@@RCWaldun me, a russian: stares at classics anxiously (chapters in russian books are huge and usually much bigger than in english ones) (i know what i'm talking about i've read both)
I have to agree, I’m a big lover of classics myself. Middlemarch is another that I have on my shelf but haven’t yet read; I recently finished Ulysses and think I have almost conquered my ‘fear’ of bigger books, so I reckon I’ll be digging into that one pretty soon!
It definitely adheres to the idea-above-story pattern, however the text itself and character interactions were highly amusing... although I’m sure I could have had those funny moments condensed into something much shorter and equally entertaining
I've been reading about half an hour of non-fiction every morning and fiction every evening and it's honestly amazing how just a small amount of time spent on reading can have such a large impact on my life!
Every time I feel the urge to pick up my phone and scroll Instagram or something I pick up my Kindle instead. It's crazy how many books you can read when you fill in your extra time with reading.
The one beautiful thing of utmost importance I have learned from you is that How intuitive and gorgeous is to read slowly and deeply. It has changed how I experience reading.
Another strategy that I've found works for is "sneak reading". I try and get reading in whenever and wherever I can. This includes on the bus, on my breaks, while I'm stirring soup on the stove, etc. I've even taken to trying to read as much of the New York Times at my cashier job as I can without getting caught by my mangers. It's a harmless bit of rebellion. I think this especially works for me because, as a kid I would be the one hiding my novel under my desk during math class or reading with a flashlight well after bedtime.
I think it's easy to fall into a habit of procrastination when you are trying to better yourself. People interested in self-improvement tend towards perfectionism, I think. If you feel like something is only worth doing if you do it perfectly, then you may never feel like starting at all. I know that's how I often end up wasting time on worthless sites when on a deeper level reading makes me much happier.
wow, this actually made sense. I admit that I find myself struggling to incorporate the habits I want because my mindset is focus on "improve oneself". It's not wrong to think this way but it also matters how we see that thought. And as you have said, it tend to direct us to perfectionism. For me, as a struggling perfectionist, your comment resonated with me. Now, I will try to think habits as something "worthwhile" instead of something I have to do perfectly.
I have the goal of read at least one book a month and write about it. The routine makes me read and enjoy it, without pressure. Aaaaaand i end up reading more than one a month, it's so weird and awesome how our brains works better when we have fun, and we learn too
Been reading mathematics for the past 6 months. I can say my literacy and overall understanding has gotten 100x better. My English feels a lot more strong and grounded when I speak too.
Emanuel Gonzalez Recommend reading birth of numbers (history of mathematics book), basic mathematics by serge lang (kinda hard because there is many proofs to solve in it), spivaks calculus, apostels calc II and III. Most of mathematics will be just finding articles to read online; surprisingly, many words are very technical and require precise definitions and non-vagueness. I think this non-ambiguity of language helped me with most college textbooks in recent months. Don’t recommend doing it, only if you have a lot of time to kill and mental pain to accept into your life for no reason. Although when starting to get the hang of it, it starts to feel real nice. Most of math is solving problems for real “true understanding”. The hard part is comprehending the reading if never introduced to definition/theorem/proof paradigm.
Reading a good children's book and recalling how you yourself felt as a child is such a heartwarming experience. I hate it. 😅 I don't particularly like being nostalgic. 😅
@@jatinbandhiwal1987 I think there's more to children's literature other than recalling your own childhood! You can find amazing short reads and amazing art about a huge variety of subjects and in many different styles.
I completed my PhD in the Sociology of Education last year University of Southampton. I learnt through social theory that children who perform highly in English apply what little they read but wisely to influence the ideas they create in essays. Teachers do not do enough of teaching how to apply the diversity of stories and non fiction to broaden childrens ideas. I tutor GCSE and A level English and I will incoperate your videos and encourage my tutees to listen to you. Keep up the good work.
@@JK-vc7ie how is that a waste of life? Teaching is an honourable position and the more educated and able to apply knowledge in a way decimate that information to kids is very important
@@munaali840 Sociology is a waste of time. Teaching and learning non fiction is a waste of time. Applying the “diversity of stories…” is a waste of time.
When I was first getting out of depression, I made a deal with myself to read two whole pages of Nausea by jps until I finished it. Really helped me get back into reading, even if it was slow going. I like the idea of starting off with poetry/short stories and building up!
Followed for the aesthetic, stayed for the advice- But seeing Ray Bradbury in a thumbnail? That made me day. Not enough people listen to or read Bradbury
Bradbury wrote one of my favourite short stories titled The Veldt. It is a compelling fantasy story which closes with a chilling coda. Regretfully, I have not delved into some of his other works such as The Martian Chronicles or Something Wicked This Way Comes...alas.
I deleted every app from my phone except texting, phone, maps, calendar, camera, and Spotify. I made my phone more useful instead of making it a place where I live 8 hours a day. That made it much easier to clear out time for hobbies and reading.
I used to read alot when i was a child. All up until 11th grade my interest began to wane. My teachers would tell me to stop reading, my home life was a toxic mess and books didnt cut through the daily slog. Im 24 now and its been 5 years since I have stopped reading. Its prolly not as a big deal as losing 20 to 30 years not reading, but its sufficient to make reading difficult. Anyhoo, have started with John Steinbeck and Im slowly enjoying reading. I dont know what my point is but i just want to say that the decision to read is the important thing.
