Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 124: LISTENER CALLS: Preserving Depth in the Vast Shallows

Aug 26, 2021

Listeners dive into effective strategies for organizing notes on technical literature. The challenge of finding depth in a world filled with distractions is explored. Is pursuing an MBA worth it if it’s free? Discussions revolve around the optimal number of deep projects one should tackle. Plus, the concept of the value habit is examined, emphasizing its significance in productivity and personal growth.

42:52

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Effective Academic Strategies

14min

Balancing Commitments and Education Choices

13min

Navigating Project Selection and Defining Personal Values

10min

Exploring Values and Daily Influence

3min

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Organizing notes on technical articles and books. [3:00]
- Finding depth amidst a vast shallows. [8:35]
- Should I get an MBA if it's free? [24:12]
- Optimal counts of deep projects. [33:30]
- The value habit. [36:37]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.