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All Cal Newport's advice is pretty mundane and, frankly, feels almost exploitative these days. "Let's give those distracted folks some old-as-sin observation, b
by borroka 4y ago
All Cal Newport's advice is pretty mundane and, frankly, feels almost exploitative these days. "Let's give those distracted folks some old-as-sin observation, but packaged as new", it looks like he is saying.
Deep Work = find a place with no distraction and work for a few hours with real focus.
Einstein Principle = focus on a few things.
Is there anyone in the world who thinks that in order to achieve excellent results (unprecedented, surprising, miraculous) from research and similar intellectual endeavors, it is better to divide attention and focus among many "projects"? I don't think so.
In other professions, better results would be accomplished by diffusing attention (think of the Director or VP level in large tech companies, which are the companies I know the most about).
- jb1991 4y agoI just looked over the "time block planner" of his. At first I though, neat idea, then I realized, it's just ruled lines, a one-dollar notebook will accomplish the same thing.
- jacquesm 4y agoAnd let's throw in a name with high recognition value as a way to both validate the concept and attract more eyeballs. It's an argument from authority if there ever was one.
- aahortwwy 4y agoMost people read these things because it feels good to read them, not because it provides any lasting benefit. It makes sense that these productivity entertainment books include the simplest, least controversial ideas only. Anything else would reduce the size of their TAM.