What I have done to myself is creating a reading challenge. :) On my bedroom door I have taped a list of books like "A play", "A non-fiction book", "a romance story", "a book with knights", "Science Fiction" and so on. This is not just as a challenge, but also to get into the habit of reading broadly, not just limit myself. Because I know readers who does this as well: They are ONLY reading fantasy, but not Shakespeare or even books on mythology. Or they are ONLY reading murder mysteries and turn their noses up at everything else. So with this reading challenge, not only have I read a wider variety of books, I have also discovered gems in genres I didn't think was possible and I have grown curious over different topics! Like after reading a biography on David Lynch, I started to read up on Surrealism, so I read the surrealist manifesto and a book on surrealism in art. After that, I got interested in other artforms like Expressionism, Romanticism, impressionism and Dada. :) I also grew interested in the history of art, which evolved into an interest in history in general. And so on and so forth...
This baffles me. I love reading and never have to trick myself into it. I’d rather read than watch shows or movies. I think just read what you love not what you think you should. If you aren’t enjoying, it, add it to the DNF shelf and move on. You should feel like you can’t wait to get home and find out what happens next. I read about six books at a time so I can choose based on my mood. Also, I read physical books, my ipad, my iPhone, kindle and get books from different places to change things up. Ray Bradbury is highly addictive! Man read one of his scary stories at night on your ipad with the lights off! 😱
That really depends on your goals. People often choose to read something for education rather than entertainment. Sure I can blow through light fiction faster than bread sticks at Olive Garden, but if I'm actually trying to learn it's more of a challenge.
Same here. I read a book over tea in the mornings. Whatever stress the day may bring, I've already started the day with something productive -- and fun. :D Cheers!
Loved your content man! Today I was writting about how to start reading and I agree with most of the points you've made in the video. Keep doing what you do, I believe your content is truly amazing
Just recently discovered your channel and I'm so glad I did! You've inspired me to aim for consistency and books that I'm genuinely interested in reading. It really feels like some weight was lifted off my shoulders. Thank you :) Also, please consider making longer videos! Would love to hear you rant about anything at all haha
I know it's been a hot minute since this video was uploaded but i'd just like to drop my two cents as a person who loves books a lot. When i was a kid (say around 8-9) and I'd just started reading, I'd sit in front of my parents' bookcase and pick up books just by looking at the cover, so I'd often read random art books, poetry and theatre I didn't entirely understand (or at all sometimes). i would also ask my dad for recommendations and he'd literally give me books like the lord of the rings, or Aliende's The house of spirits, or modern greek authors who write for adults (my native language is greek). This attutude my parents had towards the books I read made me adopt the same way of thinking: no book is unreachable! The beauty of books is in enjoying them, not in understanding them 100%. Did I fully grasp the fellowship of the ring that first time I read it? Absolutely not. But I enjoyed it so much and I couldn't see how a book like that couldn't be enjoyed by other kids in primary school too. I kept reading books like so and progressing continuously. The point is, do not be afraid of delving into seemingly 'difficult' books. The Crying of Lot 49 took me about 2 months to read and I still don't get much of what happened. Do I regret it? NO. There is fun to be had in everything, just as this boy is saying. So read that book!!
Good advice. I read a lot, and what made me read as much as I do is the quality of the books rather than the amount of time I read each day. My brother was a prolific reader, and he recommended his 2 favorite books. The day I started to read the first one, I couldn't stop because it was so good. I ultimately finished the 1200 page book in 5 days. I had never read a book for fun before that. It was always school books that I would rarely even end. Now, a year later, I read all the time (too much, even) just because my brother has given me the love of reading.
@@A__LeThiDiemQuynh The first is a popular fanfiction of Harry Potter called Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality, by Eliezer Yudkowsky. The second one is a webserial called Worm, by John C. McCrae. Both are really long but are really good, and they have brilliant characters.
My biggest impediment to prolific reading is getting stuck on having to understand everything. Also, if I am finding a reading too difficult I will give it up. So there is a balance that needs to made as to what needs to be pushed through that doesn't need to be fully understood and what needs to be worked through so that I make sure I understand it. I'm sure more advanced readers will know which decision to take.
You can try walking on a treadmill while reading. You occupy your body with mild exercise which frees you up to focus on reading. Source: Brain Rules by John Medina
A great bedside poetry book is Harold Blooms The Best Poems of the English Language anthology from Chaucer to Frost. It’s an amazing anthology with Blooms amazing commentary throughout. Great way to get started with poetry. Some great short story recommendations are Checkhov (the father of short stories and my all time favorite short story writer), Hemingway, Flannery O’Connor, Jorge Louis Borges, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Kafka, Faulkner, Gogol, Philip K. Dick, and Harlan Ellison all have amazing short stories. Checkhov made me fall in love with short stories before him I seemed to steer away from those types of collections but now I love them and they’re some of my favorite type of reading.
I saw a lot of your videos this past week and noticed that you speak really well in front of a camera. You give quality content and your passion is evident. Mad respect brother!
