How To Read Books Effectively (7 Stoic Tips)

To be a great reader, it is not enough that you read, it’s how you read.
It’s not about reading to impress people or for the mental gymnastics. It’s not about pouring inputs into your brain. It’s about getting better! It’s about filtering what gets into your brain. It’s about finding useful knowledge, knowledge you can use in your actual life. It’s about putting the information up to the test, examining it, seeing how it applies to your life, asking yourself how you might use it, what it’s prompting you to think.
If you want to become a great reader, the Stoics can help. We built out their best insights into our Read to Lead: A Daily Stoic Reading Challenge. The 2022 live course will take place across 5 weeks at a pace of 2 emails a week (~30,000 words of exclusive content).
Additionally, there will be weekly LIVE video sessions with Ryan Holiday, author of 12 books about Stoic philosophy which have sold more than 5 million copies in over 30 languages.
This will be a live course. Beginning on TUESDAY MAY 17, all participants will move through the course together at the same pace.
📚 Registration is now officially open at dailystoic.com/reading
✉️ dailystoic.com/dailyemail
00:00 Intro
01:17 1. Develop a reading practice
2:10 2. Make time to read
03:49 3. Find a master
04:48 4. Become functionally literate
05:19 5. Re-read the Stoics
05:58 6. Don't read too much
06:57 7. All leaders must be readers
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#Stoicism​ #DailyStoic​ #RyanHoliday​

[@DailyStoic]

📚 Registration for the 2022 LIVE Read To Lead Reading Challenge is now officially open: dailystoic.com/reading

[@iksyy1]

Would you recommend signing up, if you have already taken part in this challenge? Apart from new live sessions, are there any differences? Thanks and best wishes Nik

[@DailyStoic]

@@iksyy1 If you have taken the course before you should have received a promo code to enroll in the live course for free! Please reach out to [e-mail] if you did not receive a code.

[@switchofftogettagrip1400]

Absolutely brilliant video, thank you for taking the time to create it! I AM going through about 10-20 videos a day, figuring out which one's provide the most value, currently am focused on anything to do with Books - mainly financial and learning, many say they read books but the real question is, do they put into practice what they read. Meditating on what one has read and put what one has read into action is one who reads. If one only read for the sake of saying I have read that book and puts it on the shelf or returns it to the library or whoever lent it to them then nothing is gained.

[@bharatisingha5470]

Why don't you read Gita it is a very very old book

[@abigailchristina3072]

The first sentence was such an attack…But so necessary ;’)

[@kingzach5000]

Super necessary

[@FocusMrbjarke]

@@kingzach5000 yeah

[@marziarochi5034]

😂😂😂😂true

[@aphilabuyapi5767]

😂😂😂right

[@systemofadown945]

Ye but hes not doing it to sound authorative , i think he genuinely wants us to know we have the ability to read

[@Ryan-Horgan]

The roadmap to happiness as a man: - Read books - Stand in the sun - Break a sweat daily - Reflect on your wins - Marry the right woman - Find a doctor you trust - Spend less than you earn - Prioritize physical strength - Become great at something - Develop strong friendships

[@santomkd]

I LITERALLY check all those boxes and yet nowhere near happiness… HOW???

[@jrae27]

@@santomkdmindset. gratitude.

[@JR-mp9wu]

@@santomkd what makes you unhappy?

[@santomkd]

@@JR-mp9wu Chronic pain after a freak accident

[@JR-mp9wu]

@@santomkd I guess all things can't be perfect. I can't relate to that issue, but I do have mental issues that will follow me all my life. It isn't something I can get rid of and no matter how well I am doing they will always be present. I think it is up to us to define happiness and what we can realistically achieve. If pain is what is holding you back from your true happiness, maybe redefine your idea of happiness. That has always helped me. That being said chronic pain is something I have never experienced and I know plenty of people who it saps the joy of life from. I hope you are able to get help, whether it be relief from the pain or some way to manage your mental state with the presence of pain.

[@EnigmaEarningsExpedition]

it's kinda crazy how nobody's talking about the forbidden ebook called making money your reality

[@meuzz2036]

Bot

[@edwarddjan8319]

Mmmm......

