I spend an entire month reading a single poetry collection. Less than 100 pages. I spent days on just one poem, and every day it felt different. It’s worth it!
Could you be so kind in sharing which book was it? I think is kind of difficult to find a good compilation of poetry and not only wishful, happy, instagrammable poems 😅
as for me, i decided to memorize atleast 2 poems per month. I was so moved when I first read The Bottom Of The Ocean by Bob Hickok and that pushed me to memorize more poems.
Poetry is different from a novel though cause a poem is basically an entire story packed into a single page worth of text. So it makes sense that you would spend more time on a page of poetry vs a page of prose. It's more dense
When I got sucked into the temptation of raising my goal to read more and more books every year, I found myself reading shorter books--kids picture books--and manga in order to meet the goal. Now, I do like manga, but I'm realizing the frenzy has kept me from being more intentional and letting myself tackle harder books. I would think, "Oh, that [insert classic] would take too long to read, I need a book that is easy to read so I can read more books." I will definitely start implementing this video's advice more.
I was thinking of setting aside some dedicated time to read harder books. And using more entertaining books on an e-reader as a distraction rather than my phone. Right now I'm just starting off with 15 minutes a day and hope to get to 30m to an hour. Using the easier books as a type of reward.
@@KillerofGods This year I've set my goal to read two big classics and let myself read whatever else I want to read in the midst of that. So far it's helping me read more.
This was encouraging. I love reading. And I watch way too many Booktube channels. It's so silly, but I have started to wonder what's wrong with me that I can only read an average of 20 books a year, while so many people boast of at least double that. My best year was 42. But that was unusual. Am I such a slow reader? I am reading all the time! There are books piled everywhere around my apartment! What is wrong with me? But you're right. When I do fly through books, I can't remember what they're about. What's the point? I love reading long books that I savor and live with for weeks or months. When I take my time and read in different settings, I remember things more because I have physical "markers", if that makes sense. I remember reading The Return of the King and crying on the train. I remember going to babysit and it unexpectedly rained and my poor paperback copy of Jane Eyre got soaked and I put it on the kitchen table to dry. I am now remembering my reread of J.I. Packer's Knowing God on the train and during the walk from the train station to the church on Sundays. It works better with physical books, but I'm even starting to get better with ebooks. (I'm actually realizing these things as I am writing this out, so thank you!)
I think it's ok to be a slow reader, as not everyone is built to read a book in a week. To be more personal, I have ADHD so I have a difficult time getting into reading especially if the book is not an immediate 5 star thriller. Sometimes it takes me just savoring the information, and pondering it, to start becoming invested in the book. I let the ideas or the imagery provided bounce around in my chaotic ADHD brain; and I come up with all kinds of questions or connections that I never would have thought of if I didn't take a moment to "sit with it". I still struggle with "keeping up" with others goodreads lists and their completed 50 book reading goals, but I need to think about myself and what will bring me the most satisfaction.
@@bailey1368 Oh, I agree! Always comparing yourself with others is a trap. It's pointless. Whether it's reading or any other type of activity, we're always going to find someone who is ahead of us or behind us. Looking at others might help with inspiration and thinking about general goals. But in the end, if you're not improving yourself, what does it matter? Yourself is the only person you have any control over anyway! I think the key is 1) consistency and 2) having realistic goals. When it comes down to it, it's more beneficial to read a few books a month or even "just" one, and really get something out of them, than it is to read 20 books and barely remember them. I need to remind myself of all these things. Take care!
There are some modern novels (detective/ thriller/ spy) that can be read in a day, just for fun, but there are others, usually classical, which demand more attention and face greater rewards.
I completely agree, this obsession with how many books you have read means that you are focusing on quantity rather than quality. Reading is supposed to be a pleasure and guzzling everything down so that you can get on to the next book doesn't make any sense. If something is worth your time then it's worth taking your time over. It's borderline addictive behaviour and people shouldn't be embarrassed that they have a more relaxed approach to reading.
In the summer of 2021 I read "The Lehman Trilogy" in Italian It is over eight hundred pages long and it took me six weeks to complete. It was a wonderful experience as my Italian was very rusty But the novel was written in verso libero (free verse) so there was repetition and short sentences which helped. It was my first verse novel - as an adult and was a fascinating experience.
You’re an absolute machine! Good for you for reading so much. I read about 10 books a year right now and slowly getting better. But wow! Thank you for the suggestion to read well, not fast. Because of the nature of my job, I only get a chance to read on my breaks, so I tend to read several pages at a time and then meditate on what I’ve read before I continue. I find it helps me digest things better. Like in eating, I try not to bite more than I can chew. Otherwise it becomes a lot to swallow at once. Thanks again for your content!
I'm currently trying to find where I am as a reader. Really I think that I like the idea and the aesthetic of being a reader. It's the idea that someone who loves books is well spoken, has strong evidence to support their own ideas and values, and overall is someone who is seen as intelligent. When you said that your best was 76 books I was astonished as my goal for the past few years has been 20 (a goal that is never reached), and I think that so many people are ahead of me. I try to read faster, or skip paragraphs that I think don't matter just for the sake of getting a book checked off the list. Then when someone asks me how I feel about the book.. I have nothing. I'm trying to use numbers to reach this idealized version of myself that will never exist, especially when the books I "read" never stick in my mind.
@@_jared If ever in the future you were thinking of talking about it, I would really like to know how you analyze different books. I have never been a classic lit fan as I have a hard time seeing the deeper meanings. My degree is in psychology, so the books that I analyze are just pure information that I underline and make notes pertaining to other works I should study. I know there already are videos out there about reading analysis, but personally I would like your take/methods.
i was struggling with the same problem as you... I would advice you to read multiple books (more than 3 at the time) simultaneously... I have done it and i am reading more than 3 books a week (all 200 pgs + ) ... also fix a time to read like from 11pm to 1 am I am gonna read 2 chapeters of book 1 , 1 chapter of book 2 , and 1 chapter of book e
Start by picking 5-10 of the greats to read in one year. Take as long as you need on each of them (reread pages, consider reading only 10 pages per sitting etc). Read commentaries on these books at the same time and so consider how others have analysed the book as you read
Productivity and hustle culture is the worst. They only look on life as trying to improve every aspect, day by day. But they completely forget, the one big life lesson, that many people hardly realized throughout time. It's not about the goal, it's about the way. And although they tend to be on a good way through improvement, seeing only constant improvement is indeed toxic and full of bullshit. This tip is the best I ever heard. Since years, I read The Lord of the Rings and Song of Ice and Fire, as well as several other few books. I'm pretty slow in general, considering that I need so long to even finish one book. But when I read them, I tend to get sunk 8nto the story and love it. So that in itself is a nice experience for myself. I guess, when I take of the pressure by thinking I must read more, it gets even better.
I love this. This is my goal for 2025. I grew up in a hyper sheltered home, so in 2021 when I started exploring books on my own I went nuts. I went from reading 50 books a year to reading 100+ books a year, like a starving person offered a feast. It was perfect for what I needed for a few years. But this year I have felt weary of the constant novelty and speed of consuming books. Next year I want to read slower, deeper and better. My first order of business is getting rid of all the metrics I have used to track my reading, and keep my reading journal simple.
I rarely comment on YT but you have definitely touched a nerve with me (in a positive way). I can’t tell you what a breath of fresh air it is to hear your critique of modern culture with its emphasis on productivity and metrics. I work in education and I despise the approach that continues to be all the rage with standardized testing, for precisely the reasons you touched on. Metrics of learning stuff is not a method for creating well-rounded students who can apply a small measure of critical thinking to their lives. Thank you for this video. You just earned a new subscriber today. Keep up the good work. You’re on the right path.