You are an inspiration. At 57 years old, I read 100+ books a year, and I feel I'm not reading enough. Your advice will help me read even more. Thanks again.
I lost my love for reading books at some point years ago.....this video (literally clicked on for Ray Bradbury's wisdom) is bringing me back.....and it is everything
After watching this I forced myself to reading some short stories from an H.P Lovecraft compilation I got a few years back at Barnes & Noble. I barely read anymore, and if I do it's only non-fiction, but I've been in a deep depression last couple years where I hardly ever feel joy or positive emotions anymore... but then just now, as I was reading suddeny...I felt SOMETHING, for a brief moment. For or a moment, I felt a spark of FEELING..and I all of a sudden got reminded of how it felt to enjoy a fiction book when I was younger. I had totally forgotten that I actually used to LOVE reading stories when I was young. I suddenly remembered how I had read all the 'Series of Unfortunate Events' books and how I would get absorbed and engrossed in the story. I just remembered that there is something special to be experienced from reading... That you can still feel joy from and immersion from books, I had forgotten that was possible.
Hi, R.C.Waldun! My name is Paulo. I'm 44 years and live in Brazil. I love the process of reading and learning. It has changed my life and the way I see the world. You are by all means right! Your videos are really good and your tips helped me to dive into some hardest books. Besides, I can practice my English (sorry for some grammar mistakes). Congratulations!
I have hundreds of books in my house that I thought I would dig into when I retired. I was so looking forward to that experience. Unlimited reading time!!! 4 years post-retirement............I've hardly read any books at all!!! How have I been spending my time? I spend way too much time on my computer! Surfing the Web, watching UA-cam videos (that's how I found this video), reading emails, and then there is always the TV. I am a disappointment to myself. :- ( I love the saying "Just do it!" And thank you for your inspiring video. I'm going to make an appointment with myself daily to read my book stash! Just do it!
This is great advice, thanks! I aim to read 30min to 1hr, but I often find myself unnecessarily scrolling on my phone😒 I really need to stop and force myself to pick up a book instead
Great advice! I started keeping a book on the table next to my living-room chair... beside the TV remote. After my wife goes to bed, I turn off the TV and pick up the book instead, and it feels great! In the past I would just keep watching TV instead of reading.
Stumbled across your videos, and they’re awesome. I’m a daily reader, usually of non-fiction, and your advice is great and encouraging. I’ve read Bradbury’s Zen In The Art of Writing, and your video reminded me about how golden his advice and words are.
The kindle has helped massively with this. I can have it with me all the time, 5 mins reading here and there throughout the day and you can really chip away at the book shelf.
0:55~1:08 Hearing a pleasant voice give such an explanation with tact, an explanation which could have been repurposed for other objectives when I was younger -- better late than never :I
Tiny/Atomic Habits work. Like compound interest, it is the habit that is the source of wealth, whether it be knowledge, experience, or whatever. Momentum is what carries us to the goal. Habits build and maintain momentum. Not understanding inertia is the problem. This is a physics problem and not a moral problem. Thanks for this, excellent advice.
Just what I need! I stumbled upon your video and decided to give it a chance. I like how simple your videos are but concise with the information that I need. A new subscriber!
This is excellent! I'm reading a lot more and preparing to read more because I'm finally starting the classes for my philosophy degree. This is really helpful and will help me stay motivated and happy
Robinnnnn, congrats on 21k subscribers!!!! I am so happy for you now. (don't know what will happen to me when you'll have a million;)) You are absolutely eloquent and so talented. Besides, your videos inspired me to find my passion and work hard to achieve my goals. Thanks for everything, man, you make me а better person.🖤
Yes. POR. POINTS OF REFERENCE! So much great literature is built on what came before. Reading can be looked upon as archeology. You dig to unearth chards and coins of knowledge and experience to DISCOVER the interconnectedness of the Ether in our vast Universe. (Ok. Too erudite. In other words, great literature comes down to discovering the wonders within ourselves and the wonders beyond.)
I was inspired a thousand years ago by an essay by Sir William Osler. He said you should try to read at least 15 minutes after you go to bed. That suggestion is one that I've taken to heart. So the book on the bedside table is an easy habit to get into. And a hard habit to break. I also remember an episode of Law and Order. One of the detectives is looking at a woman's book rack. He says, "Henry James? I didn't think anyone read Henry James voluntarily." She says, "Literary NyQuil. Two paragraphs and out like a light."
I used to read so much as a kid. I'm only 16, so still kinda a kid, but in middle school I couldn't get enough books. Now, I'm trying to get that same passion back
I have read heavily since I was about 16 years old. I am currently in my late 20's. Around my mid twenties, I noticed that whenever I invest a minimum of 4-6 hours into anything I read, I am much more willing and eager to just complete it. I believe it taps into my flow state. Anything less, and a certain momentum seems to be lacking for me to latch on with immediacy.
