Deep Questions with Cal Newport Ep. 204: Deep Life Principles
Discover the intriguing concept of slow productivity and how it allows for meaningful contributions over busywork. Explore the challenges of overthinking and practical goal-setting while navigating writing projects. Delve into Benjamin Franklin's transformation from businessman to scientist, and rethink the 'follow your passion' philosophy in education. Learn the principles of living a deep life by aligning daily actions with core values and the importance of discernment. Plus, enjoy insights from literature and the unique journey of a Fields Medal winner.
01:33:07
Dinosaur Kingdom 2 and the Deep Life
- Cal Newport recounts a visit to Dinosaur Kingdom 2, a quirky roadside attraction featuring dinosaurs in Civil War scenarios.
- The park's creator, Mark Klein, embodies a remarkable life built on fantastical whimsies, prompting reflection on the deep life.
Busyness vs. Productivity
- Busyness and exhaustion are often unrelated to producing valuable work.
- Intense, focused work, given time to aggregate, can yield significant results, as exemplified by Fields Medalist June Huh's 3-hour workday.
Weekly Planning Optimization
- Reduce weekly planning footprint by decreasing detail and separating inbox cleaning.
- Try weekly planning on Friday afternoons for a less intrusive and more relaxing weekend.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Redefining Productivity Through Creativity
03:56 • 15min
Navigating Writing Projects and Productivity Tips
18:42 • 12min
Franklin's Transformation: From Businessman to Scientist
30:43 • 2min
Redefining Passion and Purpose in Education
32:26 • 27min
Exploring Literature and Creativity
59:22 • 12min
Reading Challenges and Ian Fleming's Legacy
01:11:00 • 10min
Balancing Billable Hours and Sustainable Productivity
01:20:30 • 4min
Principles of Cultivating a Deep Life
01:24:20 • 4min
The Interplay of Action, Insight, and Career Capital in Life Transformation
01:28:11 • 5min
#2097
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli
Mark Seal
Mark Seal's "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli" delves into the tumultuous production of Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather.
" The book explores the complex relationships between the filmmakers, the studio executives, and even the mob, revealing the behind-the-scenes struggles and triumphs.
Seal's meticulous research provides a wealth of detail about the casting process, the creative differences, and the various threats and challenges faced during filming.
The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of a cinematic masterpiece, highlighting the human drama behind the iconic film.
It's a must-read for any fan of "The Godfather" or those interested in the history of filmmaking.
#10876
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Ball Four
My Life and Hard Times Throwing the Knuckleball in the Big Leagues
Kim Bouton
Published in 1970, 'Ball Four' is a landmark in American sports literature.
The book chronicles Jim Bouton's 1969 season with the Seattle Pilots and Houston Astros, exposing the personal lives, antics, and struggles of baseball players.
It includes accounts of drug use, womanizing, and the internal conflicts within the team.
The book was controversial upon its release, earning criticism from baseball officials and players but praise from fans and critics for its honesty and insight.
#88
• Mentioned in 128 episodes
Slow Productivity
The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout
Cal Newport
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.
#4539
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Cod
A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World
Mark Kurlansky
This book chronicles the history of the Atlantic cod, spanning a thousand years and four continents.
It introduces readers to explorers, merchants, writers, chefs, and fishermen whose lives have been intertwined with this fish.
Kurlansky discusses the commercialization of cod by the Basques in medieval times, the cod wars, and the significant role cod played in world history, including its impact on European food supplies, the settlement of North America, and its current status facing extinction.
The book is enriched with gastronomic details, recipes, and lore from the Middle Ages to the present.
#219
• Mentioned in 69 episodes
How to Become a Straight-A Student
The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less
Cal Newport
In this book, Cal Newport shares insights and strategies gathered from interviews with high-achieving college students who maintain excellent grades without excessive studying.
The book emphasizes the importance of effective time management, focused study sessions, and smart note-taking techniques.
It introduces the 'Straight-A Method' which is based on four pillars: knowledge, control, strategy, and balance.
