Hey Ryan, I bought the Daily Stoic and have made it a practice to read one day at a time and then make notes from the book and note my reflections. I would really like to read the additional stuff you have referenced but the links are not working. Thanks
"I don't read fast. Speedreading is bullshit." I was so happy to hear you say that. I reread passages, paragraphs and pages constantly. I don't want to gloss over. The author took the time on each sentence - because they wanted to convey meaning. I don't want to miss out. Ryan, I started reading again because of you. Just want to say thank you.
Finally, I found someone that can validate my thought "speedreading is bullshit" . I sincerely believe that the human brain is not equipped to assimilate and process information at the speed of a machine. The synapses of the human brain depends on other major organs to assimilate knowledge, store and be able to use it favorably.
Exactly. So much patience went into the craft of writing and rewriting to convey information. Absorbing the thoughts of another via symbols should not be taken lightly.
I couldn´t agree more. Deep reading is far superior to speed reading in virtually every possible way. Sure, it takes a bit longer, but on the other hand you get far superior comprehension and recollection of the material, so it still gives a higher payoff per unit time. Not to mention the far greater pleasure of methodically savouring a book instead of just rushing through it.
I disagree, some books you can read perfectly well with the speed reading techniques. Also a lot of eg self help and psychology books have only a couple of quintessential messages and could have been 4 times shorter. A lot of hard facts are not important for example some historical facts about some people that have influenced the authors... and so on. Another big argument for SR is that many words are just connective words, that are not important for the overall understanding. Just saying something is bs without explaining why is not an argument .
“One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person perhaps someone dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia the author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to YOU.” ~ Carl Sagan
Lol no it’s not… it’s literally been proven time and time again… in order for SR to work, you need to work on short term memory. Stop taking 1 guys example as gospel.
@@WarrenKirkpatrick My friend, as someone trained in literary analysis, I promise you speed reading is bullshit. No one should make speed reading a goal if they care at all about anything other than surface level information. I say that as someone with no real investment in Ryan Holiday.
@@estacoda545 well you can tell your friend I’m a living example that it’s not BS, and you can’t promise anything when my own personal statement back this up, I can read on average around 700WPM and used this to get a 2.1 bachelors degree..so this is where you’re wrong, speed reading isn’t a goal, it’s a technique to help achieve certain goals. you can literally say anything you want but the mere fact that I use it on a daily basis proves it’s not. Lol I don’t have any real investments in anyone apart from myself and family. if Ryan is reading philosophy and wants to enjoy his literature, that’s 1 thing, for ppl with a mountain load of info they need to get through, that’s a completely different.
@@WarrenKirkpatrick The irony here is that I called you my friend. I wasn’t speaking about my friend. Perhaps, oh, I don’t know, speed comes at the cost of comprehension?
I've been doing this for about a year now and have hundreds of notecards and it's absolutely incredible how much easier I find it to recall interesting bits, quotes, ideas, etc., from books. Thank you!
1:28 Have a conversation in a book 2:40 Let the book sit for a couple of months just pick later on the best idea from it. 3:40 Have a common place book, where you put notes. Write the theme why it touched you 6:00 Find patterns between wisdom and connect them.
I hate how other people keep harping on advantage of digital products when I find that reading on paper 📜 helps me to relax and get away from the digital poisoning stress
I am a software engineer and I have a lot of books about engineering but sometimes struggle to retain the information. I will definitely be trying the advice of this video. Excellent work and excellent channel
Physically Writing things down increases learning /memory of them. When I was in college I would study and write notes and then I would copy those notes before exams, Rewrite them/copy them- and while rewriting them -I would have to think about them again -and everything would really just easily stick in my mind.It definitely works… Thanks Ryan enjoying your channel!
@@izquierdo1770 there’s nothing like using your hand and a pencil imho. The human needs to stay closer to who they are to be excellent. Technology masks the human core in my opinion. Human “conveniences” remove authenticity and soul. There’s value in sensing the smell of the lead, the paper, the sounds,
For all of you reading this, try saying out loud those things that you want to memorise lots of times. In the other hand, if you want to really learn the subject explain it to yourself over and over.
Keeping a commonplace book is absolutely the most useful thing I have ever done. I started just over a year ago-mine is virtual on Evernote, but I do have a system to interact with the book multiple times to remember the info before putting it into the virtual storage. I’m studying Psychology and Philosophy in university, and this practice has absolutely transformed how I research, how I write, and how I think more broadly.
You’re in the beginning stages of a wonderful journey of learning how individuals do what they do in a system, and that’s really cool. I took the maximum number of courses on semester of psychology courses and found so many great interactions between the concepts that way. It was a lot of work but so rewarding and fun too.
