading. The video contrasts this with the fast-paced consumption of information and argues that slowing down to read allows for a more rewarding and enlightening experience.

💡Education

Education in the video is not just about accumulating facts but about gaining a deep understanding and appreciation of literature. The speaker challenges the notion that reading a large number of books equates to being educated, instead advocating for quality over quantity in reading.

💡Literature

Literature in this context refers to written works, especially those considered to have artistic or intellectual merit. The video discusses the purpose of literature as more than just a source of information, suggesting it offers a form of self-therapy and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

💡Routine

A routine is a sequence of regular actions or activities. The video emphasizes the importance of establishing a reading routine to ensure consistent engagement with literature, which can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding over time.

💡Instant Gratification

Instant gratification refers to the immediate satisfaction of a desire or need. The script contrasts this with the slower, more rewarding process of reading literature, suggesting that society's appetite for quick fixes can detract from the value of deeper, more reflective activities.

💡Self-therapy

Self-therapy in the video is used metaphorically to describe the personal healing and insight that can come from engaging deeply with literature. It suggests that reading can provide a form of personal growth and understanding that is distinct from the acquisition of factual knowledge.

💡Appreciation

Appreciation in this context refers to the recognition and enjoyment of the value of something, in this case, literature. The video argues that by reading slowly and routinely, one can develop a deeper appreciation for the works they read, beyond just knowing the plot or main ideas.

Highlights

The transcript discusses the modern tendency to condense reading and the potential loss of the pleasure of slowing down while reading.

The existence of apps and summaries that promise to deliver the essence of books quickly, reflecting the informational age's demand for speed.

The critique of the idea that reading a vast number of books equates to being the most educated or enlightened.

The question posed about the true purpose of literature and whether speed reading aligns with that purpose.

The personal anecdote of a friend who has read widely on Marxism but not in-depth, illustrating the difference between breadth and depth of reading.

The argument that online summaries provide only a flat snapshot of a book's content, lacking the depth of the original work.

The speaker's admission of being a slow reader and the value they find in taking time to savor difficult books.

The importance of daily reading habits and how they contribute to a deeper understanding and enjoyment of literature.

The suggestion that routines can eliminate excuses and resistance to reading, leading to a more enjoyable experience.

The idea that reading should not be rushed and that patience is key to deriving true pleasure from literature.

The recommendation to stretch out the reading of difficult books over a longer period to fully appreciate them.

The notion that reading a few pages of a dense book daily can lead to a deep sense of appreciation over time.

The final message that the true satisfaction from reading comes from understanding literature on a deeper level, not just accumulating facts.

The encouragement to become a reader and a connoisseur of classical literature through patience and a broader time horizon.

The closing thought that literature is a form of self-therapy and the desire for the audience to experience its true power.

The emphasis on making reading a mandatory daily practice as a path to developing an appreciation for books.