I'm glad I found your vid. I was inspired by several YT channels due to their "reading 1 book per week" challenge or "how reading 1 book per week changed my life" testimonies, but knowing myself, as how I travel, I like to take my time and read slow given the documents and literature I consume don't have deadlines for either work or school. Though not efficient, I enjoy taking notes - a sort of lit journalism what have you - depending on the book. An example would be taking notes on the geography, topography, clothing and food depicted in a story if I find it interesting enough to do such a thing. One book I'm currently reading is set in the South where food is constantly in the background, so naturally I decided to take notes about what the characters have eaten while doing my own personal deep dive into Southern cuisine. It just adds another dimension to my reading experience. Attempting to make collared greens and grits by someone whose diet usually doesn't consist of such food items is fun in my eyes. What may take others three days or a week to finish, it'll probably take me two weeks or more if it's not a borrowed library book. Again, I take my time, undertaking side projects relating to what's given to me as a reader. I've adjusted my expectations for myself in that reading two books a month is doable - and enjoyable, if not somewhat educational.
My goal is to read more curriculum / academic (Mathematics, Physics) books, my interest in increasing my reading of other books : fiction and non-fiction has dipped over time. I’d be happy if I read an average of 6 to 12 non-academic books in a year. I too like to take physical notes from all nonfiction books to retain their important information. Nowadays reading fiction (Including comic books, graphic novels, etc) books is more of a guilty pleasure activity for me.
I have kept a book journal since I was 11. It is like yours but I list day begun and finished and number of pages. I am retired now, so read 100 + books. I keep a commonplace book too. I annotate a lot of my books or make notes in a notebook. I am more interested in deep,slow reading than quantity.Writing helps me remember as I'm 76. I love your channel. I read Plato's Dialogues last year, slowly. This year I'm reading Nicomachean Ethics, even slower, I stop and think about each section. What is the hurry, I want to make some of it part of me. I think speed reading is the work of the devil. I sometimes read a lighter book late at night. Wodehouse or a mystery, but that is when I'm too tired for the books from the Canon.😮
This is a message I hope goes viral on booktube. As someone who discovered this fantastic side of RUclips, wich rekindled my passion for reading, it gets to a point of being overwhelming. There are so many book series, and, for a regular folk like me, very limited time and energy to read them. The TBR keeps growing, and paralysis by analises definitely occurs, we all love books, but youtube is certainly one hell of a downward unstoppable spiral capable of making people simply quit. So thank you for the extremely important message is all I'm saying.
Agreed. I caught myself too in the eye of this toxic productivity hurricane last year but I think in 2022 I’ve been so much more mindful of what reading really means to me. ❤
Hey Jared, I really appreciate the grounding message you share of; don't focus on the numbers, but the quality of the experience you have + bringing awareness to the issue of toxic productivity - it crystalised some concepts in my mind. Thanks!
You speak about an impressive skillset with spectacular humility and inspiration. Coming back to this a year since my first viewing has made me reflect on just how much this has motivated my own reading practice.
Brother, I really liked this self-reflection about reading books because you went through some common pressure about focusing on quantity rather than quality. It may stem from social media as you mentioned as there are infinite number of videos about how do people read more , tips ,tricks to read more and other stuff. The main idea was to savor the books and read in a natural pace, so we won't burn ourselves out and enjoy more. For me two takeaways are not to binge read books and be more mindful in general. Much love man!
In my case, reading "more" vs "better" would be the same. I don't spend a lot of time reading, and when I do I don't engage with the book fully because I'm not actually devoting my time to it. Reading better for me would look like devoting more time to reading which would in turn (probably) lead to more books being read. Great video, really helped me visualize my goals for reading and what I want to get out of it
This video was amazing! We need more content like this to counteract all the toxic "how to read more" bullshit out there. I've really struggled with this. To anyone out there who maybe thought TCM's numbers were even too high, here are my numbers for the past two years (been dealing with a lot of mental health issues, which takes away from reading): This year so far: 4 Last year: 11 2020: 3 2019: 6 2018: 26 (record) I consider myself a big reader, even with these numbers. Maybe your numbers are even smaller than this. It's okay.
I'm glad I found this video. I needed this. We all need someone to tell us to relax and focus on one thing. I was so overwhelmed in trying to hit my Goodreads goal (last year) that I just rushed through every book I read. I look back now and literally don't remember anything in specific. This year, mostly the same case with 40ish books I've read (unless a book is exceptional, I don't remember it). Next year, I'll take your advice. I will focus on just reading one at a time and savouring the thoughts and art within it.
Thank you. I've had this video on my to watch list since the start of your channel, and I'm glad I finally watched it. I cried when you said books turn into old friends, because that used to be what reading was to me years ago. I'm a different person and reading hasn't felt the same in a long time. Thank you for reminding me about what I'm depriving myself of. Now I can hopefully work toward getting there again.
I have been keeping a journal like this, with the addition of genre, since the early 90s. It's fascinating to go back and see what your interest are and by where you were at emotionally by topics read. Librarything is a good site if you want to keep an electronic diary. I'm happy to see other people are doing this.
Thank you. I've just realised that there are some books that I've read, liked and learnt so much from them that from time to time I miss them dearly as if they were some good friends that I have to revisit to keep on talking and learning. It's true: some books become your best friends for life.
I've just started Swann's Way by Proust. There was NO WAY I could or should read Proust fast. There is too much beauty in Proust. In fact after the first four paragraphs I wanted to read the first 3 pages again and again. It reminded me of listening to music. You don't want to read classics fast.
This is enlightening. I’m actually thinking of spending time to really dig into a devotional so that I can get the most out of it. I have chosen a short book called “Woman Wise Up Rise Up”. I hope to read this book so that by the time I come to the end of it I will indeed wise up.
Yea you are spot on. Only found your channel and I'm going to watch all your back catalogue of videos. You have the same mindset and book interests as myself. There is a lot of people out there reading garbage. And channel's like yours are goldmines. The great Western cannon are some of the greatest minds that have ever lived. And it's sad to say I stand in my local book shop and shake my head at what's on the shelf. I asked if they had Cormac McCarthy The Passenger, new book just out and the girl never heard of him lol didn't have book either. I'd be lost without Amazon.
on my lunch break for work and found this video - it was very refreshing, and it's clear you have a passion for reading, knowledge, and being curious - thank you for the video!
I like the metaphor of the gym and time spent there to illustrate the point about reading well. Another metaphor that comes to mind is learning to do an exercise properly. Because one individual rep where you're keeping good form, executing a full range of motion, and breathing properly is worth five reps of shallow, clumsy thrashing. Better to read a book slowly and deliberately instead of rush through three, just like it's better to do a full, proper pushup instead of three pushups where you only drop your chest an inch, have your back arched in the air, and are moving jerkily instead of carefully.
Just a high school graduate who took Clerical. You have some excellent advice. Choosing what to read is the key. Quality not quantity. I don't socialize much but finding interesting topics to discuss for common ground is a good start.
Thank you so much for this video. I’m so glad people also like to truly absorb the content and depth of a book, rather than it being a mere speed-reading contest.