Okay so like as the days are passing and I am watching his videos every now and then I open UA-cam. I mean that's a way of saying he is my current favorite UA-camr 🥺👉👈
Little increments add up. Everyone has the same amount of time. And most peeps, no matter how busy they are, really can't say, "I don't have 15 mins to read a day." And 15 mins can lead to 20, 22, 33. I like 33! It is easy to remember and you can set an alarm on your phone and divide it into 3 x 11mins a day- until it becomes a habit. Most peeps" thumb scroll" their screen about that much per day- just checking for krapacola before they ever find something. I remember one time sitting in a car with a gal-pal while she ""ts"-ed looking for a coffee shop mentioned in FB (yes. Former FB). Up and down. Down and up. I sat for15 minutes! She never did find the posting. I got out and started walking to the coffee shop I had chosen. The one we had parked near. I thought, I can get a table, coffee, munchito and finish reading a K-bk before she ever comes up for air. Lol. (The coffee shop was a local Mom & Pop in an old converted farmhouse.)
I subscribed few weeks ago, I hope you arrive soon at 1 million. You are so young and so wise. I appreciate you. I hope you don't have beard still for a long time :D
I like read best in the beginning of the morning too! Something else that works for me is to start out with novels that deal with a theme you find interesting or with easier works like 1984, the catcher in the rye, the strange case of dr jekyll and hide etc. Thanks for the video!
R.C. Thanks again for another inspiring and insightful video essay. In addition to being a subscriber, I have also signed up for the newsletter. My compliments on both your channel and your newsletter. Both are top shelf quality; your hard work definitely shows! As another person has commented here, you definitely deserve far more than 20,000 subscribers. I am confident that number will steadily rise with time.
I'm quite curious about something. So, the majority of your videos are about books, reading, developing the mind, etc. But what everyone seems to be neglecting is how necessary it is to train the body as well as the mind & the mind in conjunction with the body. How is it possible to live a healthy life when they are not being developed in unison? Love the videos. Keep doing what you're doing.
I understand this advice, in my own way. I am usually reading two books simultaneously. One is some type of fiction and the other will be something more educational. I usually read both of them a bit throughout my day. I think it really depends on where my mind is with each book at the moment I decide to read as to which book I pick up. I also subscribe to a couple of political magazines to keep my mind on other subjects. I usually pause both books to read the magazine for a day or two before returning to the books.
There is some practice and discipline in becoming a reader. The average American today would find it very difficult to read for even 15 minutes without needing a break...they'd be as distressed about as sitting in a room silently for 15 minutes. It sounds easy, but it just isn't unless you 1) have the natural disposition for it or 2) have practiced it. If you make into early adulthood having never really been a reader it is unlikely that you will suddenly find the time for it later. Short rule, raise your children to think about reading the same way as watching an episode of the office. It isn't an erudite hermit activity. It is just another medium...just another thing we do.
'It's easy - poems are really short'
*stares anxiously at the copy of The Iliad sitting untouched on my shelf*
"I read a chapter of a short story"
Stares anxiously at Gravity's Rainbow on my nightstand.
@@RCWaldun me, a russian: stares at classics anxiously
(chapters in russian books are huge and usually much bigger than in english ones)
(i know what i'm talking about i've read both)
I’m looking forward to reading it; I think I’ll take your suggestion of the prose edition, perhaps alongside/ahead of the original text - thank you!
I have to agree, I’m a big lover of classics myself. Middlemarch is another that I have on my shelf but haven’t yet read; I recently finished Ulysses and think I have almost conquered my ‘fear’ of bigger books, so I reckon I’ll be digging into that one pretty soon!
It definitely adheres to the idea-above-story pattern, however the text itself and character interactions were highly amusing... although I’m sure I could have had those funny moments condensed into something much shorter and equally entertaining
I've been reading about half an hour of non-fiction every morning and fiction every evening and it's honestly amazing how just a small amount of time spent on reading can have such a large impact on my life!
same and now I just find myself reading even in afternoons, really loving it
Omg I do the same thing😳
Every time I feel the urge to pick up my phone and scroll Instagram or something I pick up my Kindle instead. It's crazy how many books you can read when you fill in your extra time with reading.
😂 welcome to free phones zone.❤
"The bigger and scarier the goal becomes, the less likely you will actually do the reading"
Niha it’s such a great observation about so much more than reading, isn’t it? I was struck by that comment, as well.
I can't state how painfully accurate that is
It's so accurate yet I disregard it for so long. Only now have I understood that less is more.
The one beautiful thing of utmost importance I have learned from you is that How intuitive and gorgeous is to read slowly and deeply. It has changed how I experience reading.
Another strategy that I've found works for is "sneak reading". I try and get reading in whenever and wherever I can. This includes on the bus, on my breaks, while I'm stirring soup on the stove, etc. I've even taken to trying to read as much of the New York Times at my cashier job as I can without getting caught by my mangers. It's a harmless bit of rebellion. I think this especially works for me because, as a kid I would be the one hiding my novel under my desk during math class or reading with a flashlight well after bedtime.
This is very relatable, you must have a good taste in books my friend please recomend
I think it's easy to fall into a habit of procrastination when you are trying to better yourself. People interested in self-improvement tend towards perfectionism, I think. If you feel like something is only worth doing if you do it perfectly, then you may never feel like starting at all. I know that's how I often end up wasting time on worthless sites when on a deeper level reading makes me much happier.
wow, this actually made sense. I admit that I find myself struggling to incorporate the habits I want because my mindset is focus on "improve oneself". It's not wrong to think this way but it also matters how we see that thought. And as you have said, it tend to direct us to perfectionism. For me, as a struggling perfectionist, your comment resonated with me. Now, I will try to think habits as something "worthwhile" instead of something I have to do perfectly.
