EconTalk

James Marriott on Reading

200 snips
Jul 21, 2025
James Marriott, a writer from the Times of London and author of Cultural Capital, passionately defends the art of reading in a distracted world. He shares his journey of ditching his smartphone to reclaim focus and suggests balancing physical books with Kindles. The conversation emphasizes the cognitive and emotional depth of traditional reading, the joys of re-reading, and the transformative impact of literature. Marriott also celebrates authors like Elena Ferrante and explores the unique power of poetry, urging listeners to embrace the rich narratives books offer.
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ANECDOTE

Ditching Smartphone for Focus

  • James Marriott got rid of his smartphone to rescue his attention and read more books.
  • Using a dumb phone lowered distractions and made opening a book easier during commutes.
ADVICE

Choose Books from Trusted Sources

  • Track book recommendations from trusted people with similar taste over time.
  • Avoid books recommended just to appear clever; choose carefully to enjoy reading.
ADVICE

Read Two Books per Subject

  • Read two books on the same subject to deepen understanding and reinforce learning.
  • Pair a more academic book with a popular one for better comprehension.
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