Good point on viewing books as friends. I can relate. Sometimes, I'm start missing some good ol "Shakespeare" or " Nietzsche", "Marcus Aurelius" and yes even "R.L Stine" Never looked at it from this perspective, but it makes perfect sense. I can appreciate these authors, playwrights, philosophers more. Thanks.
bro i appreciate this. I have been disappointment lately because i havent finished as many books as I wanted. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and really enjoy the journey and adventures. Imma have fun reading the lust for life and frankenstien!
So happy to have come across this Channel. I struggle to sit down and read any book; I always feel so scatter brained or full of distractions. Thank you for your insights.
I’ve noticed that a lot of booktubers buy the physical book and listen to the audiobook at the fastest speed. I can understand because they’re making money from the videos but this method isn’t enjoyable for the majority of people. Reading slowly has made me love books even more. It’s even helped with studying for cert exams. Do you also use apps such as Goodreads and StoryGraph to track reading? Or do you only write the titles in your journal
Today I spent a day to read two article journals, yet I find it gratifying to understand the articles fully. Might need to escalate to books rather than articles only. Thanks for the video - I feel not lonely.
I've had a similar revelation when it comes to music, I don't really try and listen more just encounter whatever I find holistically, most of the time it kinda makes me a little esoteric with my music tastes, but everything I listen to and in recent memory with reading, I just found what I'm interested in and just try and take as much in and usually what I end up listening and reading ends up meaning a lot to me. In the case of reading it also helps that I can't read in my head, I have to give life to the text by annunciating them, which usually leads to a slower reading experience especially for some words I'm trying to figure how they are pronounced or if I'm trying to find voices for the characters, but I think I take in things more that way even versus audiobooks cause I'm more actively engaged
I could agree more with you! The productivity culture is quite empty in the end. I really don’t understand what’s behind that drive to do more just for the sake of doing more (and not better). the same thing goes for the note taking insanity that’s around. I’m glad to have found you’re channel!
Great recommendation. Orwell's essay Confessions of a book reviewer is also interesting, and makes some similar points I think, coming at it from a different angle.
I really appreciate the sentiment of this video. This year I changed my reading style to supplement it with note taking, to summarise and make sure I really understand what I consider to be the salient aspects of the text. If I'm reading history, I also do timelines with significant events. The reMarkable 2 has been a fantastic tool for this. After I finish the book, I write a review based on the notes and the timeline. This style is probably going to cut the amount of books I get through a year by about half, but I'm fine with that; I would rather come away with more comprehensive understanding and knowledge retention.
This is an excellent video in the main. Some points I'd like to add however (as a 51-year old man): Until age 40 or so, I think your goal should be to read as widely as possible in the canon. Throw yourself around like the intellectual hussy you are. Round about age 40, you'll start to settle down, and that's when your re-reading phase will begin. You'll have figured out which books are calling to you, and you'll answer that call multiple times for the rest of your life. Having recently passed 50, I have very little interest in reading anything new these days. 90%-95% of my reading is re-reading, and I absolutely love re-uniting with my ''friends,'' as you put it in the video. So, yes, I agree with The Classical Mind. Focus on reading better ... when you're ready to go deeper. Whenever that time is right for you. You'll know.
Thank you. I really like to read but I have a hard time to finish a book...I place the book on hold. I think its because the story is so good, I dont want the story to end. I need to change my book reading attitude to just finish reading the book. After watching your video, I will train myself to focus and read better, finish the story, and start a simple reading log. Thank you again.
I agree I don't think it's too important how many books you read but rather how relevant and timely and insightful for you. Sometimes a chapter in a book is all you need. I'm not commenting on trashy book reading for leisure here, which I think is the equivalent of junk TV and is a subcategory of reading. Finding the best library in your area is really important to know. As I get older books take more precedence over commercial films and TV. 📚 I'm venturing into publishing a multi-volume book story with a co-author due out for release from October 2025. 📙
Great advises, but aside of toxic productivity there's a good productivity - it's more about giving your life a structure - self-organization. And there's also a good way of making metrics, logs, and plans. I personally LOVE some RPG-like metrics and plans - but it's all for the things I want to do, watch, read etc, not for the metrics themselves. Depends on your personality.
When I went to school, I had a teacher who taught us Spanish language (I am a Spanish speaker) and she would give us speed tests during a reading. She would put us on the desk in front of the whole class and literally make us read in front of everyone while she timed us. This caused me to have major reading comprehension problems for years and caused me to have trouble studying in general and concentrating on a reading. So encouraging speed in reading, I agree with you that in the end you are neglecting the main purpose of reading, which is comprehension. I feel that this type of tendencies are the ones that cause less critical thinking and less reasoning capacity. In my country, it has been shown that this type of reading habits have ended up causing big problems in the educational system, so, for some it may seem a trifle, but really, reading slowly and worrying about what you are reading, is more important than it seems!
I completely and passionately agree with you. I am an educator and I have come to the conclusion that speed reading gets me nowhere very fast. It is essential to take your time and read something that is of interest to you. In our school system, the department wants students to learn the skills such as citing textual evidence and grammar usages to name a few. Speed testing can never help students understand, especially English learners who are trying to acquire the language in the first place.
Some great ideas in this video. I often view my RUclips history and I'm fascinated on how my interests have changed over time. Bringing more awareness to what I've been reading definitely makes me more critical and intentional.
This video brought awareness to my toxic desire to read a lot of books without even getting to understand much about them deeply. I am going to take it one at a time. Besides, there are a million books out there you may never get to read your entire life. Thanks 😊
Thanks for this video. I'm changing my reading manner. If a book is like food for our brains, I prefer enjoy the hole experience, and understanding what I'm doing: acquiring knowledge; rather than just consuming tons of information. It is worth spending time reading.
I'm really glad I watched your video, very relatable and though I'm new to reading properly for the first time in my life I have had that mentality or more more more and its completely the wrong attitude ! Thanks I needed this 😊👌🏻
Your T.R.A.S.H (Terrifyingly Rational and Superbly Honorable) in your perspective and breaking down how to really appreciate the art of reading. You actually evoked the need for me to read some books requiring a lot of time and patience being works from Maimonades and a few more classic works. Thank you for reminding all of us who aspire and are inspired to retain, accumulate and digest knowledge on focusing on "quality" and not "quantity."
I've just discovered your channel and I love it. I absolutely agree with your words in this video. It's not about quantity, it's about quality. Books deserve their own pace, and it's not the same reading Platho than reading comedy theater.
Instantly subbed. I’ve started watching this content more about reading more intentionally. I’ve never been a fast reader. My average being about 15-20 books a year if I’m lucky. I’m only on my 3rd novel this year (and some manga volumes thrown in) and sometimes I feel bad for this. I used to be a book tube channel and I decided to give that up a while ago because of the pressure I felt within the community to read more. I only follow channels that are fairly chill or who are slow readers like myself now. Funnily enough tho when you were mentioning videos about ‘how to read 100 books in a year’ type of thing there is literally one of those videos being recommended to me after this video that I apparently watched a few months ago 😅. I loved your end comment though and I would love to revisit some books soon as well as broaden my tastes even more :)
Thanks for this video. Sage advice. I've been meaning to re-read The Book of the New Sun. But I've been scared to pick it up off the shelf knowing how much work it will be. I have a spreadsheet of the books I've read over the past couple of years. It's very easy to turn your goal into a numbers chasing game. Or spend all your time making your spreadsheet and not reading ;)
Haven’t read many books lately. Used to read voraciously. I use a week-at-a-glance engagement calendar to log my knitting. I am going to do the same with reading books. Will have a visual record to see if I am reading and what I am reading. Can flip back a week or two to see what’s logged. Will keep a list at the back with the start and end dates. 😊
Thank you for posting this. This is my first view of your channel and videos. As a fellow academic, it was so refreshing to see readership advice and thoughts from someone who isn’t part of the “hustle” culture or someone who just reiterates other content creators. It reminded me a lot of Harold Blooms arguments.