Transcripts

now there's a silly image out there that

I want to veer you against a lot of

people nowadays when they think of

reading books when they think of being a

better rent person when they think of

reading the greatest classics there's

always an anthesis unofficial see I

don't know if you've noticed this or not

but any person that you point out there

or any entrepreneur people that you see

out there there's a hidden there's a

hidden need for you to read more and

more and more in this informational age

and now there are apps out there for you

to read a book in 15 minutes that would

otherwise take three hours for you to

finish and there are all these spark

notes and all these summaries and Audis

all these things out there that's trying

to grab your attention that's trying to

give you the sweetest synopsis of the

story to get the gist of the story for

you and a lot of YouTube videos they

don't get me around easy to videos are

awesome

they do a brilliant job I bring out the

key points from a novel from a

philosophical work but in the process of

doing so as we're trying to as we're

trying to condense the amount of time

for information exacting ingestion what

we've lost perhaps it's just the

pleasure of slowing down the pleasure of

slowing down and there's just a silly

image out there of if you read a most

amount of books then you are the most

educated then you are the most

enlightened human being that you are the

most revered out of a bunch then you can

recite facts from bacon from Newton from

from the mathematics of golfy alive nuts

you can recite all these facts and then

have these concepts bouncing around in

your head you can recite passages from

the kajita doli dunce from the French

Revolution you can tell us how the

ancien régime fell apart what are some

of the causes of the French Revolution

and yada yada yada see there's a mistake

out there in which if you can recite all

these facts if you if you

all these facts all together then you

are king then you can go off on to your

Mary Wayne but have we actually asked

ourselves this crucial question what is

literature for what is literature for

now you would have noticed by Dan if you

sit down and ask yourself the question

yes you can read very fast to very vast

volumes he can watch videos on all these

topics and know a bunch about it I mean

I have a friend he's uh he's really into

Marxism and he's read widely but he said

to me I've never actually read in-depth

dad in depth into any other books but

yet all these ideas are still in my head

but there's a deeper point here in which

I covered before in should you read

difficult books the episode on surgery

difficult books in which is that the

idea that you found on the internet so

we're a very effective medium through

YouTube videos or a blog post through a

summary sparknotes cliff notes so we're

all these services well you were getting

is just a flat camera picture what

you're getting is just a flat snapshot

snapshot of the entire thing well I can

tell you right now that great

expectations is about pip fall in love

with a girl at the same time falling for

the ambitions of other people and

becoming and becoming a puppet of other

people's ambitions I can sum it up for

you right there and you can quote me you

can quote the fast you can quote Dickens

but never will you ever get that full

psychological revelation never would you

ever derived a true joy out of reading

books if you just go for these broad

point summaries if you just aim for

reading a hundred books per year if you

just aim for reading as fast as you can

now when you when you take a look at me

and when you take a look at some of the

books I recommend Wow two weeks past

he's read three books already

I read all these books there's a little

secret that I forgot to disclose

just hey I am an extremely slow reader

now people notice for me by now

that I read really damn slowly

I've tried speed reading before in the

past but it didn't really work well for

me so I've developed this very sort of

slow and steady pace for all of my

readings and one of my favorite things

to do to do is to grab a dictionary and

go to to go to the bookstore and sit

down and just just to enjoy a very

difficult book sometimes an hour would

passed Bailey gone through three pages

but those three pages are some of the

most delicious pages that I'm ever gonna

taste while still if you're slow reader

how do you read so many books I mean

you're recommending all these books to

us I do it on a daily basis that's the

entire secret really I read on a daily

basis and there's really nothing more to

Don on a daily basis I would always

clock in one to two hours always o'clock

in those pages two chapters of Dickens

or maybe a few pages of Joyce it's just

like after dinner dessert once it

becomes a habit once it becomes a part

of me I don't even have I don't even

have to think about it and every morning

I just grab a book and I just read a few

lines and put it away and then before

bed a few hours before bed I just

snuggling bet and pick up a book with my

dictionary and then just read about 10

to 15 pages and put and and put it away

see it's all about routines and most

people talk about I don't have time I

don't have time well it's all about

routines I read on average for for busy

days on average about 30 minutes but on

non busy days about one to two hours and

it would vary throughout threats

throughout the period but it's all about

setting that block of time where you

know that you should be reading where

you set aside as time that you you say

to yourself well this is my time to slow

down and read this is my time to devote

myself to reading

should I ever tell you that reading is

not supposed to be enjoyable upfront

especially at a type of books if you

really want to derive true enjoyment out

of these older texts trained remit

enjoyment out of Dickens or Thoreau or

out of Shelley do you choose to derive

deeper pleasure from reading these books

you have to slow down you have to slow

down and the power of having a routine

is that you remove all two excuses and

resistance once you're getting to the

groove of it you start to discover that

it's actually really enjoyable once you

actually get into the groove of it you

start to begin to realize what the hell

have I been doing before I should have

been doing this all day long but then

again you get tired you you you fall

asleep and and you you repeat the entire

thing tomorrow resistance is just a part

of reading because instant gratification

most of us were so accustomed to all

these evening information coming at us

that we really said it set a time to

really slow down and appreciate a book

and that's that's something that I

really really appreciate it's just that

clean moment in the day where all

troubles goes out at a window where I

can just sit there and just appreciate a

couple of chapters of Dickens a

pre-shaped perhaps a few pages of Joyce

a few pages of an essay from Emerson all

these great things don't buy into the

vision of hey I've read so many books

look at the shelf behind me

I know I've devoured so many volumes

he's so few time well if you stretch out

your time if you be patient enough as to

have a longer time horizon just read a

few chapters per day what you're gonna

find out is that you're gonna be reading

so much more you're gonna be deriving so

much more pleasure and then reading

wouldn't seem like a far-fetched thing

out there for certain people well you

you to have became a reader you to have

became added great connoisseur of

classical literature and you too perhaps

when conversing with your friends next

time with would actually withhold

information because well if you truly

understand a piece of literature at that

feeling that cannot be putting two words

anything that can be putting two words

it's um it's it's not the true

satisfaction that you've gained from

reading the greatest pieces of the

literature if someone recommends you a

book for example the bookstore lady

recommended great expectations for me

well you can see it as she struggles to

putting two words in terms of how much

the book meant for her and that's the

true power of literature it really is a

form of self therapy and I want the same

for you so patience is the key and also

having a broader time horizon instead of

trying to rush it off to finish it in

one week

stretch it out into four months for

example a very very difficult book such

as Ulysses she would read it well if you

try to read it in two months well if

that doesn't work stretch it out into

four month

what's wrong with reading only three

pages of a extremely dense book per day

but you need to get if you want to get

the flavor be patient and make it a

mandatory daily practice and over time

your bookshelf the books on your

bookshelf are gonna get more books are

gonna be stacked within your bookshelf

as you're going to start to develop a

very deep sense of appreciation for all

these books now that is all for today's

video I hope you guys enjoyed it shall

see you in the next one