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51 sats \ 4 replies \ @kepford 14 May \ on: How do you decide if something is worth reading? BooksAndArticles
First off, as a person that struggles with reading books might I recommend audio books? Many years ago when I started my career in software I realized my college education was not sufficient for the goals I had set for myself. I struggled reading. This was before the smart phone era btw. I always struggled with focus. So I started listening to books on tape / CD on my drive to work.
I'm gonna say read a lot so if that triggers people, just let it go. I don't care.
I learned so much. I started with very practical business books and books I heard recommended over and over again by people in tech. Then my curiosity just led me to start reading classics I had never read. Then I started reading books that I heard people say were just terrible or forbidden. Mind you this was books like Atlas Shrugged and things like that. I wanted to see for myself because people really just repeat crap they've heard without much substance.
Here's my advice on what books to read. Follow your curiosity. Don't treat it like homework. School really does an amazing job killing the desire to learn. You will find if you follow your curiosity you will re-kindle that spark. When you get bored with a topic switch it up.
Here's how I decided what to read.
- I rarely read best sellers. At least not current best sellers. They are usually a waste of time.
- I have trusted people that if they say this book is good I check it out.
- I check out the author and their other works.
- SN: I've read a few books now that were reviewed or recommended by stackers.
- I read foundational books on a topic. Examples in economics like The Law by Frédéric Bastiat, and Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt. I prefer older books on topics as they have stood the test of time.
Hope that helps
When I had more time, I actually did read some bestsellers in full, but very few compared to anyone who has the habit of reading. I didn’t mention this, but I believe that my limited time could be an attenuating factor in why I stop reading a book and turn to simpler forms of consumption.
The audiobook recommendation is very welcome. To be honest, I used them a few months ago when I decided I needed to read the series of books from my favorite fantasy universe, The Witcher. I enjoyed the experience because it makes consumption much easier while I do other things, especially driving.
Thank you for the recommendations, while I was reading I realized that I already make many of these choices unconsciously.
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I have noticed that I have reduced my book reading favoring shorter forms. I don't think this is actually good though. Its just easier.
Also DOING stuff is better than anything. I consume far too much I think. I need to create more. Been doing better with this lately but not where I wanna be yet.
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I don’t think that’s good either, and unfortunately, if we don’t realize it early on, we end up drowning in even more useless content.