3 ms·

I relate to a lot of this! I have had a similar transformation. I think it's really important and changes practically how you read books. It frees you from this

I relate to a lot of this! I have had a similar transformation. I think it's really important and changes practically how you read books. It frees you from this "I need to read these books that X said transformed their life". But also, the small things like, you can just skip a section, or drop a book. If it's not working for you, then powering through it isn't necessarily going to make it better. But also this mindset has allowed me to re-read books, knowing that the "me" is different and I might get something new out of it. I once read an HN comment a long time ago saying "why would you ever re-read books? You already have this knowledge. Seems like a complete waste of time" and I couldn't disagree more, but had trouble articulating why. Next time I will link to this post!

hammock 3y ago
7 Habits for Highly Effective People transformed my life. But not before I read it 3 times. I skipped around each time. I still have never read it cover to cover. Most crucially, the valuable parts that transformed me were not the actual seven habits or what the online cliff notes cover, but the other, non-headline concepts taught deep in some of the chapters (specifically: universal spiritual morality, Personality Ethic and Character Ethic, Circles of Concern and Influence, and some others)
- sBqQu3U0wH 3y ago
  [flagged]
slothtrop 3y ago
I've dropped books in the past I just wasn't ready for (too young/inexperienced a reader), and enjoyed them later. On the other hand, these days I feel I can gauge well enough whether it's worth my time to finish what I'm reading. Usually I do, but not always. I get more into a book if I can allow myself a large enough block of time to read it. I had a phase where it was basically the last thing I did in my day, and I'd only chip away at 10-15 min, having to re-read pages, not getting immersed. I still like to read a bit at night but I give myself other blocks.

hammock 3y ago

7 Habits for Highly Effective People transformed my life. But not before I read it 3 times. I skipped around each time. I still have never read it cover to cover. Most crucially, the valuable parts that transformed me were not the actual seven habits or what the online cliff notes cover, but the other, non-headline concepts taught deep in some of the chapters (specifically: universal spiritual morality, Personality Ethic and Character Ethic, Circles of Concern and Influence, and some others)

sBqQu3U0wH 3y ago
[flagged]

slothtrop 3y ago

I've dropped books in the past I just wasn't ready for (too young/inexperienced a reader), and enjoyed them later. On the other hand, these days I feel I can gauge well enough whether it's worth my time to finish what I'm reading. Usually I do, but not always. I get more into a book if I can allow myself a large enough block of time to read it. I had a phase where it was basically the last thing I did in my day, and I'd only chip away at 10-15 min, having to re-read pages, not getting immersed. I still like to read a bit at night but I give myself other blocks.