Curate a personal library with high-quality books through a selective process of replacing least favorite books with new ones.
Recognize that book value is subjective, but build a personal library that reflects your unique interests and preferences.
Consider using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions on streaming platforms and access content from your home country while traveling overseas.
Deep dives
Building a Personal Library
To build a personal library, start with a single bookshelf and fill it with books you find interesting, including ones you want to read right away and others you may read in the future. Once the bookshelf is full, follow the replacement rule. Whenever you get a new book, make room for it by replacing one of the least favorite books on the shelf. Keep cycling through this process until the average quality of books on the shelf increases. Then you can buy a second bookshelf and repeat the process. The goal is to have bookshelves with high-quality books that have survived several rounds of selection.
The Value of Books
While everyone has different opinions on the value of books, some skeptical perspectives do exist. However, it's essential to remember that not all books are of the same quality or relevance. Some books might not be worth reading, but dismissing all books outright may be an oversimplification. It's important to curate a personal library with books that are interesting, insightful, informative, or enjoyable, ensuring that the collection reflects your own unique interests and preferences.
Book Selection is Subjective
Book selection is highly subjective, and what may be worth reading for one person may not be the same for another. The value of a book depends on individual tastes, interests, and goals. It's crucial to prioritize books that align with your preferences and offer meaningful content. While skepticism towards certain books is understandable, recognizing the diversity of opinions and perspectives in book selection can help create a personal library that resonates with your own intellectual and emotional needs.
Benefits of Using VPNs
VPNs provide security, privacy, and the ability to access geographically restricted content. They allow users to connect to servers in different countries, giving them the ability to bypass regional restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix. For example, someone located in the US can connect to a VPN server in Canada to watch shows like Vikings that are only available on Canadian Netflix. Additionally, VPNs are useful when traveling overseas, as they allow users to access content from their home country by connecting to a server in that country.
Transitioning from Digital to Physical Books
Switching from digital books to physical copies might seem wasteful, but it can be a meaningful way to collect and celebrate books that have made a significant impact. While reading on a Kindle or tablet can be similar to reading physical books in terms of cognitive advantages, physical books offer a unique experience and collectible value. Owning copies of books that have had a profound influence on one's life supports the authors and contributes to the preservation of literary art. Therefore, it is reasonable to collect and celebrate books that hold personal significance.
Today’s Deep Question: Why is it important to read books? [7:23]
- Should I buy physical copies of books I enjoyed on my kindle? [30:45] - How should I organize my notes when writing a non-fiction book? [34:38] - How do I train myself to become a reader? [40:34] - How should I build a library? [50:25] - What does Cal think about Sam Bankman-Fried’s claim that books are worthless? [55:12]
Something Interesting: [1:02:21]
- Napoleon’s solution to inbox overload - Rethinking productivity: impact vs. velocity