Dear John, I read 1200 books this year which makes me the alpha and the best by far or whatever. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew this. Thoughts? Good day
You made me think of hopscotch by Julio cortazar. I’ve read it three times cover to cover in Spanish and English. I’ve read it alone and with my wife. It’s a good friend of mine with new surprises. It makes me laugh, think, cry and even get angry. Thanks for the video.
I really enjoy these videos. There are so many great tips which are helping improve my reading habits. The idea of reading slowly and taking care over what is read is a very powerful technique.
Nice video, I found that concept of reading better long ago and changed my anual goal to only 10 books every year, if I read more is awesome, but not for the sake of hitting a number but because I'm enjoying it and have the time. it's a better experience overall. there's a lot of people just going for short books to make the goals, but come on, a thick book can be amazing too so that's not reading-healthy. And I think it's better to use Goodreads to keep track of what you read, you can access it online, and have the books organized in shelves.
What enjoyable commentary thank you! Your insights are generous and useful, and I appreciate the opportunity found here. Watched ‘5 books’ and will start with just one 🎉🎉am subscribing
Good point. But sometimes (or for some people) reading is more about entertainment than improving intellect. In that case binging and reading fast is ok. I do both, but I find I read “difficult books” more rarely, because my mind is exhausted by work and I just can’t comprehendz/focus on them. I want to do more of such reading though
Great advice. As someone who suffers from chronic depression, my ability to read fluctuates wildly and I'm never quite sure what my personal level is, or how much I *should* be pushing myself to read as I come out of a stormy period and begin to redevelop the habit. This was a great reminder that it probably doesn't matter all that much. As long I'm understanding and enjoying the work, that's what matters. After a few easier reads to dip my toe back in recently, I found myself really in the mood to try Moby-Dick. I'm about 10% of the way through, and although I can't say I understand everything, I'm fairly certain that Ishmael is the most likeable protagonist I've ever encountered (even if his perception of Pagans and the like is quite old-fashioned in some respects)
I keep a spreadsheet, to write down the sayings and ideas of others, plus my own. That makes it easy to go back to and write about an issue later, and to make sure you don't lose a good thought.
Thanks for this warm reminder! I’m into Ancient Egyptian religion recently and bought lots of related books. I think I want to have a full understanding ASAP so I read fast. But it doesn’t mean I digest them well😂
Omg I just discovered your channel and I can’t agree more with what you’re saying. I personally have no time to read during the week and sometimes I find myself with the urge to read more but at the same time I feel like I’m not retaining all the information of the book and that’s sad.
I totally agree with your critics to the productivity culture. Reading takes time. And as the classics said: "Patientia magistra studiorum est" (Patience is the master of students).
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on reading, centering on quality and depth to counter the toxic mentality of efficienty, speed, and the common illusion that attitude can be combined with an internalization of the content. I enjoy your journal on book that you have read, thank you for this idea. For my practice I find it helpful and meaningful to consider my reading as a conversation with the author, or to imagine the writter working on his manuscript over years, allowing for a deep appreciation of reading the final version. This allows to connect again, and come back in conversation with an old friend, such as with Seneca through his letters. Keep it up.
Great video and something we all need to hear from time to time. Not only applicable to reading, but also to life in general. I’ve been on a Nietzsche kick as of late and I’ve found it far more enjoyable to really savor each line.
I used to read 60 books in a year, and that was really good but I didn't enjoy all, because my anxiety made me read fast, thank you for this one, I'll be more calm and enjoy more.
@@hoqi2493 nos meses de férias da faculdade e do serviço eu li uns 14 no mês, mas nos meses que eu tô muito atarefada eu leio uma média de 4 a 5 mais ou menos
I recently spent almost two months reading War and Peace and I loved it, but if I my goal was to read as many books as possible I would have found it frustrating and likely would have rushed through it and enjoyed it less. If one is highly motivated by meeting reading goals, it seems like a goal of a certain amount of time spent reading, no matter how slowly or quickly you do it, would be a better metric to go by than the number of books.
In high school I read fiction novels and I supposed myself to be a good reader. When I got to college I found that I was terrible at reading technical books, and that it took me a lot more time to read technical books than it did for me to read literature. I have found that my memory is adequate but not stellar, and that I have to use many memory tricks to retain technical information. Doing that adds time to my reading effort. However, pushing myself to read technical books has increased my reading stamina, and in the long run made me a better, more critical reader, and for that matter, a better writer as well.
2 years ago when i was 17, i finally got into reading. I had the notion in my head that i had to read fast and get to the next book. I have a big book collection now, but i notice a barley remember most of the crucial details in those books. I decided to take a different approach for reading now. I have a copy of War and Peace, and i am going to read it slower with a journal by my side.
Quality reading over quantity 👏200 books in a year ain’t impressing anyone more than ones’ own ego. Makes less difference if nothing is absorbed/learned.
I recently challenged myself to read through McCarthy's works, in order, from first to last. I got through Blood Meridian and knew my plan was to start the Border Trilogy immediately after, but I found very quickly that I didn't want to leave Blood Meridian yet. Those are my favorite books. The ones I can't move past right away.
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I spend an entire month reading a single poetry collection. Less than 100 pages. I spent days on just one poem, and every day it felt different. It’s worth it!
Wonderful!!!
Could you be so kind in sharing which book was it? I think is kind of difficult to find a good compilation of poetry and not only wishful, happy, instagrammable poems 😅
as for me, i decided to memorize atleast 2 poems per month. I was so moved when I first read The Bottom Of The Ocean by Bob Hickok and that pushed me to memorize more poems.
Wow love this commitment like sipping and savoring a great cup of coffee
Poetry is different from a novel though cause a poem is basically an entire story packed into a single page worth of text. So it makes sense that you would spend more time on a page of poetry vs a page of prose. It's more dense
You’re now part of my commonplace book with the quote: “treat books as friends”. ❤
In case you want to know. That's from Seneca - Letters from a Stoic.
🥲
Wow: "Toxic productivity culture." Such a useful and precise phrase that can be applied to so many aspects of our lives. Thank you.
What is your opinion on the effectiveness of rereading compared to active retrieval methods?
When I got sucked into the temptation of raising my goal to read more and more books every year, I found myself reading shorter books--kids picture books--and manga in order to meet the goal. Now, I do like manga, but I'm realizing the frenzy has kept me from being more intentional and letting myself tackle harder books. I would think, "Oh, that [insert classic] would take too long to read, I need a book that is easy to read so I can read more books."
I will definitely start implementing this video's advice more.
I was thinking of setting aside some dedicated time to read harder books. And using more entertaining books on an e-reader as a distraction rather than my phone.
Right now I'm just starting off with 15 minutes a day and hope to get to 30m to an hour. Using the easier books as a type of reward.
@@KillerofGods This year I've set my goal to read two big classics and let myself read whatever else I want to read in the midst of that. So far it's helping me read more.