I have the goal of read at least one book a month and write about it. The routine makes me read and enjoy it, without pressure. Aaaaaand i end up reading more than one a month, it's so weird and awesome how our brains works better when we have fun, and we learn too
True. That's even way better doing. Having fun while reading. An awesome activity for sure! 🙂
Been reading mathematics for the past 6 months. I can say my literacy and overall understanding has gotten 100x better. My English feels a lot more strong and grounded when I speak too.
What books do you recommend
Emanuel Gonzalez Recommend reading birth of numbers (history of mathematics book), basic mathematics by serge lang (kinda hard because there is many proofs to solve in it), spivaks calculus, apostels calc II and III. Most of mathematics will be just finding articles to read online; surprisingly, many words are very technical and require precise definitions and non-vagueness. I think this non-ambiguity of language helped me with most college textbooks in recent months. Don’t recommend doing it, only if you have a lot of time to kill and mental pain to accept into your life for no reason. Although when starting to get the hang of it, it starts to feel real nice. Most of math is solving problems for real “true understanding”. The hard part is comprehending the reading if never introduced to definition/theorem/proof paradigm.
And sometimes I like browsing in the children's section. There are some really amazing books there.
Reading a good children's book and recalling how you yourself felt as a child is such a heartwarming experience.
I hate it.
😅 I don't particularly like being nostalgic. 😅
@@jatinbandhiwal1987 yeah. It's not necessarily nostalgia that i don't like. Don't wanna remember my childhood, lol.
@@barneyy6942 same. Lol
YESSS, KIDS BOOK ARE FUN
@@jatinbandhiwal1987 I think there's more to children's literature other than recalling your own childhood! You can find amazing short reads and amazing art about a huge variety of subjects and in many different styles.
I completed my PhD in the Sociology of Education last year University of Southampton. I learnt through social theory that children who perform highly in English apply what little they read but wisely to influence the ideas they create in essays. Teachers do not do enough of teaching how to apply the diversity of stories and non fiction to broaden childrens ideas. I tutor GCSE and A level English and I will incoperate your videos and encourage my tutees to listen to you. Keep up the good work.
You have wasted your life.
@@JK-vc7ie you are a waste of life as long as you hold that attitude
i wish the teacher's would realise that and I wish my O levels teachers would do the same.
@@JK-vc7ie how is that a waste of life? Teaching is an honourable position and the more educated and able to apply knowledge in a way decimate that information to kids is very important
@@munaali840 Sociology is a waste of time. Teaching and learning non fiction is a waste of time. Applying the “diversity of stories…” is a waste of time.
When I was first getting out of depression, I made a deal with myself to read two whole pages of Nausea by jps until I finished it. Really helped me get back into reading, even if it was slow going. I like the idea of starting off with poetry/short stories and building up!
Ironically I've heard this is one of the most depressing, anxiety inducing books...
@@Abril-1234 lmao
totally unrelated but love ur @ bestie!
His voice is one that I could sit and listen to for hours....is it just me!?
his voice is the first one I noticed too
Followed for the aesthetic, stayed for the advice-
But seeing Ray Bradbury in a thumbnail?
That made me day. Not enough people listen to or read Bradbury
Bradbury wrote one of my favourite short stories titled The Veldt. It is a compelling fantasy story which closes with a chilling coda. Regretfully, I have not delved into some of his other works such as The Martian Chronicles or Something Wicked This Way Comes...alas.
I was disappointed in Bradbury works but that just me.
rip ray, one of my favorite authors
My friend actually MET Ray Bradbury!!!
Zoe Xanos Fahrenheit 451, Its a classic.
I deleted every app from my phone except texting, phone, maps, calendar, camera, and Spotify. I made my phone more useful instead of making it a place where I live 8 hours a day. That made it much easier to clear out time for hobbies and reading.
I used to read alot when i was a child. All up until 11th grade my interest began to wane. My teachers would tell me to stop reading, my home life was a toxic mess and books didnt cut through the daily slog. Im 24 now and its been 5 years since I have stopped reading. Its prolly not as a big deal as losing 20 to 30 years not reading, but its sufficient to make reading difficult. Anyhoo, have started with John Steinbeck and Im slowly enjoying reading.
I dont know what my point is but i just want to say that the decision to read is the important thing.
Great advice! Convicted of my comfort rule of ‘a chapter a day keeps the mind awake’.
I’m ashamed for unsubbing when you were a tiny channel. You’ve really grown this is great.
What I have done to myself is creating a reading challenge. :) On my bedroom door I have taped a list of books like "A play", "A non-fiction book", "a romance story", "a book with knights", "Science Fiction" and so on.
This is not just as a challenge, but also to get into the habit of reading broadly, not just limit myself. Because I know readers who does this as well: They are ONLY reading fantasy, but not Shakespeare or even books on mythology. Or they are ONLY reading murder mysteries and turn their noses up at everything else.
So with this reading challenge, not only have I read a wider variety of books, I have also discovered gems in genres I didn't think was possible and I have grown curious over different topics! Like after reading a biography on David Lynch, I started to read up on Surrealism, so I read the surrealist manifesto and a book on surrealism in art.
