Summary of Reading over Infinite Scrolling - How to Read like An Academic

Summary of "Reading over Infinite Scrolling - How to Read like An Academic"

This video explores how to develop effective reading habits, especially in the context of modern distractions like smartphones, and how to read like an academic to improve retention, understanding, and enjoyment. The speaker shares personal experiences and practical strategies for reading more, reading better, and integrating reading into daily life.

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. The Importance of Reading Today
   • Reading is a transformative act that trains attention, fosters mindfulness, and shapes the rest of the day.
   • Reading enriches life, sparks ideas, and expands scientific and creative pursuits.
   • Despite modern distractions, carving out time for reading is crucial for personal and academic growth.
2. Types of Reading
   The speaker divides reading into two primary types:
   • Purpose-Driven Reading:
     • Reading with a specific question or goal in mind.
     • Skim first, deep read later, and read non-linearly (e.g., summaries, conclusions).
     • Example: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, used to build a writing routine.
   • Inquisitive/Curiosity-Driven Reading:
     • Reading for exploration, insights, and broadening perspective without a fixed goal.
     • Often includes fiction, science fiction, and novels that expose new experiences.
     • Example: Doppelganger, A Trip to the Mirror World by Naomi Klein.
3. Reading for Retention and Understanding
   • Encounter ideas multiple times (3 to 7 times) and in different formats (books, audiobooks, interviews) to solidify understanding.
   • Integration is key:
     • Reproduce ideas in your own words through writing (blogs, reviews, papers) or creative work (videos).
     • Discuss ideas with others, e.g., through book clubs or informal conversations.
   • Revisiting books and highlights over time tracks personal growth and evolving perspectives.
4. Types of Books and Reading Multiple Books
   • Read different genres and difficulty levels simultaneously:
     • Popular fiction (e.g., The Poppy Wars), non-fiction (e.g., The Will to Change by Bell Hooks), academic texts, foreign language books, academic papers, and theses/dissertations.
   • Reading multiple books allows flexibility and sustained engagement.
5. Habits and Practical Tips for Making Time to Read
   • Make reading the default activity instead of phone scrolling.
   • Always carry a book to read during idle times (commutes, waiting).
   • Stack reading onto existing routines (e.g., read instead of phone use upon waking or before sleeping).
   • Use various formats: physical books, audiobooks, e-readers (Kindle, Kobo).
   • Mix easy and difficult books to balance engagement and prevent burnout.
   • Set small daily reading goals (e.g., 10 pages per day).
   • For academic reading, schedule dedicated time daily (30 minutes to 1 hour) and balance skimming with deep reading.
6. Emotional and Mindful Benefits of Reading
   • Reading can be meditative and improve focus.
   • Reflect on why you read, why you stopped, and why you want to continue to maintain motivation.
   • Personal reasons for reading vary and influence habit formation.
7. Additional Learning Tools
   • The video is sponsored by Brilliant, a platform offering interactive lessons in math, science, programming, and data analysis, which can be a productive alternative to mindless phone scrolling.

Methodology / Instructions for Academic-Style Reading and Habit Formation

• Identify Your Reading Purpose:
  • Define if you are reading to answer a specific question or to explore broadly.
• Reading Strategy:
  • For purpose-driven reading:
    • Skim summaries, conclusions, and relevant sections first.
    • Read deeply only where necessary.
  • For curiosity-driven reading:
    • Read more freely and highlight meaningful passages.
• Reinforce Retention:
  • Encounter ideas multiple times and in multiple formats (read, listen, watch interviews).
  • Integrate ideas by writing summaries, reviews, or incorporating them into your work.
  • Discuss with peers or join book clubs.
• Track Personal Growth:
  • Use sticky notes or highlights to mark important passages.
  • Revisit these notes periodically to reflect on changes in perspective.
• Manage Reading Habits:
  • Make reading your default boredom activity instead of phone use.
  • Carry books everywhere.
  • Stack reading onto daily routines (morning, bedtime).
  • Use multiple formats (physical, audio, e-reader).
  • Alternate between easy and challenging books.
  • Set small daily reading goals.
  • Schedule dedicated academic reading time.

Speakers / Sources Featured

• Primary Speaker

Category

Educational

Video