People think they should read a lot of books, when the opposite is the truth. You need to read just a few GOOD books every year. It's better to read 5 good books a year than 30 books that were written just to be written. And with a good book you have to take your time. If anyone is interested in a list of good books, made by Jordan Peterson: jordanbpeterson(.)com/great-books/
Some 40 years ago I wanted to document what I was reading because of the relevance to what I was doing at the time so I just started to put colored post-it tabs in books. This led to using notepad to track the information more easily. I also added a "#" in front of keywords (that are tracked through a notepad file) which allows me to search for specific information in any given book. At 71 years old the automation helps a lot in finding related information across multiple books. What this does not do is anchor the information through muscle memory as you put it. Yet, I am able to anchor the information in memory through meditation and hypnosis techniques connected with the specific notes. The meditation and hypnosis techniques are the repetition element that parallels each technique. Different techniques that produce similar results. Both seem to work which is the goal. This was the basis of a "catch-and-release" concept of reading books for specific information in an effort to not have a massive physical library in the event I needed to downsize as I aged. This works for me with that in mind.
I also use 4"x6" notecards but I don't use a common-place book: I use a 'common-place Wall'. I use binder clips to hold 'classes' of notecards together in packets with a cover-title card on top then hang these packets by the arms of the binder clips onto a premeasured grid of thumbtacks on a wall. I suspect this gives me a more 'at-a-glance' reference to my various studies- projects- records-etc.
Weirdly, I had never heard that quote about the best time to plant a tree, yet this video was the second time I heard it TODAY. Definitely writing that one down.
This is hands down the best YT video I've watched in six months. I love this and will institute it NOW. My commonplace book never had a name until now, and it's always been in unusable journals. I'm blown away. Thank you.
You need to understand that some of us that read on our devices is because of eyesight issues. I love the fact that I can change the font size so I can read comfortably.
"Speedreading is BS" - thank you, Ryan! Thank you! I am already partway to having a Commonplace Book like you do, because I treat non-fiction book as tools, buying them in paperback and marking them up. I buy hardback copies of the rare few that I want to keep because they are or have been life-changing for me. I want a pristine copy too (and these days, also an audiobook copy if the reader is good) in my bookcase in case it ever goes out of print. The best of books can do this over a long enough time. All I have to do now is get the cards and box to keep them in. Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's main adviser and fixer for many years, kept a commonplace book too, including a book called "The King", which was about the King, who must have been a nightmare to work for! I wonder how much that book was responsible for his relative longevity as an adviser, in helping him to pivot and be adaptable to the King's ever-changing moods.
This is great. It's actually a very old reading system. Umberto Eco also describes a similar system and then there's zettelkasten and commonplace books, etc. I use an almost identical system for philosophy. It's nice to see these methods being rediscovered and preserved!
Excited to try this, have just buckled down to writing a 30 minute act of comedy also just got Ego is the Enemy delivered yesterday, I CAN'T open it until I go buy flash cards and highlighter pens, I see this working for me so well!
I really liked this video. Great ideas to apply to my reading and note taking. Also, I totally agree with you on the topic of "speed reading is bullsh...". Reading is supposed to be an activity that one enjoys and savors like a good meal, cigar or a special moment with your woman. You don't want to rush and do it fast in those occasions Many thanks to the creator of this video, keep them coming 😊👍🏾👌🏽💯💯💯
How do you read a 1100 page book in a week and still have time for other things? I consider myself a slow reader, and 1100 pages take me about 2 months. Love the video though, as always incredibly insightful
@@masonbush3686 nobody said reading was a problem, but getting distracted in your mind easily rather. I'd agree that it's probably something you can train.
I just ordered a simple box and note cards, cost me 10 bucks. I am an avid reader, I am skeptical about stoicism, and haven’t read any of your books yet, but I like you share your writing and reading processes. I am inspired by your mentor-mentee relationship with Robert Greene as well. It seems like you really taken his mastery advice to heart! 😂 I will experiment with your methods. Thank you for sharing them, Ryan! 🙏🏻
I am a book person as well with , highlighter in hand, sticky tabs top and sides, color code column notes 📝 🤭 Thank You for sharing your inspiring thoughts with us👍
I just came across this. Thank you a thousand times over. I have been doing this my entire life. However, I took a college course and thought I had a reading disability. Why were most able to just read a chapter, understand and regurgitate the information on a test? Why was it taking me so long to get through a chapter. I was doing this system, to be able to "own" the material. The biggest hurdle is when an author feels it's necessary to get super wordy. I spend more time trying to understand their points than learning the material. Unfortunately I can't change the book, but the system does help me. Another drawback, and advantage, is it's all online. I find myself trying to make notes as I'm reading the chapter. It's harder when you don't have the material in front of you. Thank you for sharing your system. I'm also jealous that you were able to work with a mentor (Rob Greene).
I love this, I do the exact same thing with reading books, when I write on them, highlight them, a part of me feels connected to the book as if I wrote it. If i don't annotate on a book a lot of the words brush past me when I have read them. And rewriting raw prose phrases into a notebook helps too, it lodges a new technique into my writer muscle memory. Great video!
I’ve started keeping a reading journal to become more engaged in my reading. It’s not as sophisticated as this and I borrow a lot of ebooks from the library. But even this small change has affected my relationship with books and it’s exciting.
Didn't know about this system until now, however I began some time ago to draw elements or stories from the book I was reading, basically to understand and remember the subject better. Definitely will implement this more!