After that, I got interested in other artforms like Expressionism, Romanticism, impressionism and Dada. :) I also grew interested in the history of art, which evolved into an interest in history in general. And so on and so forth...
This baffles me. I love reading and never have to trick myself into it. I’d rather read than watch shows or movies. I think just read what you love not what you think you should. If you aren’t enjoying, it, add it to the DNF shelf and move on. You should feel like you can’t wait to get home and find out what happens next. I read about six books at a time so I can choose based on my mood. Also, I read physical books, my ipad, my iPhone, kindle and get books from different places to change things up. Ray Bradbury is highly addictive! Man read one of his scary stories at night on your ipad with the lights off! 😱
That really depends on your goals. People often choose to read something for education rather than entertainment. Sure I can blow through light fiction faster than bread sticks at Olive Garden, but if I'm actually trying to learn it's more of a challenge.
Do a what's on my phone so that we could have an "in-depth" look on how you utilize your phone! #videoidea
That sounds like a great idea. Thanks. :)
@@RCWaldun yesss plzzz do it
Loving the B-Roll Robin (: I've enjoyed this video a lot and congrats on 20k+!
Same here. I read a book over tea in the mornings. Whatever stress the day may bring, I've already started the day with something productive -- and fun. :D Cheers!
Loved your content man! Today I was writting about how to start reading and I agree with most of the points you've made in the video. Keep doing what you do, I believe your content is truly amazing
Audio books add a,great dimension. It's quite peaceful to listen to someone tell a story.
You deserve more subscribers.
Just recently discovered your channel and I'm so glad I did! You've inspired me to aim for consistency and books that I'm genuinely interested in reading. It really feels like some weight was lifted off my shoulders. Thank you :)
Also, please consider making longer videos! Would love to hear you rant about anything at all haha
SAME!!!😢
I know it's been a hot minute since this video was uploaded but i'd just like to drop my two cents as a person who loves books a lot. When i was a kid (say around 8-9) and I'd just started reading, I'd sit in front of my parents' bookcase and pick up books just by looking at the cover, so I'd often read random art books, poetry and theatre I didn't entirely understand (or at all sometimes). i would also ask my dad for recommendations and he'd literally give me books like the lord of the rings, or Aliende's The house of spirits, or modern greek authors who write for adults (my native language is greek). This attutude my parents had towards the books I read made me adopt the same way of thinking: no book is unreachable! The beauty of books is in enjoying them, not in understanding them 100%. Did I fully grasp the fellowship of the ring that first time I read it? Absolutely not. But I enjoyed it so much and I couldn't see how a book like that couldn't be enjoyed by other kids in primary school too. I kept reading books like so and progressing continuously. The point is, do not be afraid of delving into seemingly 'difficult' books. The Crying of Lot 49 took me about 2 months to read and I still don't get much of what happened. Do I regret it? NO. There is fun to be had in everything, just as this boy is saying. So read that book!!
Good advice. I read a lot, and what made me read as much as I do is the quality of the books rather than the amount of time I read each day. My brother was a prolific reader, and he recommended his 2 favorite books. The day I started to read the first one, I couldn't stop because it was so good. I ultimately finished the 1200 page book in 5 days. I had never read a book for fun before that. It was always school books that I would rarely even end. Now, a year later, I read all the time (too much, even) just because my brother has given me the love of reading.
would you mind letting us know what those 2 books' names are?
@@A__LeThiDiemQuynh The first is a popular fanfiction of Harry Potter called Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality, by Eliezer Yudkowsky. The second one is a webserial called Worm, by John C. McCrae. Both are really long but are really good, and they have brilliant characters.
There's some thing in your videos that motivates me more than anything else. Thank you!
My biggest impediment to prolific reading is getting stuck on having to understand everything. Also, if I am finding a reading too difficult I will give it up. So there is a balance that needs to made as to what needs to be pushed through that doesn't need to be fully understood and what needs to be worked through so that I make sure I understand it. I'm sure more advanced readers will know which decision to take.
It turns out that I love the idea of reading, but I can’t sit still long enough to read a bunch. A work in progress!
You can try walking on a treadmill while reading. You occupy your body with mild exercise which frees you up to focus on reading.
Source: Brain Rules by John Medina
same
I read fanfics during weekend afternoons that really relaxes me and recharges me for the rest of the week
A great bedside poetry book is Harold Blooms The Best Poems of the English Language anthology from Chaucer to Frost. It’s an amazing anthology with Blooms amazing commentary throughout. Great way to get started with poetry. Some great short story recommendations are Checkhov (the father of short stories and my all time favorite short story writer), Hemingway, Flannery O’Connor, Jorge Louis Borges, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Kafka, Faulkner, Gogol, Philip K. Dick, and Harlan Ellison all have amazing short stories. Checkhov made me fall in love with short stories before him I seemed to steer away from those types of collections but now I love them and they’re some of my favorite type of reading.
the videos are 50% better because of the tone of his voice it keeps you engaged and it is a nice book
I saw a lot of your videos this past week and noticed that you speak really well in front of a camera. You give quality content and your passion is evident. Mad respect brother!