[@balaganesh3440]

The “re-read” point definitely caught me. I realized that the stuff we read conveys different meaning based on the mood and situation we’re in when we read it. Thank you so much for articulating it.

[@badboybootz8]

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free" ~Frederick Douglass

[@Kaiwizz]

09:10 "people died to get you the right to read" It hit me so hard I almost cried

[@barbiemajumdar9018]

But did you read after that?

[@theMohammmedHasan8]

@@barbiemajumdar9018 following :)

[@frankiehernandez3276]

I cried

[@thetrickster9885]

So overdramatic

[@monicacall7532]

There’s an old poem that my beloved paternal grandmother and my 4th grade teacher both often quoted. The first line says “Who has a book has a friend.” Truer words were never spoken. My dad and both of his parents modeled the concept that being a serious reader and a lifelong learner were two of the most important things an individual could do in order to become a well rounded person. Through reading a much wider and deeper view of life and it’s possibilities is opened up to us. As a child I was always given books for birthday and Christmas gifts. I now carry on that tradition by giving books as baby gifts as well as for birthdays, Christmas and special occasions.

[@DrProgNerd]

The challenge I face with reading is overcoming the impulse to blow through a book - so that I can get to the next one - and the next one. I read slowly - because the author took the time to write each sentence for a reason. To connect with his/her idea properly, I consciously take my time. As a result, I may only read 5-20 pages per day. In a slow month, I may only read one book. I seldom read more than three in a month. Another challenge is when I connect with an idea in the middle of a page - and I want to break away from reading to consider the idea. I try to jot down the idea and revisit it later. If the idea is just too compelling, I put the book aside and write. Knowing how to read is one thing - but knowing how to process and assimilate new information is another thing entirely. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to do that. Another great video, Ryan.

[@switchofftogettagrip1400]

A suggestion, based upon the first two sentences on your comment, think of something you want to become, write down say 5-10 goals, read a chapter and see if anything in your list of goals pops up in the first chapter. If it does, go out and do it, more will be gained from doing and acting upon what you have read then to blow through books. I have books I have had for over 5 years and still haven't finished them, I avoid books that have follow ons by choice! Even re-read the chapter, as the gentleman said you never know what you would learn if you were to read it again. I have had multiple copies of a book called The power of now, and still find it Valuable to this day!

[@giorgiogirardi4661]

5-20 pages a day but how much time per day? When a book is really good I can read 20 pages an hour, generic fiction 50 pages an hour. So that's cool.

[@matthewgallant3622]

The more interested in the book I am the faster I’ll read it and the greater the impact. I just read Huck Finn and I blew through the last 3rd of the book because it was just so good. And I too have stacks of books I want to get through and I tend to read slowly also. I’ve probably only read 10-12 books this year so far. But that’s a lot for me

[@pearsonalized805]

Me too 😂. I write ✍️ all over the edges and I underline too much.

[@kelseytmoto423]

Thanks Ryan. Needed this. Daily Stoic sits o. My desk at work and it’s the first thing I read every morning to set the course of my day. Your work is vital. Keep it up and know it’s vital. 🙏👊

[@HardKnockDesignandBuild]

Thank you Ryan for your time and words. Greatly appreciated, and helpful!

[@mauriciolazala5153]

Thanks for everything you share with us Ryan, you are the best.

[@natnaelfasil9174]

I have been struggling to read so much this days especially I was very addicted to FIFA game but now thanks to you I was able to read min 30 minutes! you changed my life!!!!

[@user-qg2st1zb3e]

Thanks for your comment.

[@telywuriejalloh9280]

"Life speeds on the bold and flavors the brave"..... Rayan Holiday I just completed reading "the obstacul is the way" through pdf. Tough and inspiring book

[@user-lr9xs1by1y]

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free" ~Frederick Douglass. Thanks for everything you share with us Ryan, you are the best..

[@DreamcastAesthetic]

Listened to this on my walk today, thank you for an awesome breath of fresh air to join my real life one

[@lias_monica]

Man i was literally reading your book [The obstacle is the way] rn and then this video came up. Never thought you’re this young though…thanks for the amazing book.