I personally have just started this! I used a kettlkasten digital system, but know prefer the physical system because it forces me to physically look through the material. The digits system is out of sight, out of mind. Great content 👍🏻
As a person who has countless pocket notebooks and full size notebooks and piles of loose leaf paper from years and years of writing things down if only because it improves my quality of life, keeping track is tough. I like this system. I have seen and heard of systems like it before. For whatever reason I've never adopted this system or one like it, but I think I ought to. The wicked challenge is going to be going back through my own notes and converting them to note cards. You think it's tough doing that with a thousand page book (which I absolutely believe that it is)
At least the book that was written to be a book is probably reasonably coherently organized. Not so for my personal notes. Not to mention some past versions of myself have been less disciplined than less organized than the present...
I respect both Ryan and Jim Kwik. Ryan is old school stoic, Jim likes to revolutionize the way we do things.. Speed reading if done right,, could be beneficial. You can't apply it all the time.
for me, I don't like writing directly on the book so I use transparent sticky notes on the page to highlight and make notes. this really does help you engage with the book
This is great, very enlightening. I agree with you that doing it manually, eschewing technology is the way to go. Reading, and writing are human, sensual pursuits, using technology takes away from that. Thank you for the great video.
I only buy the books (non-fiction) that I want to write in and have it mean something different when I read it next. If I find one in the library, I stop reading until I have my own copy to write in. I'm in the process of making something like this system work for me but when you find known references in newer sources you really found what you're looking for.
I've finished your two books at the same time: Obstacle is the way and The Ego is the Enemy. I felt honored to read them, they are amazing. The timing they matched with my life right now, sounds perfectly. For sure, I'll reread these books during my life. In the future, I'll give to my son, my grandchild... Thanks a lot for #sharingiscaring everything you've learned in your life. I hope you keep on your journey Ryan!! You great!! I'll start read The stillness is the key right now!
Cool! I've been doing that for many years! I first used the method to learn and prepare tours as a Park Ranger. And over the years to learn about yoga/anatomy and also to teach (a variety of subjects). Great way to learn and retain what I read.
Two things-regarding The Obstacle is the Way-in my therapy training we know we are hitting the sweet spot when we encounter resistance-a nerve has been struck, so to speak. 2) If you hold Truman in high regard, his entries in his diary, found in a book of lists (don’t recall the name), summed up the year with one line. Some were things like (paraphrasing): “appointed as judge,” “out of work,” “ate well this year,” showed his highs and lows simply and elegantly. If you’re ever in Independence, MO, I recommend a visit to his home and the museum. I love his daughter’s Washington, DC mysteries which were very well done.
Damn am I glad you exist, your work and others have directed me towards a level of personal responsibility that has shockingly afforded me more freedom with a sense of purpose I thought impossible before. I am and will likely remain a work in progress but I believe I have finally come to understand it really is about the journey. Keep it up I doubt I am the only one you have helped and I imagine there is more of us who would find value in the work you have and will do.
Your greatness is your process, Thank You sharing this applicable wisdom method. Writing on the tablet of your heart like Biblical prophets did. Things you love about life are usually character enhancing interfaces with the truth of being. Lose reception, acquire perception.
This reminded me of Niklas Luhman, a German sociologist, philosopher and prominent thinker in systems theory. He also used a notebox-system, for which he was famous. From Wikipedia: "Note-taking system (Zettelkasten): Luhmann was famous for his extensive use of the "slip box" or Zettelkasten note-taking method. He built up a zettelkasten of some 90,000 index cards for his research, and credited it with making his extraordinarily prolific writing possible. It was digitized and made available online in 2019. Luhmann described the zettelkasten as part of his research into systems theory in the essay Kommunikation mit Zettelkästen."
I started recording my notes and ideas in OneNote about 8 years ago. I have notebooks for different subjects and projects as well a a notebook for each year I use to manage my to-do list. I LOVE the fact I can keyword search 8 years worth of ideas in just a few clicks. I'm aware of the benefit of writing my content by hand, but the sheer volume of information as well as trying to recall ideas has driven me to a digital format. I'd like to believe my kids will someday read some of what I collected but I think it will just be like China that gets donated...only they will just have to hit the delete key.
Really have enjoyed your channel Finding Stoicism has become a big deal in my life Wish i had found all this earlier Found that i have had some of ideas in my life from early on Reading the stoics has validated somethings I have tghought about and have live by THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SHARING
I'm just getting into Marcus Aurelius and stoicism and i'm hooked. Ordered your daily stoic book and it will be here tomorrow, really looking forward to it! Got the feeling i'm not done with your books after that.
I am so happy to hear that “ speed reading is bs” because I was introduced to this concept of speed reading recently. I was struggling to comprehend most of the content while trying to “ speed read”. Speed reading can be utilised for “revision” of highlighted points , not for first time read
I do something similar but with architectural designs. I'll have some idea and I'll work it out 20-50+ different ways in 1-2 notebooks. I continue to refine the idea until eventually I'm left with a few really polished designs that I can then put into a more final draft.