This was encouraging. I love reading. And I watch way too many Booktube channels. It's so silly, but I have started to wonder what's wrong with me that I can only read an average of 20 books a year, while so many people boast of at least double that. My best year was 42. But that was unusual. Am I such a slow reader? I am reading all the time! There are books piled everywhere around my apartment! What is wrong with me? But you're right. When I do fly through books, I can't remember what they're about. What's the point? I love reading long books that I savor and live with for weeks or months. When I take my time and read in different settings, I remember things more because I have physical "markers", if that makes sense. I remember reading The Return of the King and crying on the train. I remember going to babysit and it unexpectedly rained and my poor paperback copy of Jane Eyre got soaked and I put it on the kitchen table to dry. I am now remembering my reread of J.I. Packer's Knowing God on the train and during the walk from the train station to the church on Sundays. It works better with physical books, but I'm even starting to get better with ebooks.
(I'm actually realizing these things as I am writing this out, so thank you!)
I think it's ok to be a slow reader, as not everyone is built to read a book in a week. To be more personal, I have ADHD so I have a difficult time getting into reading especially if the book is not an immediate 5 star thriller. Sometimes it takes me just savoring the information, and pondering it, to start becoming invested in the book. I let the ideas or the imagery provided bounce around in my chaotic ADHD brain; and I come up with all kinds of questions or connections that I never would have thought of if I didn't take a moment to "sit with it".
I still struggle with "keeping up" with others goodreads lists and their completed 50 book reading goals, but I need to think about myself and what will bring me the most satisfaction.
@@bailey1368 Oh, I agree! Always comparing yourself with others is a trap. It's pointless. Whether it's reading or any other type of activity, we're always going to find someone who is ahead of us or behind us. Looking at others might help with inspiration and thinking about general goals. But in the end, if you're not improving yourself, what does it matter? Yourself is the only person you have any control over anyway!
I think the key is 1) consistency and 2) having realistic goals. When it comes down to it, it's more beneficial to read a few books a month or even "just" one, and really get something out of them, than it is to read 20 books and barely remember them. I need to remind myself of all these things. Take care!
There are some modern novels (detective/ thriller/ spy) that can be read in a day, just for fun, but there are others, usually classical, which demand more attention and face greater rewards.
I completely agree, this obsession with how many books you have read means that you are focusing on quantity rather than quality. Reading is supposed to be a pleasure and guzzling everything down so that you can get on to the next book doesn't make any sense. If something is worth your time then it's worth taking your time over. It's borderline addictive behaviour and people shouldn't be embarrassed that they have a more relaxed approach to reading.
In the summer of 2021
I read "The Lehman Trilogy"
in Italian
It is over eight hundred pages long
and it took me six weeks
to complete.
It was a wonderful experience
as my Italian was very rusty
But the novel was written in verso libero (free verse)
so there was repetition and short sentences
which helped.
It was my first verse novel - as an adult
and was a fascinating experience.
You’re an absolute machine! Good for you for reading so much. I read about 10 books a year right now and slowly getting better. But wow! Thank you for the suggestion to read well, not fast. Because of the nature of my job, I only get a chance to read on my breaks, so I tend to read several pages at a time and then meditate on what I’ve read before I continue. I find it helps me digest things better. Like in eating, I try not to bite more than I can chew. Otherwise it becomes a lot to swallow at once. Thanks again for your content!
I whole heartedly agree! Reading should be more about pausing to reflect than grinding through pages.
I'm currently trying to find where I am as a reader. Really I think that I like the idea and the aesthetic of being a reader. It's the idea that someone who loves books is well spoken, has strong evidence to support their own ideas and values, and overall is someone who is seen as intelligent. When you said that your best was 76 books I was astonished as my goal for the past few years has been 20 (a goal that is never reached), and I think that so many people are ahead of me. I try to read faster, or skip paragraphs that I think don't matter just for the sake of getting a book checked off the list. Then when someone asks me how I feel about the book.. I have nothing. I'm trying to use numbers to reach this idealized version of myself that will never exist, especially when the books I "read" never stick in my mind.
@@_jared If ever in the future you were thinking of talking about it, I would really like to know how you analyze different books. I have never been a classic lit fan as I have a hard time seeing the deeper meanings. My degree is in psychology, so the books that I analyze are just pure information that I underline and make notes pertaining to other works I should study. I know there already are videos out there about reading analysis, but personally I would like your take/methods.
i was struggling with the same problem as you... I would advice you to read multiple books (more than 3 at the time) simultaneously... I have done it and i am reading more than 3 books a week (all 200 pgs + ) ... also fix a time to read like from 11pm to 1 am I am gonna read 2 chapeters of book 1 , 1 chapter of book 2 , and 1 chapter of book e
Start by picking 5-10 of the greats to read in one year. Take as long as you need on each of them (reread pages, consider reading only 10 pages per sitting etc).
Read commentaries on these books at the same time and so consider how others have analysed the book as you read
Productivity and hustle culture is the worst. They only look on life as trying to improve every aspect, day by day. But they completely forget, the one big life lesson, that many people hardly realized throughout time. It's not about the goal, it's about the way.
And although they tend to be on a good way through improvement, seeing only constant improvement is indeed toxic and full of bullshit.
This tip is the best I ever heard. Since years, I read The Lord of the Rings and Song of Ice and Fire, as well as several other few books. I'm pretty slow in general, considering that I need so long to even finish one book. But when I read them, I tend to get sunk 8nto the story and love it. So that in itself is a nice experience for myself.
I guess, when I take of the pressure by thinking I must read more, it gets even better.
I love this. This is my goal for 2025. I grew up in a hyper sheltered home, so in 2021 when I started exploring books on my own I went nuts. I went from reading 50 books a year to reading 100+ books a year, like a starving person offered a feast. It was perfect for what I needed for a few years. But this year I have felt weary of the constant novelty and speed of consuming books. Next year I want to read slower, deeper and better. My first order of business is getting rid of all the metrics I have used to track my reading, and keep my reading journal simple.
I rarely comment on YT but you have definitely touched a nerve with me (in a positive way). I can’t tell you what a breath of fresh air it is to hear your critique of modern culture with its emphasis on productivity and metrics. I work in education and I despise the approach that continues to be all the rage with standardized testing, for precisely the reasons you touched on. Metrics of learning stuff is not a method for creating well-rounded students who can apply a small measure of critical thinking to their lives. Thank you for this video. You just earned a new subscriber today. Keep up the good work. You’re on the right path.
I'm glad I found your vid. I was inspired by several YT channels due to their "reading 1 book per week" challenge or "how reading 1 book per week changed my life" testimonies, but knowing myself, as how I travel, I like to take my time and read slow given the documents and literature I consume don't have deadlines for either work or school. Though not efficient, I enjoy taking notes - a sort of lit journalism what have you - depending on the book.
An example would be taking notes on the geography, topography, clothing and food depicted in a story if I find it interesting enough to do such a thing. One book I'm currently reading is set in the South where food is constantly in the background, so naturally I decided to take notes about what the characters have eaten while doing my own personal deep dive into Southern cuisine. It just adds another dimension to my reading experience. Attempting to make collared greens and grits by someone whose diet usually doesn't consist of such food items is fun in my eyes.
What may take others three days or a week to finish, it'll probably take me two weeks or more if it's not a borrowed library book. Again, I take my time, undertaking side projects relating to what's given to me as a reader. I've adjusted my expectations for myself in that reading two books a month is doable - and enjoyable, if not somewhat educational.
"you want to actually turn these books into old friends that you revisit, that you miss when yo haven't read in a while" oh absolutely
I give book s chance: 50 pages or 1 hour. If I don't like it, I take another book. I am almost 70 and I don't want to waste my time on bad books.
