Ep. 250: In Defense of Thinking

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May 29, 2023

In a world overtaken by digital distractions, the value of deep, concentrated thinking is under threat. The discussion dives into how this decline impacts our ability to engage with meaningful ideas. It also explores how films can stimulate cognitive presence while contrasting narrative depth with superficial entertainment. Techniques for effective note-taking are examined, alongside a humorous comparison of digital tools. Ultimately, the emphasis is on reclaiming thoughtful engagement in both work and leisure, ensuring the art of thinking isn't lost.

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INSIGHT

Thinking's Importance

Thinking is the core driver of human culture and invention.
It's deeply satisfying and distinguishes humans from other species.

insights

INSIGHT

Devaluing Thinking

The value of thinking is decreasing, partly because we think about it less.
We isolate it less as a standalone activity to cultivate.

insights

INSIGHT

Knowledge Sector's Discomfort

The knowledge sector prefers humans as custodians of computation, not original thinkers.
This is because human thinking is unpredictable, hard to evaluate, and manage.

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The Value of Deep Thinking

04:19 • 18min

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The Intersection of Intellectual Inquiry and Everyday Comfort

22:28 • 5min

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Engaging the Mind: Films and Cognitive Depth

27:52 • 15min

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Exploring the Digital Note-Taking Experience

42:49 • 4min

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The Quest for a Unified Note-Taking Tool

46:24 • 2min

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Note-Taking Tech Showdown

48:12 • 4min

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Navigating Note-Taking Methods for Effective Learning

52:00 • 5min

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Navigating Content Creation and Nutrition

56:40 • 9min

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Exploring Mastery in Writing and Tennis

01:06:02 • 8min

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Exploring Science, Spirituality, and Nature Through Literature

01:13:41 • 5min

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Finding the Mother Tree

Suzanne Simard

In 'Finding the Mother Tree,' Suzanne Simard combines her personal narrative with scientific insights to reveal the complex, interdependent relationships within forest ecosystems. The book highlights her research on the 'Wood Wide Web,' a network of mycorrhizal fungi that connects trees, allowing them to share nutrients and information. Simard also shares her personal journey, including her upbringing in the rainforests of British Columbia, her struggles within the male-dominated logging industry, and her groundbreaking experiments that challenge conventional wisdom about forest ecology. The book emphasizes the cooperative nature of trees, particularly the role of 'Mother Trees' as hubs in these networks, and explores the implications of this research for sustainable forestry and combating climate change.

How to live on 24 hours a day

Arnold Bennett

Written in the early 20th century, 'How to Live on 24 Hours a Day' is a philosophical examination of time management. Bennett addresses the common struggles of balancing work, leisure, and personal development, urging readers to see their free time as an opportunity for improvement. He suggests practical ways to reclaim and maximize free time, such as dedicating 90 minutes three times a week to learning and self-improvement, and emphasizes the importance of mental and creative pursuits, learning, and reflection. The book encourages readers to take charge of their lives and live more meaningfully despite busy routines.

The Ethics

Baruch Spinoza

In 'The Ethics,' Spinoza presents a comprehensive philosophical system that covers metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. The book is divided into five parts and argues that the universe is governed by rational laws, and that reason is the primary guide for living. Spinoza rejects transcendent good and evil, Cartesian dualism, and the anthropomorphization of God, instead positing an ethical system based on joy and the pursuit of understanding and virtue.

Amusing Ourselves to Death

Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business

Neil Postman

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

The Real Work

On the Mystery of Mastery

Adam Gopnik

In 'The Real Work', Adam Gopnik delves into the mystery of mastery by apprenticing himself to masters in fields like magic, drawing, boxing, and dance. He reveals that mastery is not rare but ubiquitous, often involving the intentional imperfection that adds expressiveness to skills. Gopnik's journey highlights the common qualities and methods shared by top performers across different disciplines.

Levels of the Game

John McPhee

Levels of the Game is a fascinating exploration of tennis as a sport and a metaphor for life. The book delves into the lives and mindsets of two professional tennis players, Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner, as they face off in a semifinal match at the 1968 US Open. Through meticulous analysis and engaging storytelling, McPhee offers profound insights into the human condition and the psychological aspects of competitive sports.

The art of thinking – plain, old-fashioned, hard concentration on useful ideas – is rapidly vanishing as our culture recasts humans as the custodians and recipients of digital computation. In this episode, Cal explains why this is a problem and what we should do in response.

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

Today’s Deep Question: Why is it important to preserve the vanishing art of thinking? [5:02]

- How do I integrate movies and shows into the deep life? [27:42]

- Can I read after a long day of deep work? [33:30]

- Is a digital “second brain” a good idea to keep up with the latest advancements in your field? [36:25]

- Would Cal consider consolidating his notebooks? [42:37]

- Is Maria Popva’s note-taking method better than Cal’s method? [51:40]

The Books I Read in April 2023 [1:04:29]

Links:

Edward Teller talking about John Von Neumann

youtube.com/watcv=vQp70uqsBV4#t=55m0s

Aristotle on “philosophic wisdom.” See book 10, section 7 of The Ethics:

classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/nicomachaen.7.vii.html

Arnold Bennet on training concentration (See chapter 7 of How to Live on 24 Hours a Day):

gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2274/pg2274-images.html

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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rhone.come/cal

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mybodytutor.com

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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