Newport argues that by using these methods, students can avoid procrastination, optimize their study time, and achieve academic success while maintaining a balanced life.
#27
• Mentioned in 229 episodes
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love
Cal Newport
In this book, Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that following one's passion is the key to career happiness.
Instead, he argues that passion often follows mastery and that developing valuable skills and expertise is essential for creating work you love.
Newport presents four rules: Don't follow your passion, Be so good they can't ignore you, Turn down a promotion, and Think small, act big.
He supports his arguments with case studies from various professionals who have found satisfaction in their careers through hard work and skill development.
#6
• Mentioned in 391 episodes
Deep Work
Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Cal Newport
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.
#623
• Mentioned in 33 episodes
Company of One
Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business
Paul Jarvis
In 'Company of One,' Paul Jarvis challenges the conventional notion that business growth must always mean scaling up.
He argues that staying small can provide more freedom, independence, and a better quality of life.
The book offers practical advice on setting up a solo business, determining desired revenues, keeping clients happy, and dealing with crises.
Jarvis emphasizes the importance of resilience, autonomy, speed, and simplicity in running a successful 'company of one.
' This approach is particularly appealing to solo entrepreneurs and small business owners who prioritize a balanced and fulfilling life over traditional growth models.
#57785
Desperate Networks
Bill Carter
#18627
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Purpose of Pain
How to Turn Tragedy Into Triumph, Because Life's Not Supposed to Suck!
Jay Nixon
In this book, Jay Nixon chronicles his personal struggle with the pain of losing his father at age five and how he overcame this tragedy to achieve a life of triumph and success.
Using a combination of direct truths and humor, Nixon guides readers through the process of overcoming emotional pain by identifying and changing habits and thinking patterns that sabotage progress.
The book is a compassionate guide that helps readers conquer emotional pain and turn it into a catalyst for progress.
#26
• Mentioned in 233 episodes
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R Covey
This book, first published in 1989, outlines seven habits that are designed to help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives.
The habits are grouped into three categories: Private Victory (habits 1-3), Public Victory (habits 4-6), and Renewal (habit 7).
The habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw.
Covey emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, effective time management, empathetic communication, and continuous self-improvement.
#7720
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Every Tool's a Hammer
Adam Savage
Adam Savage's "Every Tool's a Hammer" is a memoir that blends personal anecdotes with insightful reflections on creativity, craftsmanship, and the importance of making.
Savage shares his journey from a childhood fascination with building to his career as a special effects artist on Mythbusters.
He explores the philosophy behind his work, emphasizing the value of experimentation, iteration, and learning from failures.
The book also delves into his personal life, offering a glimpse into his passions, challenges, and relationships.
It's a compelling read for anyone interested in creativity, making, and the power of hands-on learning.
#10803
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
First Blood
David Morrell
First Blood is a novel by David Morrell that tells the story of John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam veteran who becomes embroiled in a violent confrontation with Sheriff Wilfred Teasle in rural Kentucky.
The novel delves into themes of post-traumatic stress disorder, masculinity, and the consequences of war, offering a complex portrayal of both characters as they engage in a relentless pursuit through the wilderness.
#7554
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Goldeneye
Where Bond Was Born; Ian Fleming's Jamaica
Matthew Parker
This book delves into the significant impact Jamaica had on Ian Fleming's life and writing, particularly in the creation of James Bond.
It examines Fleming's friendships and experiences in Jamaica, which served as a retreat and inspiration for his iconic novels.
The book also explores the historical context of Jamaica during the 1950s and its portrayal in the Bond series.
Cal Reacts: A slow productivity case study [5:19]
- What do you think about planning two weeks out instead of one? [25:52]
- How can I brainwash my little brother to make him not follow his passion? [32:43]
- Improving at deliberate practice with a slow feedback loop [42:33]
- How can I stop overthinking? [49:53]
The Six Books Cal Read in June 2022 [54:48]
- Slow productivity and billable hours [1:20:24]
- What are the key principles of living the deep life? [1:24:21]
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
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