Sharpen your mind with full books and deep articles that build complete chains of thought—avoid bite-sized content that gives you an illusion of learning
Definitely. When I read paper books, I can even remember which idea is on which side and the approximate thickness of that section in the book. I don’t try to remember these visuals, they are just there. It helped a lot when I wanted to find an idea. Now after a couple of moving across countries I try not to buy as many books:)
I've been a reader for most of my life (in 2025, I'll be 58), so I never take summaries. The closest I come is adding facts I learn from them to my Second Brain - but even that comes after I've read the entire book.
Another advantage to reading full books over reading summaries is that you get to struggle with the ideas, which helps you remember them better.
Do you think that reading full books helps you remember them better?
Definitely. When I read paper books, I can even remember which idea is on which side and the approximate thickness of that section in the book. I don’t try to remember these visuals, they are just there. It helped a lot when I wanted to find an idea. Now after a couple of moving across countries I try not to buy as many books:)
I've been a reader for most of my life (in 2025, I'll be 58), so I never take summaries. The closest I come is adding facts I learn from them to my Second Brain - but even that comes after I've read the entire book.
I’m very curious about your Second Brain system. Organizing knowledge is hard
Tiago Forte has a book about Second Brain. He explains it better than I do.
In short, the human brain likes to store facts, figures, and schedules. Instead, we store them separately to use if/ when we need them.
DaVinci did this with his Vision Books.
Ah yes i need to read this book! Added to my list
You will love it!
Very timely