Ryan, this video so resonated with me. I really appreciate your passion and your process. I too am a slow reader ad 1,100 pages in a week seems monumental. But the discipline that you bestow is so motivating. I see the value of writing on cards, but I believe I am going to use the software Obsidian and the Zettlekasten method to record my thoughts. But you are right in that the physical aspect of writiing and the use of muscle memory helps you to create the mental links that a software package like Obsidian. All the best . . .
Just bOught discipline is the key here in the philippines. First book I ever bought for leisure, ended becoming a development book for me. Great book! Hoping to read your other books if I have extra money.
I used to take notes and my envelope is full of thousands of intermediate papers. Now I am going to try this out notecards and a commonplace book because i stopped taking notes for 2 months and just read books and highlight. But now I know how. Thank you so much for this! I don't know why I didn't get your book first when i started making book reading a habit late april and I only got to know you and read your first book (ego is the enemy) Last month. Now i am curious about your other books and robert greene's.
I write FAR MORE than I read. I've never been a big reader. I've met many other writers who read as much (or more) than they write... I can't relate. I've stopped attending writing groups because they are always stealing my content, style, methodology. I say "steal" because no one has ever approached me and asked permission to use/copy anything I do. And, I don't like the resentment and contempt other writers give me after I read some of my material. However, I completely agree with regarding collecting and collating information for future reference. I do that all the time. It's absolutely necessary.
I live on the road full-time and while I have a few well worn books I'll take with me everywhere i've moved to using a Kindle for my daily reading. I'll have to get creative with how to implement some of this using my Kindle. My common place note cards is apple notes. I works pretty well I reckon.
I markup my books but then create an index of it, and have tags in their. I put that index into Evernote. Then when I clip things into Evernote, I use similar tags. So in that sense, Evernote becomes like his notecards. It's not all handwritten, but I'm also not an author, I have other things to do. I recently created a very technical training and had to draw on over 30 references, and use this technique to really get to know my knowledge and create about 10,000 words on this topic.
Steps:
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - How You Should Read
02:29 - How To Organize What You Read
03:25 - How To Use What You Read
This similar to the original Zetlekasten in action. Amazing to see you do it all without a digital interface
Hey Ryan. Can you post a link for the note card boxes you use?
@@alexkimbrell653 Cropper Hopper by Advantus Corporation
Don't forget the time stamp for "Speed reading is bullshit"
Hey Ryan, I bought the Daily Stoic and have made it a practice to read one day at a time and then make notes from the book and note my reflections. I would really like to read the additional stuff you have referenced but the links are not working. Thanks
"I don't read fast. Speedreading is bullshit." I was so happy to hear you say that. I reread passages, paragraphs and pages constantly. I don't want to gloss over. The author took the time on each sentence - because they wanted to convey meaning. I don't want to miss out. Ryan, I started reading again because of you. Just want to say thank you.
Finally, I found someone that can validate my thought "speedreading is bullshit" . I sincerely believe that the human brain is not equipped to assimilate and process information at the speed of a machine. The synapses of the human brain depends on other major organs to assimilate knowledge, store and be able to use it favorably.
Exactly. So much patience went into the craft of writing and rewriting to convey information. Absorbing the thoughts of another via symbols should not be taken lightly.
DO AGREE WITH YOU, RYAN INSPIRED ME TO READ
I couldn´t agree more. Deep reading is far superior to speed reading in virtually every possible way. Sure, it takes a bit longer, but on the other hand you get far superior comprehension and recollection of the material, so it still gives a higher payoff per unit time. Not to mention the far greater pleasure of methodically savouring a book instead of just rushing through it.
I disagree, some books you can read perfectly well with the speed reading techniques. Also a lot of eg self help and psychology books have only a couple of quintessential messages and could have been 4 times shorter. A lot of hard facts are not important for example some historical facts about some people that have influenced the authors... and so on. Another big argument for SR is that many words are just connective words, that are not important for the overall understanding. Just saying something is bs without explaining why is not an argument .
“One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person perhaps someone dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia the author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to YOU.” ~ Carl Sagan
One of the most beautiful quotes ever.❤️
Yes
Yes, ... beautiful
That’s really powerful
Wow! That's a great and profound quote!
“Speed reading is bullshit.”
YES. 100 %
I know, I was like finally someone said it!
Lol no it’s not… it’s literally been proven time and time again… in order for SR to work, you need to work on short term memory. Stop taking 1 guys example as gospel.
@@WarrenKirkpatrick My friend, as someone trained in literary analysis, I promise you speed reading is bullshit. No one should make speed reading a goal if they care at all about anything other than surface level information. I say that as someone with no real investment in Ryan Holiday.
@@estacoda545 well you can tell your friend I’m a living example that it’s not BS, and you can’t promise anything when my own personal statement back this up, I can read on average around 700WPM and used this to get a 2.1 bachelors degree..so this is where you’re wrong, speed reading isn’t a goal, it’s a technique to help achieve certain goals. you can literally say anything you want but the mere fact that I use it on a daily basis proves it’s not. Lol I don’t have any real investments in anyone apart from myself and family. if Ryan is reading philosophy and wants to enjoy his literature, that’s 1 thing, for ppl with a mountain load of info they need to get through, that’s a completely different.
