I often struggle with the idea that the learnings in a (non-fictional) book can be synthesised. If reading to expand my knowledge and given the time commitment required to read a book cover to cover, I like to think that reading the synopsis is enough, but then get FOMO on that home run sentence or passage that might resonate more than any synopsis can. What do you think?
Ultimately though, I think the FOMO you're talking about is the real problem we all need to address. David Perell wrote a great piece about this which I think will resonate: https://perell.com/essay/against-3x-speed/
I often struggle with the idea that the learnings in a (non-fictional) book can be synthesised. If reading to expand my knowledge and given the time commitment required to read a book cover to cover, I like to think that reading the synopsis is enough, but then get FOMO on that home run sentence or passage that might resonate more than any synopsis can. What do you think?
I feel the same. It is the examples, metaphors and analogies that are the vehicles to make an idea stick. A few things I tried:
- Commit to reading the first 50 pages and if it's not compelling, drop the book.
- See if there's a podcast where the author is talking about their book as a substitute for reading it.
- You could skim through this list of essays that became books and read the essay instead :) https://josephcwells.com/curations/essays-that-became-books.
Ultimately though, I think the FOMO you're talking about is the real problem we all need to address. David Perell wrote a great piece about this which I think will resonate: https://perell.com/essay/against-3x-speed/