In 'Orthodoxy,' G.K. Chesterton presents a compelling defense of Christianity, arguing that it is the most rational and fulfilling worldview. The book is a personal and philosophical journey where Chesterton explains how he came to embrace traditional Christianity after exploring various heresies and philosophies. He compares Christianity with other worldviews, highlighting its unique ability to balance paradoxes and provide a coherent explanation of human nature and the world. Chesterton's writing is characterized by his wit, humor, and profound insights, making the book both intellectually stimulating and engagingly readable[1][2][4].
In 'Making Movies', Sidney Lumet provides a comprehensive insight into the process of filmmaking, from choosing a script to the final editing and screening. Drawing on his 40 years of experience, Lumet shares anecdotes and practical advice on working with actors, staging complex scenes, and managing studio expectations. The book is praised for its clarity, candor, and wealth of detail, making it invaluable for both aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts[1][2][5].
In this book, Cal Newport draws on the habits and mindsets of historical figures like Galileo, Isaac Newton, Jane Austen, and Georgia O’Keefe to propose a new approach to productivity. He argues against the modern culture of 'pseudo-productivity,' where busyness is mistaken for actual productivity. Instead, Newport advocates for 'slow productivity,' which involves doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. The book combines cultural criticism with practical advice to help readers transform their work habits and achieve more sustainable and meaningful accomplishments.
In this classic work, Heschel argues that Judaism is a religion of time rather than space, and that the Sabbath is central to this concept. He describes the Sabbath as an 'architecture of holiness' in time, a day that offers a taste of the Kingdom of God and a repudiation of the materialistic and frenetic aspects of modern life. Heschel emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath as a command rather than a license, highlighting its role in declaring allegiance to God and in fostering a sense of inner liberty and spiritual communion[2][3][4].
The novella tells the story of a pilot flying home from RAF Celle in northern Germany to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Christmas Eve 1957. When his De Havilland Vampire aircraft experiences a complete electrical failure, he is lost in fog over the North Sea with no working compass or radio. The pilot uses a unique flying pattern to try and alert air traffic controllers, hoping to be 'shepherded' to safety. Despite the dire circumstances, a rescue aircraft appears, guiding him to safety in a dramatic and unforgettable ending.
A non-fiction book by David Grann, adapted into a film.
What does the story of the rise of the singing superstar Jewel teach us about escaping busyness in our knowledge work jobs? In this episode, Cal makes the connection, extracting a key lesson about quality as an engine for slowness, and then providing concrete advice and examples for applying this lesson to your own professional life. Also: listener questions and the books Cal read in February.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Doing Better, Do Less [5:00]
- Is my job too hard? [38:25]
- How do I sell myself better? [42:52]
- How do I convince myself to do actual hard work? [45:42]
- How do I find time to get better if I'm busy? [48:46]
- What is the values plan? [53:23]
The 5 books Cal read in February 2024 [1:01:45]
The Sabbath (AJ Heschel)
Making Movies (Sidney Lumet)
Killer of the Flower Moon (David Grann)
Orthodoxy (G.K. Chesterton)
The Good Shepherd (CA Forestor)
Links:
FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”:
calnewport.com/slow
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Deep Questions with Cal Newport 