@@WarrenKirkpatrick The irony here is that I called you my friend. I wasn’t speaking about my friend. Perhaps, oh, I don’t know, speed comes at the cost of comprehension?
I've been doing this for about a year now and have hundreds of notecards and it's absolutely incredible how much easier I find it to recall interesting bits, quotes, ideas, etc., from books. Thank you!
I love reading, but I’ve never taken the time to take notes on what I enjoyed or learned from the book
Definitely will start this method!!
Hey, are you still writing notecards?
1:28
Have a conversation in a book
2:40
Let the book sit for a couple of months just pick later on the best idea from it.
3:40
Have a common place book, where you put notes.
Write the theme why it touched you
6:00
Find patterns between wisdom and connect them.
I hate how other people keep harping on advantage of digital products when I find that reading on paper 📜 helps me to relax and get away from the digital poisoning stress
"It's a short, 1,100 page book. I read it in a week." 💀💀💀
60% which are skipped
It would take me forever to read 1,100 pages lol. When he said a week I was oh snap I need to catch up
That would by read for the year.
(slow reading 😶)
Brrooooo
I am a software engineer and I have a lot of books about engineering but sometimes struggle to retain the information. I will definitely be trying the advice of this video. Excellent work and excellent channel
Physically Writing things down increases learning /memory of them. When I was in college I would study and write notes and then I would copy those notes before exams, Rewrite them/copy them- and while rewriting them -I would have to think about them again -and everything would really just easily stick in my mind.It definitely works… Thanks Ryan enjoying your channel!
that's because you go over it at least three times in the recording of it , I will always hold it up as the best way to make something a part of you.
does typing them have the same effect?
@@izquierdo1770 there’s nothing like using your hand and a pencil imho. The human needs to stay closer to who they are to be excellent. Technology masks the human core in my opinion. Human “conveniences” remove authenticity and soul. There’s value in sensing the smell of the lead, the paper, the sounds,
@@Fishsticks007 thanks for the reply!
For all of you reading this, try saying out loud those things that you want to memorise lots of times. In the other hand, if you want to really learn the subject explain it to yourself over and over.
“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” Sharing some love from small RUclipsr
Fascinating to see your process Ryan. Thank you for posting. Great video!
Film courage 😁🙏🏽 incredible channel.. I love what you guys do thank you so much.. especially those screenwriting lessons 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Keeping a commonplace book is absolutely the most useful thing I have ever done. I started just over a year ago-mine is virtual on Evernote, but I do have a system to interact with the book multiple times to remember the info before putting it into the virtual storage. I’m studying Psychology and Philosophy in university, and this practice has absolutely transformed how I research, how I write, and how I think more broadly.
You’re in the beginning stages of a wonderful journey of learning how individuals do what they do in a system, and that’s really cool. I took the maximum number of courses on semester of psychology courses and found so many great interactions between the concepts that way. It was a lot of work but so rewarding and fun too.
Hey, are there any organizing principles or videos on that topic that you can recommend?
I died laughing when you said speed reading is bullshit. I always thought I was slow because I had to reread to hear the writers voice for context.
People think they should read a lot of books, when the opposite is the truth. You need to read just a few GOOD books every year. It's better to read 5 good books a year than 30 books that were written just to be written.
And with a good book you have to take your time.
If anyone is interested in a list of good books, made by Jordan Peterson:
jordanbpeterson(.)com/great-books/
Speed reading good for different type of things like articles , reports ...etc.
Some 40 years ago I wanted to document what I was reading because of the relevance to what I was doing at the time so I just started to put colored post-it tabs in books. This led to using notepad to track the information more easily. I also added a "#" in front of keywords (that are tracked through a notepad file) which allows me to search for specific information in any given book. At 71 years old the automation helps a lot in finding related information across multiple books. What this does not do is anchor the information through muscle memory as you put it. Yet, I am able to anchor the information in memory through meditation and hypnosis techniques connected with the specific notes. The meditation and hypnosis techniques are the repetition element that parallels each technique. Different techniques that produce similar results. Both seem to work which is the goal. This was the basis of a "catch-and-release" concept of reading books for specific information in an effort to not have a massive physical library in the event I needed to downsize as I aged. This works for me with that in mind.
I also use 4"x6" notecards but I don't use a common-place book: I use a 'common-place Wall'. I use binder clips to hold 'classes' of notecards together in packets with a cover-title card on top then hang these packets by the arms of the binder clips onto a premeasured grid of thumbtacks on a wall. I suspect this gives me a more 'at-a-glance' reference to my various studies- projects- records-etc.
Wow! Great idea! I'm gonna try that!👍👍👍
Have you considered writing a book on how you organize those boxes? more details on indexing and categories?
Knowing is not enough we must apply,willing is not enough,we must do.
‐Bruce Lee.
Goethe, actually...
Weirdly, I had never heard that quote about the best time to plant a tree, yet this video was the second time I heard it TODAY. Definitely writing that one down.