My goal is to read more curriculum / academic (Mathematics, Physics) books, my interest in increasing my reading of other books : fiction and non-fiction has dipped over time. I’d be happy if I read an average of 6 to 12 non-academic books in a year. I too like to take physical notes from all nonfiction books to retain their important information. Nowadays reading fiction (Including comic books, graphic novels, etc) books is more of a guilty pleasure activity for me.
I have kept a book journal since I was 11. It is like yours but I list day begun and finished and number of pages. I am retired now, so read 100 + books. I keep a commonplace book too. I annotate a lot of my books or make notes in a notebook. I am more interested in deep,slow reading than quantity.Writing helps me remember as I'm 76. I love your channel. I read Plato's Dialogues last year, slowly. This year I'm reading Nicomachean Ethics, even slower, I stop and think about each section. What is the hurry, I want to make some of it part of me. I think speed reading is the work of the devil. I sometimes read a lighter book late at night. Wodehouse or a mystery, but that is when I'm too tired for the books from the Canon.😮
This is a message I hope goes viral on booktube. As someone who discovered this fantastic side of RUclips, wich rekindled my passion for reading, it gets to a point of being overwhelming. There are so many book series, and, for a regular folk like me, very limited time and energy to read them. The TBR keeps growing, and paralysis by analises definitely occurs, we all love books, but youtube is certainly one hell of a downward unstoppable spiral capable of making people simply quit.
So thank you for the extremely important message is all I'm saying.
Your passion for reading is really palpable in this video. You reminds me of all the reasons why I love literature.
Agreed. I caught myself too in the eye of this toxic productivity hurricane last year but I think in 2022 I’ve been so much more mindful of what reading really means to me. ❤
Thanks!
Hey Jared, I really appreciate the grounding message you share of; don't focus on the numbers, but the quality of the experience you have + bringing awareness to the issue of toxic productivity - it crystalised some concepts in my mind. Thanks!
You speak about an impressive skillset with spectacular humility and inspiration. Coming back to this a year since my first viewing has made me reflect on just how much this has motivated my own reading practice.
7:16 I recall the quote, "Sometimes it's brilliant to do nothing."
Brother, I really liked this self-reflection about reading books because you went through some common pressure about focusing on quantity rather than quality. It may stem from social media as you mentioned as there are infinite number of videos about how do people read more , tips ,tricks to read more and other stuff. The main idea was to savor the books and read in a natural pace, so we won't burn ourselves out and enjoy more. For me two takeaways are not to binge read books and be more mindful in general.
Much love man!
Is that a khabib “brother”? Brother
In my case, reading "more" vs "better" would be the same. I don't spend a lot of time reading, and when I do I don't engage with the book fully because I'm not actually devoting my time to it. Reading better for me would look like devoting more time to reading which would in turn (probably) lead to more books being read. Great video, really helped me visualize my goals for reading and what I want to get out of it
This video was amazing! We need more content like this to counteract all the toxic "how to read more" bullshit out there. I've really struggled with this.
To anyone out there who maybe thought TCM's numbers were even too high, here are my numbers for the past two years (been dealing with a lot of mental health issues, which takes away from reading):
This year so far: 4
Last year: 11
2020: 3
2019: 6
2018: 26 (record)
I consider myself a big reader, even with these numbers. Maybe your numbers are even smaller than this. It's okay.
Tai Lopez would disagree.
I really liked your soul food analogy, and the friendships with good books
This is one of the best you tube channel I have encountered. Thank you so much and keep up the great work.
Great books as friends. Love this. Also spot on the productivity and efficiency culture is killing us on the inside. Well done.
I'm glad I found this video. I needed this. We all need someone to tell us to relax and focus on one thing. I was so overwhelmed in trying to hit my Goodreads goal (last year) that I just rushed through every book I read. I look back now and literally don't remember anything in specific. This year, mostly the same case with 40ish books I've read (unless a book is exceptional, I don't remember it). Next year, I'll take your advice. I will focus on just reading one at a time and savouring the thoughts and art within it.
I read 1200 books this year because simply..I’m the best and just an alpha man. I hope you understand. Good day.
Thank you. I've had this video on my to watch list since the start of your channel, and I'm glad I finally watched it. I cried when you said books turn into old friends, because that used to be what reading was to me years ago. I'm a different person and reading hasn't felt the same in a long time. Thank you for reminding me about what I'm depriving myself of. Now I can hopefully work toward getting there again.
I have been keeping a journal like this, with the addition of genre, since the early 90s. It's fascinating to go back and see what your interest are and by where you were at emotionally by topics read. Librarything is a good site if you want to keep an electronic diary. I'm happy to see other people are doing this.
Thank you. I've just realised that there are some books that I've read, liked and learnt so much from them that from time to time I miss them dearly as if they were some good friends that I have to revisit to keep on talking and learning. It's true: some books become your best friends for life.
I've just started Swann's Way by Proust. There was NO WAY I could or should read Proust fast. There is too much beauty in Proust. In fact after the first four paragraphs I wanted to read the first 3 pages again and again. It reminded me of listening to music. You don't want to read classics fast.
This is enlightening. I’m actually thinking of spending time to really dig into a devotional so that I can get the most out of it. I have chosen a short book called “Woman Wise Up Rise Up”. I hope to read this book so that by the time I come to the end of it I will indeed wise up.
Amen brother. Slow but consistent reading hits different.
Yea you are spot on. Only found your channel and I'm going to watch all your back catalogue of videos. You have the same mindset and book interests as myself. There is a lot of people out there reading garbage. And channel's like yours are goldmines. The great Western cannon are some of the greatest minds that have ever lived. And it's sad to say I stand in my local book shop and shake my head at what's on the shelf. I asked if they had Cormac McCarthy The Passenger, new book just out and the girl never heard of him lol didn't have book either. I'd be lost without Amazon.
on my lunch break for work and found this video - it was very refreshing, and it's clear you have a passion for reading, knowledge, and being curious - thank you for the video!
I like the metaphor of the gym and time spent there to illustrate the point about reading well. Another metaphor that comes to mind is learning to do an exercise properly. Because one individual rep where you're keeping good form, executing a full range of motion, and breathing properly is worth five reps of shallow, clumsy thrashing. Better to read a book slowly and deliberately instead of rush through three, just like it's better to do a full, proper pushup instead of three pushups where you only drop your chest an inch, have your back arched in the air, and are moving jerkily instead of carefully.
Just a high school graduate who took Clerical. You have some excellent advice. Choosing what to read is the key. Quality not quantity. I don't socialize much but finding interesting topics to discuss for common ground is a good start.
Thank you so much for this video. I’m so glad people also like to truly absorb the content and depth of a book, rather than it being a mere speed-reading contest.
Good point on viewing books as friends. I can relate. Sometimes, I'm start missing some good ol "Shakespeare" or " Nietzsche", "Marcus Aurelius" and yes even "R.L Stine" Never looked at it from this perspective, but it makes perfect sense. I can appreciate these authors, playwrights, philosophers more. Thanks.
bro i appreciate this. I have been disappointment lately because i havent finished as many books as I wanted. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and really enjoy the journey and adventures. Imma have fun reading the lust for life and frankenstien!
So happy to have come across this Channel. I struggle to sit down and read any book; I always feel so scatter brained or full of distractions. Thank you for your insights.
I truly enjoyed watching this video. It was a great and thoughtful reflection about reading better. Way to go!
I really appreciate your arguments on the importance of reading better. Thanks for shining a light in the gloominess of youtubes literature content.