[@mauriciobori]

Loved the interview at the end so much wisdom for just a minute of time

[@richmondkofianokyeoffei1851]

Thanks mentor. You keep on feeding me the knowledge I need to grow 🧘🏾‍♂️📚🧘🏾‍♂️

[@puppuproni7120]

You want grow re the book of John in the Holy bible God be with you

[@cognitivethinking1756]

5:58 Point 6, one of the most important and best advice that i needed

[@ayakkenyang2080]

Thank you for sharing these wonderful stories with us. Many of us are empowered when watched them.

[@samratchattopadhyay3057]

Such a wonderful explanation Ryan. 👍🏻

[@Shura31412]

The books certainly leave a different impression when you read them after a long time. Last year I was reading Marcus Aurelius and stopped on book 3 because I just could not continue reading on ahead. Now I am reading it again but this time I am seriously having a completely different impression of the books. His quote about getting out of bed is hazy in my mind but the core message remains and it has been getting me out of bed everyday for a few weeks now. I am getting goosebumps over the stuff written in their cuz its just so universal and profound. The best part is that this is how Marcus talked to himself. He was talking to himself like a mentor, like an older brother and not in a condescending toxic way which I did. That is certainly something that I learnt while reading it this time around. I will certainly read it again!

[@paulcholakapulo8301]

Thank you for this valid information. "To be a good reader you have to have a mentor/master."

[@ChilleDINJerseY]

Bought your journal. Love it, thank you

[@PulseHEX]

i am always reading the tao te ching, stoicism taught me how to get over depression, taoism taught me to find inner peace

[@matthewgallant3622]

I’ve cut out most TV and movie times and replaced it with books and it’s changed my life very quickly.

[@itsmichaelmai]

how much tv do you still watch? thats awesome

[@matthewgallant3622]

@@itsmichaelmai Maybe 15 minutes of KZbin videos in an evening and the occasional movie, but that’s it. I’m kind of a slow reader and very busy but it’s made my mind much sharper I think. Currently reading “Cape Cod” by Henry David Thoreau, after it becoming our regular vacation spot. Great light read for sure.

[@FlashFac]

I would like to add one to this list: Take notes on what you are reading. The physical act of writing down your thoughts and what you learn will solidify those neural connections. After you have taken your notes, burn them. Tear them up. Throw them away. Why? Like the cartographer mapping the river, their maps become useless. Do not rely on your old maps to guide you down the river. When you reread, also renote.

[@IwanPieterse-iwanzbiz]

Ryan Holiday is the running a modern school of Philosophy. If this were ancient Greece, we'd say "Ryan's school" and we'd gather around the Stoa to listen. But now that Stoa can reach millions of people. What an age we live in.

[@adeptphototroph9741]

This video is legit lifechanging

[@heretic124]

I've been literally postponing reading right now by watching YT. That intro was perfect.

[@rosyybear]

i do both, because like he said you’re reading too much and it’s okay to take breaks

[@cavalorosa2]

This lad is absolutely fantastic!

[@Mister_Bimmer]

Rules: Books that'd change your live Books that have passed the test of time The Holy Bible will always be my number one on my list. Still I read many other books though.

[@ikhsananugrahputraandhisa1795]

thanks for the subtitle, not only usefull video, but also can practice my english listening

[@AR-by9rn]

Loved this video and I just subscribed and liked !

[@aniveshyadav6493]

loved this ❤

[@junky802]

Got an amazing library from going to estate sale and find books there. Use a pointer to keep you at a steady reading speeding. And something I wanna try is read with an audio book. Hear it helps you retain more

[@TonyContiniProductions]

You're a good dude and I appreciate you.

[@TA-ek8mz]

Thanks for reminder 🌻☀️

[@davidcox3194]

Love that all leaders must be readers.

[@benjaminnollet2037]

Ryan, i've read most of your books, right now i'm reading courage is calling.. I'm from Belgium and it changed my life. It made me think, I think maybee it could be great to implement some "normal" People's couragous actions from present time.. let's say the Ukraine war. The Heroes fighting for their families or the woman /men who dare to speak up in Russia...and punished for it...Love reading your work!😄

[@mkelvinriskiramadhan3431]

Your content is always on point. I'm from indonesia. Nice to meet you. I already watch your videos to improve my life by reading. Thank you very much for your good content. May Allah bless you❤❤❤🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 it was nice meeting you 🇮🇩❤️🙏🏼

[@Aryandescendent4914]

Really grateful foe this video❤

[@Iksiksinski.]