This is hands down the best YT video I've watched in six months. I love this and will institute it NOW. My commonplace book never had a name until now, and it's always been in unusable journals. I'm blown away. Thank you.
I love the Argue in The Margins strategy. And I do it all the time. Every book is a battle an argument and ultimately a learning experience.
Reading a book is a conversation and or argument.. Just brings reading to life 🤓 Thank you Ryan
You need to understand that some of us that read on our devices is because of eyesight issues. I love the fact that I can change the font size so I can read comfortably.
"Speedreading is BS" - thank you, Ryan! Thank you! I am already partway to having a Commonplace Book like you do, because I treat non-fiction book as tools, buying them in paperback and marking them up. I buy hardback copies of the rare few that I want to keep because they are or have been life-changing for me. I want a pristine copy too (and these days, also an audiobook copy if the reader is good) in my bookcase in case it ever goes out of print. The best of books can do this over a long enough time. All I have to do now is get the cards and box to keep them in.
Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's main adviser and fixer for many years, kept a commonplace book too, including a book called "The King", which was about the King, who must have been a nightmare to work for! I wonder how much that book was responsible for his relative longevity as an adviser, in helping him to pivot and be adaptable to the King's ever-changing moods.
This is a very timely and relevant video for me as i have had some slight issues returning back to my first love of getting lost in a book.
This is great. It's actually a very old reading system. Umberto Eco also describes a similar system and then there's zettelkasten and commonplace books, etc. I use an almost identical system for philosophy. It's nice to see these methods being rediscovered and preserved!
02:04 FINALLLYYYYYYYY someone says that. thanks a lot
Excited to try this, have just buckled down to writing a 30 minute act of comedy also just got Ego is the Enemy delivered yesterday, I CAN'T open it until I go buy flash cards and highlighter pens, I see this working for me so well!
This type of note card system is called the zettlekasten for anyone curious.
I really liked this video. Great ideas to apply to my reading and note taking. Also, I totally agree with you on the topic of "speed reading is bullsh...". Reading is supposed to be an activity that one enjoys and savors like a good meal, cigar or a special moment with your woman. You don't want to rush and do it fast in those occasions
Many thanks to the creator of this video, keep them coming 😊👍🏾👌🏽💯💯💯
How do you read a 1100 page book in a week and still have time for other things? I consider myself a slow reader, and 1100 pages take me about 2 months. Love the video though, as always incredibly insightful
Skim most likely
As a child of ADHD who daydreams while reading, I wish I could read and absorb that fast.
What a cop out...I have ADHD..reading isn't a problem. A little discipline maybe?
@@masonbush3686 good for you. Did I say it was a problem?
@@masonbush3686 nobody said reading was a problem, but getting distracted in your mind easily rather. I'd agree that it's probably something you can train.
I just ordered a simple box and note cards, cost me 10 bucks. I am an avid reader, I am skeptical about stoicism, and haven’t read any of your books yet, but I like you share your writing and reading processes. I am inspired by your mentor-mentee relationship with Robert Greene as well. It seems like you really taken his mastery advice to heart! 😂
I will experiment with your methods. Thank you for sharing them, Ryan! 🙏🏻
I am a book person as well with , highlighter in hand, sticky tabs top and sides, color code column notes 📝 🤭 Thank You for sharing your inspiring thoughts with us👍
I shiver everytime he says he folds the pages.
I just came across this. Thank you a thousand times over. I have been doing this my entire life. However, I took a college course and thought I had a reading disability. Why were most able to just read a chapter, understand and regurgitate the information on a test? Why was it taking me so long to get through a chapter. I was doing this system, to be able to "own" the material. The biggest hurdle is when an author feels it's necessary to get super wordy. I spend more time trying to understand their points than learning the material. Unfortunately I can't change the book, but the system does help me. Another drawback, and advantage, is it's all online. I find myself trying to make notes as I'm reading the chapter. It's harder when you don't have the material in front of you. Thank you for sharing your system. I'm also jealous that you were able to work with a mentor (Rob Greene).
I love this, I do the exact same thing with reading books, when I write on them, highlight them, a part of me feels connected to the book as if I wrote it. If i don't annotate on a book a lot of the words brush past me when I have read them. And rewriting raw prose phrases into a notebook helps too, it lodges a new technique into my writer muscle memory. Great video!
Last time I was this early Marcus Aurelius was still Emperor of Rome.
Marcus Has A Huge Fanbase
@@gne784 He's calming and helps me meditate.
Your organization by themes is the most useful organization method I've seen, this was extremely helpful!
Just the type of video I needed today! Thank you for this Daily Stoic! :)
I’ve started keeping a reading journal to become more engaged in my reading. It’s not as sophisticated as this and I borrow a lot of ebooks from the library. But even this small change has affected my relationship with books and it’s exciting.
I've done this note taking my whole life. I just never decided to put them together like this in a system. I may have to try this
Didn't know about this system until now, however I began some time ago to draw elements or stories from the book I was reading, basically to understand and remember the subject better. Definitely will implement this more!