I’ve noticed that a lot of booktubers buy the physical book and listen to the audiobook at the fastest speed. I can understand because they’re making money from the videos but this method isn’t enjoyable for the majority of people. Reading slowly has made me love books even more. It’s even helped with studying for cert exams. Do you also use apps such as Goodreads and StoryGraph to track reading? Or do you only write the titles in your journal
@@_jared I don't understand how anyone can listen to audiobooks at the fastest speed. At 2x speed, it's absolutely ludicrous.
Dude this is just perfect as I am developing my New Years Resolutions!!! I have to slow down!!!
Today I spent a day to read two article journals, yet I find it gratifying to understand the articles fully. Might need to escalate to books rather than articles only. Thanks for the video - I feel not lonely.
I've had a similar revelation when it comes to music, I don't really try and listen more just encounter whatever I find holistically, most of the time it kinda makes me a little esoteric with my music tastes, but everything I listen to and in recent memory with reading, I just found what I'm interested in and just try and take as much in and usually what I end up listening and reading ends up meaning a lot to me.
In the case of reading it also helps that I can't read in my head, I have to give life to the text by annunciating them, which usually leads to a slower reading experience especially for some words I'm trying to figure how they are pronounced or if I'm trying to find voices for the characters, but I think I take in things more that way even versus audiobooks cause I'm more actively engaged
I could agree more with you! The productivity culture is quite empty in the end. I really don’t understand what’s behind that drive to do more just for the sake of doing more (and not better). the same thing goes for the note taking insanity that’s around.
I’m glad to have found you’re channel!
Thank you for your advice
Feels great to hear someone reaffirm what I believed about reading
I recommend Arthur Schopenhauer's essay On Books and Reading.
Link: fs.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Arthur-Schopenhauer.pdf
Thanks
Great recommendation. Orwell's essay Confessions of a book reviewer is also interesting, and makes some similar points I think, coming at it from a different angle.
I really appreciate the sentiment of this video. This year I changed my reading style to supplement it with note taking, to summarise and make sure I really understand what I consider to be the salient aspects of the text. If I'm reading history, I also do timelines with significant events. The reMarkable 2 has been a fantastic tool for this. After I finish the book, I write a review based on the notes and the timeline. This style is probably going to cut the amount of books I get through a year by about half, but I'm fine with that; I would rather come away with more comprehensive understanding and knowledge retention.
This is an excellent video in the main. Some points I'd like to add however (as a 51-year old man): Until age 40 or so, I think your goal should be to read as widely as possible in the canon. Throw yourself around like the intellectual hussy you are. Round about age 40, you'll start to settle down, and that's when your re-reading phase will begin. You'll have figured out which books are calling to you, and you'll answer that call multiple times for the rest of your life. Having recently passed 50, I have very little interest in reading anything new these days. 90%-95% of my reading is re-reading, and I absolutely love re-uniting with my ''friends,'' as you put it in the video. So, yes, I agree with The Classical Mind. Focus on reading better ... when you're ready to go deeper. Whenever that time is right for you. You'll know.
Thank you. I really like to read but I have a hard time to finish a book...I place the book on hold. I think its because the story is so good, I dont want the story to end. I need to change my book reading attitude to just finish reading the book. After watching your video, I will train myself to focus and read better, finish the story, and start a simple reading log. Thank you again.
I agree I don't think it's too important how many books you read but rather how relevant and timely and insightful for you. Sometimes a chapter in a book is all you need. I'm not commenting on trashy book reading for leisure here, which I think is the equivalent of junk TV and is a subcategory of reading. Finding the best library in your area is really important to know. As I get older books take more precedence over commercial films and TV. 📚 I'm venturing into publishing a multi-volume book story with a co-author due out for release from October 2025. 📙
BEST POV SHIFT I’VE EVER HEARD ABOIT READING!!!!
Thanks a ton for sharing this idea. It really helped my perspective! 🤘🏽
I relate to this hard, been down that road so many times. It was refreshing to hear this perspective
Great advises, but aside of toxic productivity there's a good productivity - it's more about giving your life a structure - self-organization. And there's also a good way of making metrics, logs, and plans. I personally LOVE some RPG-like metrics and plans - but it's all for the things I want to do, watch, read etc, not for the metrics themselves.
Depends on your personality.
When I went to school, I had a teacher who taught us Spanish language (I am a Spanish speaker) and she would give us speed tests during a reading. She would put us on the desk in front of the whole class and literally make us read in front of everyone while she timed us.
This caused me to have major reading comprehension problems for years and caused me to have trouble studying in general and concentrating on a reading.
So encouraging speed in reading, I agree with you that in the end you are neglecting the main purpose of reading, which is comprehension.
I feel that this type of tendencies are the ones that cause less critical thinking and less reasoning capacity.
In my country, it has been shown that this type of reading habits have ended up causing big problems in the educational system, so, for some it may seem a trifle, but really, reading slowly and worrying about what you are reading, is more important than it seems!
I completely and passionately agree with you. I am an educator and I have come to the conclusion that speed reading gets me nowhere very fast. It is essential to take your time and read something that is of interest to you. In our school system, the department wants students to learn the skills such as citing textual evidence and grammar usages to name a few. Speed testing can never help students understand, especially English learners who are trying to acquire the language in the first place.
Some great ideas in this video. I often view my RUclips history and I'm fascinated on how my interests have changed over time. Bringing more awareness to what I've been reading definitely makes me more critical and intentional.
This video brought awareness to my toxic desire to read a lot of books without even getting to understand much about them deeply. I am going to take it one at a time. Besides, there are a million books out there you may never get to read your entire life. Thanks 😊
This helped me identify many habits of mine that I had previously been unable to name. Thank you for this.
Thanks for this video. I'm changing my reading manner. If a book is like food for our brains, I prefer enjoy the hole experience, and understanding what I'm doing: acquiring knowledge; rather than just consuming tons of information. It is worth spending time reading.
HOLYY SHIITTT I LOVE YOU ❤❤❤ I'VE BEEN SEARCHING AROUND THE INTERNET FOR 5 HOURS AND THEN NOW IT'S OVER FINALLY I LOVE YOU MAAN
I'm really glad I watched your video, very relatable and though I'm new to reading properly for the first time in my life I have had that mentality or more more more and its completely the wrong attitude ! Thanks I needed this 😊👌🏻
Your T.R.A.S.H (Terrifyingly Rational and Superbly Honorable) in your perspective and breaking down how to really appreciate the art of reading. You actually evoked the need for me to read some books requiring a lot of time and patience being works from Maimonades and a few more classic works. Thank you for reminding all of us who aspire and are inspired to retain, accumulate and digest knowledge on focusing on "quality" and not "quantity."
I've just discovered your channel and I love it. I absolutely agree with your words in this video. It's not about quantity, it's about quality. Books deserve their own pace, and it's not the same reading Platho than reading comedy theater.
Instantly subbed. I’ve started watching this content more about reading more intentionally. I’ve never been a fast reader. My average being about 15-20 books a year if I’m lucky. I’m only on my 3rd novel this year (and some manga volumes thrown in) and sometimes I feel bad for this. I used to be a book tube channel and I decided to give that up a while ago because of the pressure I felt within the community to read more. I only follow channels that are fairly chill or who are slow readers like myself now. Funnily enough tho when you were mentioning videos about ‘how to read 100 books in a year’ type of thing there is literally one of those videos being recommended to me after this video that I apparently watched a few months ago 😅. I loved your end comment though and I would love to revisit some books soon as well as broaden my tastes even more :)
I consider myself lucky when I read 10 books a year. But honestly I am a better reader.
