In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.
The Name of the Wind is a heroic fantasy novel that tells the life story of Kvothe, an infamous adventurer and musician. The story is presented in a 'story-within-a-story' format, where Kvothe recounts his life to a scribe named Chronicler. The narrative spans from Kvothe's childhood in a troupe of traveling performers to his years as a student at a prestigious school of magic, and through various trials and hardships. The book is renowned for its vivid world-building, rich dialogue, and the emotional depth of its characters[2][4][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.
Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott, a self-taught chemist working in the 1950s and 1960s, a time when women were undervalued in the scientific community. After being forced out of her doctoral program and facing numerous challenges, Elizabeth finds herself as the reluctant star of a popular TV cooking show called 'Supper at Six.' Her unique approach to cooking, combining chemistry with everyday life, proves revolutionary and inspires women to challenge societal norms. The book is a humorous, observant, and vibrant tale of a woman who refuses to accept the status quo and instead dares to change it.
We talk a lot on this show about how to organize your professional efforts. But what about all your obligations outside of work? The personal goals, the household repairs, the family tasks? In this episode, Cal discusses organizational strategies custom-fit to these types of obligations. He then answers listener questions and checks in on a hidden trend in the world of technology.
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: Taming Non-Work Tasks [4:48]
- How do you manage unexpected projects in your time management system? [26:57]
- How can I implement lifestyle-centric planning if my life has been directed by other people? [29:36]
- How do you figure out what your rare and valuable skill is? [33:57]
- Should I return to social media to promote my new book? [37:30]
- How can I do fewer things if I’m expected to bill 40 client hours every week? [46:23]
- CALL: Hiring an administrative assistant [50:08]
CASE STUDY: A software developer’s “pull” system [57:35]
TECH CORNER: The Quiet Revolution [1:08:34]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/the-frightening-familiarity-of-late-nineties-office-photos
youtube.com/watch?v=-lRkCbhABvo
Thanks to our Sponsors:
blinkist.com/deep
notion.com/cal
zbiotics.com/cal
drinklmnt.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Deep Questions with Cal Newport 
