How To Be A Prolific Reader - Ray Bradbury's Advice

[@freyafarmer7789]

'It's easy - poems are really short' *stares anxiously at the copy of The Iliad sitting untouched on my shelf*

[@RCWaldun]

"I read a chapter of a short story" Stares anxiously at Gravity's Rainbow on my nightstand.

[@lilpumpkin3772]

@@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)

[@freyafarmer7789]

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!

[@freyafarmer7789]

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!

[@freyafarmer7789]

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

[@DrawingsFromAnna]

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!

[@enoch8604]

same and now I just find myself reading even in afternoons, really loving it

[@Khushi-ov5ww]

Omg I do the same thing😳

[@scifikoala]

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.

[@3lmi__319]

This is very relatable, you must have a good taste in books my friend please recomend

[@micaelanunez1296]

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

[@maikeulanjello9061]

True. That's even way better doing. Having fun while reading. An awesome activity for sure! 🙂

[@lightbinger]

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.

[@redcatofdeath]

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.

[@chiiko7090]

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.

[@rainepanda]

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.

[@borisgarcia817]

😂 welcome to free phones zone.❤

[@andresarroyo1809]

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.

[@emanuelgonzalez7500]

What books do you recommend

[@andresarroyo1809]

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.

[@fyodorkdostoyevsky]

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!

[@Abril-1234]

Ironically I've heard this is one of the most depressing, anxiety inducing books...

[@fyodorkdostoyevsky]

@@Abril-1234 lmao

[@notesofliberation]

totally unrelated but love ur @ bestie!

[@Cubic5]

And sometimes I like browsing in the children's section. There are some really amazing books there.

[@jatinbandhiwal1987]

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. 😅

[@barneyy6942]

@@jatinbandhiwal1987 yeah. It's not necessarily nostalgia that i don't like. Don't wanna remember my childhood, lol.

[@jatinbandhiwal1987]

@@barneyy6942 same. Lol

[@pushparahi5681]

YESSS, KIDS BOOK ARE FUN

[@julianapegas2043]

@@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.

[@JK-jo4bb]

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]

You have wasted your life.

[@McSkankydog777]

@@JK-vc7ie you are a waste of life as long as you hold that attitude

[@hajerahumar2750]

i wish the teacher's would realise that and I wish my O levels teachers would do the same.

[@munaali840]

@@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

[@JK-vc7ie]

@@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.

[@Mel36475]

His voice is one that I could sit and listen to for hours....is it just me!?

[@maureendullas2603]

his voice is the first one I noticed too

[@Thanatoastt]

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

[@floppabingussled]

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.

[@leighfoulkes7297]

I was disappointed in Bradbury works but that just me.

[@spiralgoddess2399]

rip ray, one of my favorite authors

[@Xinaaaaa0506]

My friend actually MET Ray Bradbury!!!

[@Nini1m]

Zoe Xanos Fahrenheit 451, Its a classic.

[@MicronautMaia]

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!

[@jeffkawaii1211]

Do a what's on my phone so that we could have an "in-depth" look on how you utilize your phone! #videoidea

[@RCWaldun]

That sounds like a great idea. Thanks. :)

[@bloobfew3499]

@@RCWaldun yesss plzzz do it

[@Xarfax321]

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...

[@icosasbien]

the videos are 50% better because of the tone of his voice it keeps you engaged and it is a nice book

[@stefaniewongsw]

Loving the B-Roll Robin (: I've enjoyed this video a lot and congrats on 20k+!

[@BigDaddy13515]

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.

[@amarchugh3976]

You deserve more subscribers.

[@deanza5034]

Audio books add a,great dimension. It's quite peaceful to listen to someone tell a story.

[@ArturoCabello]

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!

[@amesames1102]

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

[@erinrising2799]

same

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

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! 😱

[@CarrotConsumer]

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.

[@Kat-vx9di]

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

[@ananyaratan1884]

SAME!!!😢

[@shimone5198]

I read fanfics during weekend afternoons that really relaxes me and recharges me for the rest of the week

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

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.

[@vapanato]

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

[@cristianrodriguez4372]

Dude! Congrats on the improvment with your videos. You can tell you've come a long way. Great inspiring content

[@newgenerationanpanman7870]

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!

[@henrilemoine3953]

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]

would you mind letting us know what those 2 books' names are?

[@henrilemoine3953]

@@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.

[@davidschmidt5507]

That Bradbury quote is one of the best speeches of all time. It's from the Point Loma Nazarene Address

[@johnnysalter7072]

So grateful I found your sites, thank you.

[@meropale]

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.

[@1TamBao]

Cool, Waldun. I will implement Bradbury's reading routine for my homeschooling before getting into scheduling.

[@bradchristy5002]

Your presentation is brilliant. Thanks

[@9liveslisa]

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 KZbin 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!

[@njmccormackgmail]

No tv. I paint and read.

[@paulopbf7127]

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!

[@Madeleine-cy5tr]

Loving this new editing along with the new camera! looks great

[@Kylemathews1]

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.

[@michaelyoseph6179]

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.

[@ThomasTiernan]

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.

[@itsmehanis]

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!

[@BookMattic]

Reading without action does not make sense. Great video 👍

[@vivahvv]

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.

[@joshina4497]

I'm addicted to your videos

[@bobthehuman9373]

me too

[@m.a.5737]

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.🖤

[@APDS-Akin]

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

[@kevin6596]

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.