Dude! Congrats on the improvment with your videos. You can tell you've come a long way. Great inspiring content
You are an inspiration. At 57 years old, I read 100+ books a year, and I feel I'm not reading enough. Your advice will help me read even more. Thanks again.
Your editing has noticeably improved video by video, well done!
That Bradbury quote is one of the best speeches of all time. It's from the Point Loma Nazarene Address
I lost my love for reading books at some point years ago.....this video (literally clicked on for Ray Bradbury's wisdom) is bringing me back.....and it is everything
I finally found someone having a really good reading ideas
After watching this I forced myself to reading some short stories from an H.P Lovecraft compilation I got a few years back at Barnes & Noble.
I barely read anymore, and if I do it's only non-fiction, but I've been in a deep depression last couple years where I hardly ever feel joy or positive emotions anymore...
but then just now, as I was reading suddeny...I felt SOMETHING, for a brief moment. For or a moment, I felt a spark of FEELING..and I all of a sudden got reminded of how it felt to enjoy a fiction book when I was younger. I had totally forgotten that I actually used to LOVE reading stories when I was young. I suddenly remembered how I had read all the 'Series of Unfortunate Events' books and how I would get absorbed and engrossed in the story.
I just remembered that there is something special to be experienced from reading...
That you can still feel joy from and immersion from books, I had forgotten that was possible.
Hi, R.C.Waldun! My name is Paulo. I'm 44 years and live in Brazil. I love the process of reading and learning. It has changed my life and the way I see the world. You are by all means right! Your videos are really good and your tips helped me to dive into some hardest books. Besides, I can practice my English (sorry for some grammar mistakes). Congratulations!
I have hundreds of books in my house that I thought I would dig into when I retired. I was so looking forward to that experience. Unlimited reading time!!!
4 years post-retirement............I've hardly read any books at all!!! How have I been spending my time? I spend way too much time on my computer! Surfing the Web, watching UA-cam videos (that's how I found this video), reading emails, and then there is always the TV. I am a disappointment to myself. :- ( I love the saying "Just do it!" And thank you for your inspiring video. I'm going to make an appointment with myself daily to read my book stash! Just do it!
No tv. I paint and read.
I'm addicted to your videos
me too
This is great advice, thanks! I aim to read 30min to 1hr, but I often find myself unnecessarily scrolling on my phone😒 I really need to stop and force myself to pick up a book instead
Loving this new editing along with the new camera! looks great
bright young guy. This generation needs more of you
Great advice! I started keeping a book on the table next to my living-room chair... beside the TV remote. After my wife goes to bed, I turn off the TV and pick up the book instead, and it feels great! In the past I would just keep watching TV instead of reading.
What a fantastically concise and useful video. Love the mention of 20k subscribers!! Crazy to see how much you've grown with 375k subscribers now.
Stumbled across your videos, and they’re awesome. I’m a daily reader, usually of non-fiction, and your advice is great and encouraging. I’ve read Bradbury’s Zen In The Art of Writing, and your video reminded me about how golden his advice and words are.
The kindle has helped massively with this. I can have it with me all the time, 5 mins reading here and there throughout the day and you can really chip away at the book shelf.
‘Bugger off to bed’ I’m British and that made me feel warm inside 😂❤️
I'm Australian. ;)
R.C. Waldun I thought that was just a british thing hahaha
@@RCWaldun I don't hear it in your accent
I say the same thing. And I'm from New York City lol
@@johnpauldeguzman823 he's not. He's an Asian from America living in Australia.
0:55~1:08 Hearing a pleasant voice give such an explanation with tact, an explanation which could have been repurposed for other objectives when I was younger -- better late than never :I
This video might finally get rid of my reader's block. You've got yourself a new subscriber!
Thank you for sharing an insightful perspective on reading! Reading to truly to be enjoyed!
This advice is good for those who don’t like or are tired of reading.
Thank you for this piece of advice! It is just what I need.
Best regards.
Great advice, thank you.
Your presentation is brilliant. Thanks
So grateful I found your sites, thank you.
Tiny/Atomic Habits work. Like compound interest, it is the habit that is the source of wealth, whether it be knowledge, experience, or whatever. Momentum is what carries us to the goal. Habits build and maintain momentum. Not understanding inertia is the problem. This is a physics problem and not a moral problem. Thanks for this, excellent advice.
Your ideas are great. The twenty to thirty pages a day is certainly a great daily amount. All the best from a fellow reader!
These are words of wisdom,dude.Thank you.
Just what I need! I stumbled upon your video and decided to give it a chance. I like how simple your videos are but concise with the information that I need. A new subscriber!
Reading without action does not make sense. Great video 👍
This is excellent! I'm reading a lot more and preparing to read more because I'm finally starting the classes for my philosophy degree. This is really helpful and will help me stay motivated and happy
your videos are my channel's quality goals !
Cool, Waldun. I will implement Bradbury's reading routine for my homeschooling before getting into scheduling.
Just signed up with your newsletter! Great videos by the way!
This is such an amazing video in how simple how positive it is!
Great comment , it’s basically the same rule to start with small pieces and get more done
This was a great message. Thank you. I love your newsletters as well. Very well thought of. Hope you are doing well, my friend.