U all hit me right in the feels

[@coyotegraysr]

I read at least a dozen books a week. Mostly classics, biography, history, philosophy, military history... I usually read several books that cover the same subject.

[@Kate-qf4iv]

You are my master, Ryan. You. 👍♥️

[@JordyAberi-nz9jg]

When I heard , you don't have time to read , I felt like get myself outta this channel but at the end , I just went .... Hang on ! It's for my benefit 😂😂😂

[@Buddhamaniac]

good video. one book I found very valuable in getting the most out of a book was 'How to Read a Book' by Mortimer Adler.

[@jaysunrobinson2455]

This was dope !!!

[@funtv8579]

Your work deserves subscribe and I give it to you

[@watchman001]

great video. I wish I could read more but when my mind gets triggered by something in the book I can sit there and ponder it for a time which makes getting through the rest of the book a chore. I love reading and rereading the Living Word of God inspired by The Ancient of Days

[@P_4BKM77]

now THIS IS a self-improvement content creator, the ones who actual teach useful things and are self-improvement content creators are those who do not proclaim themselves as self-improvement content creators. remember my words, for this is one of the rules of life.

[@lgf-sq9yf]

Thanks for this video

[@tcloves2fly87]

Dang this resonates so much with me!! I’ve been reading garbage. It’s like I’ve been sleeping this whole time. I LOVE THIS!!

[@theberadise1960]

“We have a moral Obligation to read people died for the right to read “as a black man this resonates with me immensely

[@msrawynn]

Great video!

[@ErnestoOchoaII]

I watched the first ten seconds of the video and now im back to reading

[@romangaming4564]

00:00 Reading is essential to Stoicism 01:31 Read quality books that have stood the test of time 02:45 Improve your reading with Stoic practices 04:02 Having a reading master is crucial for success 05:21 Reread the Stoics to gain new insights 06:37 Applying philosophy to deal with difficult people and challenges in the real world 08:03 Reading is a moral obligation 09:56 Reading can be a tool for survival and personal growth

[@heavymetal3122]

You a whole legend

[@misteeruiz6902]

I signed up for daily stoics 🤙🏽

[@andybungert]

I discovered stoicism as my relationship with my fiancee ended. Listening to the podcast episodes has helped me find books to be interested in. I am currently juggling 3 books (something I never thought I would do) and it's been fun and challenging. I like what you said about re-reading. I'm reading Courage is Calling and Love People, Use Things by Joshua Fields Millburn, but they're both library books. So I am working through each at a decent pace, but will likely buy them later and re-read again with more note taking. Is it okay to read fiction too? I'm also working through the Harry Potter series again.

[@PaulLumen]

>Is it okay to read fiction too? Of course. Why not? There's a certain pleasure that can be developed in the act of reading itself and this is impossible to achieve if the material is far above the reader's current ability. One way to think about it is like balancing a reading diet. Reading purely fiction for years on end without also leaving room to absorb the great works of non-fiction, poetry, etc would be a pretty limited diet. Like having only sugary cereals for sustenance, no proteins and starchy vegetables.

[@andybungert]

appreciate your thoughts!

[@NoxCattus]

There are too many references to list here, but studies have shown for years that fiction actually helps with empathy, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and theory of mind among other things. Personally, there are fiction books that have taught me more than any non-fiction book ever will and vice versa...all comes down to the quality of the writing and willingness to learn...

[@lorenzocole8166]

I'm not a huge book reader, but I love audiobooks. I have discovered that sometimes I do need and want a physical copy of a certain books. Meditations, is one of those books.

[@itsmichaelmai]

yes true, i love audiobooks as well but mediatations doesnt really work as a audiobook imo

[@amphetaminocid]

Amazing! Just amazing and I mean it literally…

[@levitate2030]

Wonderful video

[@abeginnerspov5968]

People Died So That You Could Get To Read! Hits Hard

[@akumaruh6239]

Glad I found this video here..

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Well said.