I personally have just started this! I used a kettlkasten digital system, but know prefer the physical system because it forces me to physically look through the material. The digits system is out of sight, out of mind. Great content 👍🏻
This is one of the most practical and useful study guides I’ve seen on RUclips.
As a person who has countless pocket notebooks and full size notebooks and piles of loose leaf paper from years and years of writing things down if only because it improves my quality of life, keeping track is tough.
I like this system. I have seen and heard of systems like it before. For whatever reason I've never adopted this system or one like it, but I think I ought to.
The wicked challenge is going to be going back through my own notes and converting them to note cards. You think it's tough doing that with a thousand page book (which I absolutely believe that it is)
At least the book that was written to be a book is probably reasonably coherently organized. Not so for my personal notes. Not to mention some past versions of myself have been less disciplined than less organized than the present...
Hey Ryan. Can you make a video on how you organize your writing time. When do you write blog post, email, books etc.
“Speed reading is bullshit” - I hope you’re watching this, Jim Kwik.
Lol, I took his program and it works I read faster, comprehend, and retain the information that I am reading.
I respect both Ryan and Jim Kwik. Ryan is old school stoic, Jim likes to revolutionize the way we do things.. Speed reading if done right,, could be beneficial. You can't apply it all the time.
for me, I don't like writing directly on the book so I use transparent sticky notes on the page to highlight and make notes. this really does help you engage with the book
This channel is becoming better and better🙌
This is great, very enlightening. I agree with you that doing it manually, eschewing technology is the way to go. Reading, and writing are human, sensual pursuits, using technology takes away from that.
Thank you for the great video.
I only buy the books (non-fiction) that I want to write in and have it mean something different when I read it next. If I find one in the library, I stop reading until I have my own copy to write in. I'm in the process of making something like this system work for me but when you find known references in newer sources you really found what you're looking for.
I've finished your two books at the same time: Obstacle is the way and The Ego is the Enemy. I felt honored to read them, they are amazing. The timing they matched with my life right now, sounds perfectly. For sure, I'll reread these books during my life. In the future, I'll give to my son, my grandchild... Thanks a lot for #sharingiscaring everything you've learned in your life. I hope you keep on your journey Ryan!! You great!! I'll start read The stillness is the key right now!
I love the system to retain and reuse! Bullet journaling may be another good medium for common place book. I'm inspired to try this.
Thanks for basics, how you do, and nudge forwards. 👌✌️🙏.
I got in the habbit of writing down quotes that I like. From all types of media. Some of my favorites are from the tv show Highlander.
On top of being a great reader, this video shows you how to be a great writer. Thanks bro 🙏🏽
Cool! I've been doing that for many years! I first used the method to learn and prepare tours as a Park Ranger. And over the years to learn about yoga/anatomy and also to teach (a variety of subjects). Great way to learn and retain what I read.
Two things-regarding The Obstacle is the Way-in my therapy training we know we are hitting the sweet spot when we encounter resistance-a nerve has been struck, so to speak. 2) If you hold Truman in high regard, his entries in his diary, found in a book of lists (don’t recall the name), summed up the year with one line. Some were things like (paraphrasing): “appointed as judge,” “out of work,” “ate well this year,” showed his highs and lows simply and elegantly. If you’re ever in Independence, MO, I recommend a visit to his home and the museum. I love his daughter’s Washington, DC mysteries which were very well done.
Damn am I glad you exist, your work and others have directed me towards a level of personal responsibility that has shockingly afforded me more freedom with a sense of purpose I thought impossible before. I am and will likely remain a work in progress but I believe I have finally come to understand it really is about the journey. Keep it up I doubt I am the only one you have helped and I imagine there is more of us who would find value in the work you have and will do.
Is it towards that you’re moving toward? Is it?
I'm so fuking pumped about reading and annotating again. Damn. I owe you one.
Your greatness is your process, Thank You sharing this applicable wisdom method. Writing on the tablet of your heart like Biblical prophets did. Things you love about life are usually character enhancing interfaces with the truth of being. Lose reception, acquire perception.
One of the best videos I have seen on how to read. Thank you for sharing your method of reading Ryan Holiday.
00:26, That Music is always Motivating me to read Books
He's a machine! Amazing! Focus is unbelievable! Thank you for posting this....rekindling a flame to be productive again.
This reminded me of Niklas Luhman, a German sociologist, philosopher and prominent thinker in systems theory. He also used a notebox-system, for which he was famous.
From Wikipedia:
"Note-taking system (Zettelkasten): Luhmann was famous for his extensive use of the "slip box" or Zettelkasten note-taking method. He built up a zettelkasten of some 90,000 index cards for his research, and credited it with making his extraordinarily prolific writing possible. It was digitized and made available online in 2019. Luhmann described the zettelkasten as part of his research into systems theory in the essay Kommunikation mit Zettelkästen."
Great video as always. I read for fun and relaxation so I don't take notes. But then again I have no desire to write a book.
I started recording my notes and ideas in OneNote about 8 years ago. I have notebooks for different subjects and projects as well a a notebook for each year I use to manage my to-do list. I LOVE the fact I can keyword search 8 years worth of ideas in just a few clicks. I'm aware of the benefit of writing my content by hand, but the sheer volume of information as well as trying to recall ideas has driven me to a digital format.