Robinnnnn, congrats on 21k subscribers!!!! I am so happy for you now. (don't know what will happen to me when you'll have a million;))
You are absolutely eloquent and so talented. Besides, your videos inspired me to find my passion and work hard to achieve my goals. Thanks for everything, man, you make me а better person.🖤
Yes. POR. POINTS OF REFERENCE! So much great literature is built on what came before. Reading can be looked upon as archeology. You dig to unearth chards and coins of knowledge and experience to DISCOVER the interconnectedness of the Ether in our vast Universe. (Ok. Too erudite. In other words, great literature comes down to discovering the wonders within ourselves and the wonders beyond.)
I was inspired a thousand years ago by an essay by Sir William Osler. He said you should try to read at least 15 minutes after you go to bed. That suggestion is one that I've taken to heart. So the book on the bedside table is an easy habit to get into. And a hard habit to break.
I also remember an episode of Law and Order. One of the detectives is looking at a woman's book rack. He says, "Henry James? I didn't think anyone read Henry James voluntarily." She says, "Literary NyQuil. Two paragraphs and out like a light."
I used to read so much as a kid. I'm only 16, so still kinda a kid, but in middle school I couldn't get enough books. Now, I'm trying to get that same passion back
I have read heavily since I was about 16 years old.
I am currently in my late 20's.
Around my mid twenties, I noticed that whenever I invest a minimum of 4-6 hours into anything I read, I am much more willing and eager to just complete it. I believe it taps into my flow state.
Anything less, and a certain momentum seems to be lacking for me to latch on with immediacy.
Okay so like as the days are passing and I am watching his videos every now and then I open UA-cam. I mean that's a way of saying he is my current favorite UA-camr 🥺👉👈
Hi, I really admire your commitment to reading and how you give such great tips. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Little increments add up. Everyone has the same amount of time. And most peeps, no matter how busy they are, really can't say, "I don't have 15 mins to read a day." And 15 mins can lead to 20, 22, 33. I like 33! It is easy to remember and you can set an alarm on your phone and divide it into 3 x 11mins a day- until it becomes a habit. Most peeps" thumb scroll" their screen about that much per day- just checking for krapacola before they ever find something. I remember one time sitting in a car with a gal-pal while she ""ts"-ed looking for a coffee shop mentioned in FB (yes. Former FB). Up and down. Down and up. I sat for15 minutes! She never did find the posting. I got out and started walking to the coffee shop I had chosen. The one we had parked near. I thought, I can get a table, coffee, munchito and finish reading a K-bk before she ever comes up for air. Lol. (The coffee shop was a local Mom & Pop in an old converted farmhouse.)
Great content, directly to the point and really well edited. That's the channel that I needed.
I subscribed few weeks ago, I hope you arrive soon at 1 million. You are so young and so wise. I appreciate you. I hope you don't have beard still for a long time :D
I find listening to classical music helps alot to enjoy reading
you're so well-spoken!
Great advice. Thanks. Also starting with children's books or graphic novels can help.
Have been on-and-off watching your videos for a while :) congrats on 20k! Here's to the next 200k ;)
your voice is podcast ready
First video I've discovered from your channel, I love it! Reminds me to be more consistent with areas of growth in my career & life
Just found your channel. Love it so far! Thanks.
I like read best in the beginning of the morning too! Something else that works for me is to start out with novels that deal with a theme you find interesting or with easier works like 1984, the catcher in the rye, the strange case of dr jekyll and hide etc. Thanks for the video!
Black bell award achieved! good work sir.
I could listen to you talk all day. It's your voice; I don't know what's in it but it's something in your voice. 😂
I really needed to hear this right about now. Looking forward to implement this in my daily routine.
R.C. Thanks again for another inspiring and insightful video essay. In addition to being a subscriber, I have also signed up for the newsletter. My compliments on both your channel and your newsletter. Both are top shelf quality; your hard work definitely shows! As another person has commented here, you definitely deserve far more than 20,000 subscribers. I am confident that number will steadily rise with time.
I'm quite curious about something. So, the majority of your videos are about books, reading, developing the mind, etc. But what everyone seems to be neglecting is how necessary it is to train the body as well as the mind & the mind in conjunction with the body. How is it possible to live a healthy life when they are not being developed in unison? Love the videos. Keep doing what you're doing.
I understand this advice, in my own way.
I am usually reading two books simultaneously. One is some type of fiction and the other will be something more educational.
I usually read both of them a bit throughout my day. I think it really depends on where my mind is with each book at the moment I decide to read as to which book I pick up.
I also subscribe to a couple of political magazines to keep my mind on other subjects. I usually pause both books to read the magazine for a day or two before returning to the books.
There is some practice and discipline in becoming a reader. The average American today would find it very difficult to read for even 15 minutes without needing a break...they'd be as distressed about as sitting in a room silently for 15 minutes. It sounds easy, but it just isn't unless you 1) have the natural disposition for it or 2) have practiced it.
If you make into early adulthood having never really been a reader it is unlikely that you will suddenly find the time for it later. Short rule, raise your children to think about reading the same way as watching an episode of the office. It isn't an erudite hermit activity. It is just another medium...just another thing we do.
I am so glad you say 'bugger off' in the USA. It's my favourite expression but I thought it was limited to my home country (UK. Of course)