Thank you for sharing your reading habits. This motivates us.
Thanks for this video. Sage advice. I've been meaning to re-read The Book of the New Sun. But I've been scared to pick it up off the shelf knowing how much work it will be.
I have a spreadsheet of the books I've read over the past couple of years. It's very easy to turn your goal into a numbers chasing game. Or spend all your time making your spreadsheet and not reading ;)
Haven’t read many books lately. Used to read voraciously. I use a week-at-a-glance engagement calendar to log my knitting. I am going to do the same with reading books. Will have a visual record to see if I am reading and what I am reading. Can flip back a week or two to see what’s logged. Will keep a list at the back with the start and end dates. 😊
Thank you for posting this. This is my first view of your channel and videos. As a fellow academic, it was so refreshing to see readership advice and thoughts from someone who isn’t part of the “hustle” culture or someone who just reiterates other content creators. It reminded me a lot of Harold Blooms arguments.
Dear John, I read 1200 books this year which makes me the alpha and the best by far or whatever. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew this. Thoughts? Good day
Sometimes its just about reading more not reading to learn, I agree with you. Sometime I can't even remember the name of the book after a few years.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Productivity culture is so loud.
I spent a whole year on and off on lotr but i understood the book more by taking small week long breaks and reading lighter things in between
You made me think of hopscotch by Julio cortazar. I’ve read it three times cover to cover in Spanish and English. I’ve read it alone and with my wife. It’s a good friend of mine with new surprises. It makes me laugh, think, cry and even get angry. Thanks for the video.
I really enjoy these videos. There are so many great tips which are helping improve my reading habits. The idea of reading slowly and taking care over what is read is a very powerful technique.
Nice video, I found that concept of reading better long ago and changed my anual goal to only 10 books every year, if I read more is awesome, but not for the sake of hitting a number but because I'm enjoying it and have the time. it's a better experience overall.
there's a lot of people just going for short books to make the goals, but come on, a thick book can be amazing too so that's not reading-healthy.
And I think it's better to use Goodreads to keep track of what you read, you can access it online, and have the books organized in shelves.
What enjoyable commentary thank you! Your insights are generous and useful, and I appreciate the opportunity found here. Watched ‘5 books’ and will start with just one 🎉🎉am subscribing
Good point. But sometimes (or for some people) reading is more about entertainment than improving intellect. In that case binging and reading fast is ok. I do both, but I find I read “difficult books” more rarely, because my mind is exhausted by work and I just can’t comprehendz/focus on them. I want to do more of such reading though
Great advice. As someone who suffers from chronic depression, my ability to read fluctuates wildly and I'm never quite sure what my personal level is, or how much I *should* be pushing myself to read as I come out of a stormy period and begin to redevelop the habit. This was a great reminder that it probably doesn't matter all that much. As long I'm understanding and enjoying the work, that's what matters.
After a few easier reads to dip my toe back in recently, I found myself really in the mood to try Moby-Dick. I'm about 10% of the way through, and although I can't say I understand everything, I'm fairly certain that Ishmael is the most likeable protagonist I've ever encountered (even if his perception of Pagans and the like is quite old-fashioned in some respects)
I read 1200 books this year which makes me the alpha and the best by far. I wanted to make sure everyone knew this. Good day.
I keep a spreadsheet, to write down the sayings and ideas of others, plus my own. That makes it easy to go back to and write about an issue later, and to make sure you don't lose a good thought.
Really thoughtful advice. Helped me shape my perspective as I put together my reading list for next year. Thank you 🙏🏾
This chanel truly deserves more subs! I'm so glad such voices sill sound in our wretched aeon!
Thank you for this video, finally a channel out of the productivity mindset of our modern society!
Thanks for this warm reminder! I’m into Ancient Egyptian religion recently and bought lots of related books. I think I want to have a full understanding ASAP so I read fast. But it doesn’t mean I digest them well😂
Me too. We should read a book at the same time together..ya know like read the same exact book at the same exact time, you in??
Omg I just discovered your channel and I can’t agree more with what you’re saying. I personally have no time to read during the week and sometimes I find myself with the urge to read more but at the same time I feel like I’m not retaining all the information of the book and that’s sad.
I totally agree with your critics to the productivity culture. Reading takes time. And as the classics said: "Patientia magistra studiorum est" (Patience is the master of students).
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on reading, centering on quality and depth to counter the toxic mentality of efficienty, speed, and the common illusion that attitude can be combined with an internalization of the content. I enjoy your journal on book that you have read, thank you for this idea. For my practice I find it helpful and meaningful to consider my reading as a conversation with the author, or to imagine the writter working on his manuscript over years, allowing for a deep appreciation of reading the final version. This allows to connect again, and come back in conversation with an old friend, such as with Seneca through his letters. Keep it up.
Great video and something we all need to hear from time to time. Not only applicable to reading, but also to life in general. I’ve been on a Nietzsche kick as of late and I’ve found it far more enjoyable to really savor each line.
I used to read 60 books in a year, and that was really good but I didn't enjoy all, because my anxiety made me read fast, thank you for this one, I'll be more calm and enjoy more.
60 livros é muita coisa kkkkk. Hoje você lê quantos por mês?
@@hoqi2493 nos meses de férias da faculdade e do serviço eu li uns 14 no mês, mas nos meses que eu tô muito atarefada eu leio uma média de 4 a 5 mais ou menos
I recently spent almost two months reading War and Peace and I loved it, but if I my goal was to read as many books as possible I would have found it frustrating and likely would have rushed through it and enjoyed it less.
If one is highly motivated by meeting reading goals, it seems like a goal of a certain amount of time spent reading, no matter how slowly or quickly you do it, would be a better metric to go by than the number of books.
"The pursuit of metrics" such a really great way to sum up (not generally good practice but still) the sweeping culture of these past years...
This is such a good word for today man. Thankful for you and your voice on RUclips!
In high school I read fiction novels and I supposed myself to be a good reader. When I got to college I found that I was terrible at reading technical books, and that it took me a lot more time to read technical books than it did for me to read literature. I have found that my memory is adequate but not stellar, and that I have to use many memory tricks to retain technical information. Doing that adds time to my reading effort. However, pushing myself to read technical books has increased my reading stamina, and in the long run made me a better, more critical reader, and for that matter, a better writer as well.
2 years ago when i was 17, i finally got into reading. I had the notion in my head that i had to read fast and get to the next book. I have a big book collection now, but i notice a barley remember most of the crucial details in those books. I decided to take a different approach for reading now. I have a copy of War and Peace, and i am going to read it slower with a journal by my side.
I'm 17 and have just got into reading aswell
@@alexfletcher9961 Thats pretty cool. What are you starting out with right now?
@@Hammy900 Unknown Soldiers by Vaino Linna, I have Into the Wild, Fight Club and Crime and Punishment to read afterwards
@@alexfletcher9961 Sounds interesting. I'm planning on trying to read War and Peace soon, and Crime and Punishment after that.
@@Hammy900 That's in my amazon basket along with The Brothers Karamazov excited to get to it
Quality reading over quantity 👏200 books in a year ain’t impressing anyone more than ones’ own ego. Makes less difference if nothing is absorbed/learned.
I recently challenged myself to read through McCarthy's works, in order, from first to last. I got through Blood Meridian and knew my plan was to start the Border Trilogy immediately after, but I found very quickly that I didn't want to leave Blood Meridian yet. Those are my favorite books. The ones I can't move past right away.
I recently challenged myself to poop standing up. I have to yet to master this elusive talent!