[@stephaniebarraclough2526]

Have been on-and-off watching your videos for a while :) congrats on 20k! Here's to the next 200k ;)

[@italianoin7minuti]

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

[@victoriah.2083]

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.)

[@progamingzz5946]

I love listening to your voice!!

[@yolandahuang1284]

Thank you for this piece of advice! It is just what I need. Best regards.

[@ashernamchyo5495]

This is what I really needed. Thanks.

[@JorgeEscobarMX]

Black bell award achieved! good work sir.

[@booksmeanyway235]

First time ever a suggestion from KZbin is this great! Your channel is really interesting and the way you explain things is so simple and clear! English is not my first language therefore the fact that I understand you so well it's fantastic! Subscribed right away! 👍

[@jworne79]

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

[@cesarjrligot3280]

Great insights. Thank you!!

[@funkdoc2001]

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.

[@gokurocks9]

Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Jung, Orwell have great essays, stories and poems.

[@AnnFetherston]

Great advice, thank you.

[@asdfg6h5g7h]

Pure awesomeness

[@seamusgaelic6447]

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.

[@karsonhawkins7255]

Wonderful Video! I'd never seen this channel before but felt so endeared in the first 20 seconds I hit subscribe. Thank you!

[@aclassicread]

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!

[@IguessImight]

Excellent advice!

[@galepark1261]

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

[@NeutralDice]

This advice is good for those who don’t like or are tired of reading.

[@farrashafizh741]

Reading one story a night seems interesting. Might try it starting from today!

[@thanhson1401]

Informative and passionate about reading, love your vids, and congrats on 20K subs, you deserve it!

[@nysevicente2913]

Your writing routine sounds kind of similar to mine! Non fiction in the morning then fiction. Then maybe poetry later. Except I read the non fiction book before I consume anything haha 😄

[@paperbackthoughts.1006]

your videos are my channel's quality goals !

[@arvind6592]

Really great effort and a very big fan of you! Keep Rockin'... Your accent is superb and way of interaction delights every reader. I'm one of them 🤩. Simply awesome .

[@davidtweets3083]

in summary: to be a prolific reader, stay consistent

[@viveksingh570123]

Man thank you for guidance. 💪

[@kishly]

Love these tips!

[@Alazoom76]

Wow great advice. Just stumbled on to the channel. Subscribed.

[@juliaromero7512]

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. 😂

[@adamcleare8872]

This is A Major Life Goal of Mine

[@JeyLadooche]

Love the videos, suggestion if I may be so bold add subtles to your videos not because we/i don't understand you but to promote reading! I always have subtitles in my TV even thou I dont need them and I find i read those over watching the movie or show sometimes.

[@HI-df1wl]

Glad i found your channel

[@marcosamen2231]

Thanks for the encouragement and giving me realistic goals to attempt! I really enjoy your content and hope you keep making videos like this!

[@slurmcarey3069]

I find listening to classical music helps alot to enjoy reading

[@saaraalaa]

Couldnt agree more! I tried to explain this to my friends the other day, but didnt come out as a good explanation. Thanks for making a video of this! 👍

[@vanshikatrivedi8222]

Okay so like as the days are passing and I am watching his videos every now and then I open KZbin. I mean that's a way of saying he is my current favorite KZbinr 🥺👉👈

[@cichomomo11]

Really admire people who can read through "serious" novels. I can only read non-fictions. :(

[@productivepenguins1196]

I'm obsessed with this advice. Does anyone here use the zettelkasten note-taking system? It's designed to help your brain create new links between seemingly unrelated ideas you come across. It does add a bit of time to this nightly reading habit, but it's pretty amazing to see connections!

[@reflect001]

you're so well-spoken!

[@GeorgeMakrides]

Great advice. Thanks. Also starting with children's books or graphic novels can help.

[@tonyajm8289]

I heartily reccommend short stories - including Mr Bradbury himself, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Lovecraft, Poe - obviously I have my taste in fiction, but in some ways I really prefer short stories, obviously there are longer short stories, they aren't all 10 mins.

[@Holypaladin123]

Great content sir.

[@drmodestoesq]

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."

[@bibliomanicpanic]

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.

[@AnotherAdam]

This was a really neat video to stumble upon. I like this content and have subscribed!

[@maryannchandonnait8094]

Great video. I recently started reading a lot. I'm finding that I enjoy the classics more than recent novels.The classics are definitely harder to read and my attention span isnt as good as it was. Not to change the subject but are your drapes custom- made? Love them.🤗

[@GarryBurgess]

I hate the feeling I get when I read too much in a novel and lose my sense of self and get too involved in the story in the case of fiction. I want to maintain every thought in my own life, and habits, and routines and care with other people, and just nibble away at books so that that doesn’t happen. That’s why I like writing better than reading. Writing is my own creative process and reading is consuming the thought processes and creative processes of others. I don't feel this near as much with non-fiction, since there are no characters to identify with. I can never read just 1 book at a time, or on the same topic at a time. I just don't have that habit. So maybe I'm already taking Bradberry's advice without knowing it? I even skip around in the same book.

[@nununu8937]

The duck and that drink😅🤣

[@matheusmacedo6214]

Gosh, I'm watching this in September 3rd and now you have 58,3k followers! What happened in August? Congrats!

[@jyotiranjan7062]

Congrats on 20k subscriber...Bdw I m your 927 subscriber....I remember till 5k it took a long time....but from 5k to 20k .....it was a cruise missile..

[@viralvidsrepository4632]

This video really inspired me to read da books.