The Read Well Podcast

The art of reading must be learned and then practiced on a daily basis. Socrates the philosopher had a complicated relationship with the written word. He neither fully dismissed its value nor embraced it. Instead, he was worried that writing things down (and reading them) would weaken your memory. In Plato’s “Phaedrus”, he describes the conversation between Socrates and Phaedrus. It’s a fascinating read because Socrates uses an ancient Egyptian myth to point out that we will use writing, not as a tool for learning, but a tool for forgetting.Why remember if you can write something down, right? The most relevant passage from that dialogue is: "For this invention will produce forgetfulness in the minds of those who learn to use it, because they will not practice their memory. Their trust in writing, produced by external characters which are no part of themselves, will discourage the use of their own memory within them. You have invented an elixir not of memory, but of reminding; and you offer your pupils the appearance of wisdom, not true wisdom, for they will read many things without instruction and will therefore seem to know many things, when they are for the most part ignorant and hard to get along with, since they are not wise, but only appear wise."It underscores the idea that reading in itself isn’t enough. You need to internalize, reflect on, and truly understand the content for it to be of genuine value. That’s why, in this week’s podcast episode, we’re talking about how to read like a philosopher. How does one approach the reading experience so that it’s not superficial? IMPORTANT SHOW NOTES: As mentioned in the video, I want to give a huge shout-out to a YouTube channel that has inspired me to start this very podcast. Check out his channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@_jaredJOIN THE BOOK CLUB:Affordable at just $4.99 a monthIncludes FULL membership to Highlightish for book notes and writingLive Session Every Tuesday at 8:30 EST in your Highlightish accountRead the kinds of books that will impact your lifeWeekly reading assignments to keep you on trackStay accountable to your reading goalsEnjoy deep, weekly conversation with other adults on an intellectual levelGet started at: https://highlightish.com/book-clubThanks for watching, listening, and MOST IMPORTANTLY → Reading.Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Join my Book Club Here): https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast

I’m so excited to announce that I’m launching a live online book club for the 2023 - 2024 year. This is the first season of the book club and we’re going to dive head-first into some incredible works that will move you, challenge you, and enrich your life. Benefits of joining: Facebook live sessions every Tuesday at 8:30 EST with the groupYour monthly fee covers the cost of highlightish.com giving you full access to annotate your books and write essaysRead the kinds of books that will impact your lifeWeekly reading assignments to keep you motivatedStat accountable to your reading goalsWeekly conversion with other adults on an intellectual levelThere are three qualifications to join: Cover the cost of membership to keep the club running. It’s just $4.99 a month or you can pay for the whole year at $49 and save a few bucks. When you create an account at highlightish.com, upgrade to a paid membership and you’ll be invited to the book club!You must love literature.You must be respectful. No trolls allowed. To get started, sign up for a paid membership at highlightish.com/book-clubThanks for the support. I can’t wait to see you there. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Join my Book Club Here): https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast

For this week’s podcast, I share a simple strategy to improve focus while reading. Learn how to transition from a distracted mindset to being fully immersed in your book. By applying these tips, you can gradually enhance your concentration, allowing you to read for an uninterrupted hour, free from the pull of daily tasks and distractions.Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Join my Book Club Here): https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast

If you’re on the fence about tackling the 800+ page Russian novel called The Brothers Karamazov, let me give you a little push. Read it.At its core, this book addresses several philosophical and psychological ideas that will target everything you thought you understood about your own life. It’s impossible to read it without holding a mirror up to your own deeds and beliefs. That is why it's considered a classic and one of the greatest works of literature today. A good book should do more than entertain you - it should challenge your views, however stubborn they may be.In this week’s podcast, I review my thoughts on The Brothers Karamazov without dabbling in spoilers. Don’t worry, I want you to experience the book for yourself.  However, I cover five ways in which Dostoyevsky helps you learn more about yourself and the world around you. All I can say is this, “Hold on! It’s going to be an interesting ride.” Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Join my Book Club Here): https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast

This book was hard for me to read the first time around. Difficult books struggle to keep our attention. They’re usually on topics we don’t care about, or they’re written so dryly that, despite our best efforts, our eyes roll into the backs of our heads. Life is too short to read bad books, but sometimes you have to do it. Maybe the book was prescribed by your college professor, or perhaps your boss is making everyone in the company read the thing. Either way, sometimes life expects you to read difficult books, and this video will help you not only get through them, but perhaps even enjoy the process.Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Join my Book Club Here): https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast

Why do we need to read books in 2023 if we have instant access to information and entertainment through the internet and online services like YouTube or Netflix? I’m seeing more and more people return to the humble book in their spare time. Why is this? In today’s episode, I’ll share four theories and a few books that will change your life.Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Join my Book Club Here): https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast

Explore the genius of Friedrich Nietzsche, as we delve into his challenging yet fascinating philosophy. Discover why his writing demands careful analysis and a deeper engagement. Uncover the power of aphorisms and the benefits of slow, thoughtful reading. Learn a practical tool for dissecting Nietzsche's essays with three-by-five cards, enabling better understanding and personal interpretation. Eddie also emphasizes creating vocabulary cards to deepen comprehension. This method transforms notes into meaningful essays, enriching your philosophical journey.

Delve into the powerful narrative of Frederick Douglass, exploring its significance beyond mere history. The discussion reveals how the book resonates with contemporary issues of oppression and time poverty. Eddie highlights Douglass's journey to literacy as a path to liberation and self-improvement. The emphasis on emotional manipulation by slaveholders draws parallels to unhealthy modern relationships. With both personal reflections and deep analyses, the conversation showcases why Douglass's story is still relevant today.

Discover how to turn your second brain from a cluttered collection of notes into an effective personal knowledge management system. Learn about the challenges these systems face, including entropy and over-engineering. Hear a vivid hoarding story that illustrates the consequences of unchecked note-taking. Find out why writing essays is the key to making your notes meaningful and how to design your system for actual use rather than mere collection. Gain practical tips on maintaining clarity and purpose in your research.

Explore a revolutionary note-taking system that enhances reading and writing by promoting deeper reflection. Discover the dangers of hasty reading, especially with complex texts like Nietzsche's, and the importance of truly engaging with literature. Learn about a practical four-card method designed to cultivate deep learning and critical thinking. Uncover the benefits of daily reflection and consistency in personal growth, and how small, incremental efforts can lead to significant achievements.