[@Muslimmanreader]

read,work,eat,challenge yourself,set up date on how you can finished reading the book chapter by chapter,page by page ,relax ,take your time and enjoy reading this mostly works for me i loves the biography on President Truman and Joan of Arc

[@SimonLiftsLife]

Great video Ryan. However where and how can people find a reading master?

[@kenshin_cy3719]

Don't make it as if it was a textbook or required,make it as a hobby. Don't force yourself,just let it flow. Read and apply part after part. Don't rush. Review and practice what you read.

[@loganc4233]

Thanks!

[@mayhem9938]

Speaking facts 😌

[@tammygarcia2247]

Thank you

[@doansonlam.docsachungdung]

I truly appreciate the content of this video with its insights on effective reading from Stoic philosophy. The emphasis on quality over quantity when it comes to reading is a crucial idea. I feel motivated and encouraged when the video reminds us that we do have time to read; it's just a matter of making the right choices. I plan to apply these principles to my daily life, and I am particularly grateful for the valuable insights shared by the creator of this video.

[@endgamefond]

Please share classic or any fiction books that you'd love to recommend

[@mm7846]

I’m reading Stoic philosophy through you 😅

[@JonathanJulian1997]

are all of these filming locations in Bastrop Texas? I didn't know it was so beautiful there and that the ocean looked like that near Texas.

[@cesartorresalvarez365]

Nice!

[@tishe_misha]

Смотрю тебя из Севастополя. Спасибо за отличное, содержательное и умное видео! Подписка и лайк!

[@allybiggs5423]

Good video 👍 Can you guys recommend me 10 powerful life changing books to read?

[@jzen1455]

It's not that we don't have enough time, we don't have the will to forgo the easier to obtain dopamine hits.

[@dennis_the_menacesoonerlif9645]

I go to school for 6-8 hours a day work for 8 hours sleep for about 6-8 hours that leaves… dun dun dun… 20-24 hours. On a good day I have 2-4 hours to do all my daily stuff. I wouldn’t necessarily say I don’t have time I’d just say there isn’t enough time for me to read.

[@mchadz7953]

What are your book recommendations good sir?

[@reeshalkumar7758]

How to get an old book that stood. And where get it ?

[@igorchichkin509]

WoW 🤩 awesome

[@seanferguson5460]

"The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read." Attributed to Mark Twain.

[@FSN179]

Hi, love your videos, the funny thing Is that for me, I can Watch movies and serials and youtube for hours and days. When It comes to a book, I see it like a waste of my time and life. Isnt that Strange? I want to get educated but this mindset always puts a Wall infront of my goals. 🤕

[@Vs-hk8fk]

- 0. life changing or old books. 1. Quality over quantity. 2. make time to read (you aren‘t more busy the the roman Empor) 3. digest and truly try to understand what you read 4. get yourself a mentor for reading 5. reread. 6. apply

[@mattball420]

"There is no philosipher who's not obsessed with books." Socrates: *spits*

[@mrwilson.1]

Anyone have a suggested order of books I should read with reference to Stoicism?

[@DMMDwrestler]

Didn’t finish video. Started reading

[@donnajaemoon]

😊

[@floydmcrae1991]

Listened to this walking to dog. Couldn't read doing that with my mad dog lol

[@iloveyoumarijane]

I read at least 40 minutes a day but on average it takes an hour or more, and watch this video too

[@functionalaestheticse.c.8953]

Where do you suggest finding a reading mentor? Yourself and your courses?

[@jackjack4412]

Maybe a good library system.

[@siyamislam509]

Don't read too much, i agree to this points lecture

[@diogenic4691]

I agree, although, in this age, reading too much (with intention) is hundreds of times better than the hundreds of hours a week people watch youtube or social media without any specific goal in mind. Maybe before the technological revolution this would be more cogent, although today, even reading too much will get you ahead of a majority of people under the age of 30

[@hisukahasuka9468]

Your the best

[@UjjalDiscussion]

I'm reading Daily Stoic

[@coastalbeer]

I read "The Kid Gallagher Story " And the realization that I may be looking at life completely wrong!

[@LUCASC900]

Great video and channel!! Ryan, have u ever read the Bible? One of the oldest books make in time! Cheers

[@saturatedodin476]

If they had video do you think they would have still preferred books?