I'd like to believe my kids will someday read some of what I collected but I think it will just be like China that gets donated...only they will just have to hit the delete key.
I’m really stoked to try this method! You’re like a sapling that has the wisdom of a tall Redwood. Thank you for all your work 😊
Hello Ryan, it's so inspirational, I put it directly into practice and watch it again.
LOVE thank you Ryan
Really have enjoyed your channel Finding Stoicism has become a big deal in my life Wish i had found all this earlier Found that i have had some of ideas in my life from early on Reading the stoics has validated somethings I have tghought about and have live by THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SHARING
I'm just getting into Marcus Aurelius and stoicism and i'm hooked. Ordered your daily stoic book and it will be here tomorrow, really looking forward to it! Got the feeling i'm not done with your books after that.
Thank you so much, this video comes at the right moment to me. I needed it to organise my mind and writing. Thanks 🙏
I foumd this extremely useful. Thanks for sharing!
Its funny how I do these things, read, fold, and write. This is gold, Ryan!
Thank you brotha. Trusting you’re method. One day I’ll shake your hand for the impact it’s made on my life.
I am so happy to hear that “ speed reading is bs” because I was introduced to this concept of speed reading recently. I was struggling to comprehend most of the content while trying to “ speed read”.
Speed reading can be utilised for “revision” of highlighted points , not for first time read
Excellent advice, brother. hope you have an awsome life.
He wasn’t kidding about being a professional reader. Very impressive set up for note taking!
YES!!! Your a beast kid! Much love.
I do something similar but with architectural designs. I'll have some idea and I'll work it out 20-50+ different ways in 1-2 notebooks. I continue to refine the idea until eventually I'm left with a few really polished designs that I can then put into a more final draft.
"speed reading is bullshit." Thank you! As someone who was obsessed with speed, but with almost zero memory retention, i needed to hear this.
Professional Reader, I like the sound of that.
This is really good. I used this system which I used for my fourth book worked very well. I am now using it on my current work.
I used to study like you read. Resume, and study that over and over again
New to Mr Holiday. All I can say is WOW!! Already ordered some books!
Ryan, this video so resonated with me. I really appreciate your passion and your process. I too am a slow reader ad 1,100 pages in a week seems monumental. But the discipline that you bestow is so motivating. I see the value of writing on cards, but I believe I am going to use the software Obsidian and the Zettlekasten method to record my thoughts. But you are right in that the physical aspect of writiing and the use of muscle memory helps you to create the mental links that a software package like Obsidian. All the best . . .
+1, I just started with Zettelkasten+Obsidian a few weeks ago as well. Best I've seen so far to consolidate knowledge and associations.
Just bOught discipline is the key here in the philippines. First book I ever bought for leisure, ended becoming a development book for me. Great book! Hoping to read your other books if I have extra money.
This is so precious. Thank you for sharing these kind of informations for free.
Great video! I never understand when someone tells me they’re, “not a reader.” How could you not be?!?
Yes! I don’t understand non-readers! How could someone not want to visit a bookstore or a library? I practically lived in them, before the pandemic.
I used to take notes and my envelope is full of thousands of intermediate papers. Now I am going to try this out notecards and a commonplace book because i stopped taking notes for 2 months and just read books and highlight. But now I know how. Thank you so much for this!
I don't know why I didn't get your book first when i started making book reading a habit late april and I only got to know you and read your first book (ego is the enemy) Last month.
Now i am curious about your other books and robert greene's.
Can you do how to do "common place book" and how you categorize in detail for full video?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zettelkasten
can find more information here.
obsidian.md/
here is a digital tool i use.
I write FAR MORE than I read. I've never been a big reader. I've met many other writers who read as much (or more) than they write... I can't relate. I've stopped attending writing groups because they are always stealing my content, style, methodology. I say "steal" because no one has ever approached me and asked permission to use/copy anything I do. And, I don't like the resentment and contempt other writers give me after I read some of my material. However, I completely agree with regarding collecting and collating information for future reference. I do that all the time. It's absolutely necessary.
Starting a regular common book today.
Just finished Courage is calling and wholly enjoyed it. I would definitely read it again.
I live on the road full-time and while I have a few well worn books I'll take with me everywhere i've moved to using a Kindle for my daily reading. I'll have to get creative with how to implement some of this using my Kindle. My common place note cards is apple notes. I works pretty well I reckon.
Ryan Holiday is the philosophy professor I needed.
Ryan !!! You are sharing incredible value. Thank You and God Bless!
I markup my books but then create an index of it, and have tags in their. I put that index into Evernote. Then when I clip things into Evernote, I use similar tags. So in that sense, Evernote becomes like his notecards. It's not all handwritten, but I'm also not an author, I have other things to do. I recently created a very technical training and had to draw on over 30 references, and use this technique to really get to know my knowledge and create about 10,000 words on this topic.
I am becoming a professional reader and I needed this video badly. Thank you much, you are handsome and amazing.