How To Read Deeper - The Importance of a Commonplace Book

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[@ClarkElieson]

Another brilliant episode, my friend. I am often teased for the way I claim every book has changed my life, but they all have, and a part of the reason why is the way I approach the information in them. I'm grateful for the emerging note-taking apps, they're all game-changers. Loved having you on the show! We look forward to when you might walk down a path such as Swann's Way with us again.

[@aclassicread]

Do you have particular recommendations? Thanks!

[@rwjohnson416]

“I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” ― Emerson, Ralph Waldo

[@sarahfernandes3140]

Ryan Johnson I love this quote because I truly believe in it. I think something always remains, and it helps you build connections and opens your mind, even if you can’t quite pinpoint the reasons for it.

[@ClarkElieson]

@@aclassicread If you're asking me, I honestly recommend reading books that will help you to get to the bottom of some problem you're thinking about. You'll be highly motivated, and you'll also have a wealth of practical knowledge. You can find more of what I had to say on that in my video on Adler's How To Read A Book!

[@aclassicread]

The Socratic Method thanks!! Will check that video out.

[@Yesica1993]

"bookful blockhead, ignorantly read" I have got to live long enough to find a way to use that insult!

[@catedoge3206]

Ill put that ib my bio.

[@tianasophiaaa]

What does that mean?

[@G-Tarun]

@@tianasophiaaa It's a phrase the poet Alexander Pope used to describe people who read _a lot_ of books without reading those books well. I first learnt it from a masterpiece on careful, critical reading: _How to Read a Book_ by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren. If you're into R.C.'s videos and writings, you might've heard of it; it's a foundational text in the liberally educated polymath's canon.

[@MissBrightsideBitch]

I often see in my recommended videos titles like "how I read 150 books a year", "how to read 40 books a month". It's like a competition about how many nice books you have around your house, I honestly hate it. So, I insist, yours is such a brilliant reflexion on the quality of reading, so missed by everyone here. Thank you so much!! I'm a new subscriber now

[@josetomashameaudavanzo4954]

Huge comment. I also hate those "book reading" races. I think they’re just ways to show off or gain attention ("look how smart I am").

[@elizabethyoung5304]

I hate those videos, and in fact I feel very intimidated by them because I'm not a fast reading by any stretch. So far this year, when I decided to get back into reading because I needed to get back into writing and content creation again, I read about 5 books and they weren't all beach reads (don't read those much any more, because I feel like my brain is melting) either. However, sadly I don't remember very much about those 5 books I read only that I really enjoyed them, some more than others, of course. Any way for me to have a way to jot down notes while I'm reading is a really great idea, especially if I want to go ahead and write an essay or review on those books I already read or ones I plan to read. I have a few journals that I bought that I'll use because I like being able to hand write things now. I have Notion on my iPad Pro but I have no idea the best way to set it up or anything, but perhaps there's a way to integrate my hand written notes in my paper notebooks and Notion. Having a book list of those titles I want to read or have read that I could access on my phone would be pretty helpful next time I'm browsing in Barnes and Noble or at my local library

[@diego67hd94]

This just randomly popped in my recommended, I thought you were a big youtuber at first cuz this is so well made :)

[@alexmontgomery9385]

Agreed. Underrated channel, he will blow up soon.

[@gragnesemeally924]

Same thing happened with me now

[@rafliadjat]

Same thing happen to me

[@DenianArcoleo]

I doubt this channel will blow up, he’s too intelligent.

[@rit1237]

He's definitely gonna be one soon!

[@xx-ig5eq]

i’ve been doing this since i was a kid! i’ve always had a pretty bad memory, so throughout the reading process i would take notes in a notebook and compile them all into a little review when i finished. i was a very nerdy child...

[@vic6099]

that’s very cute🥺

[@sarahtalone7031]

That's cool, though. Did it help you understand/memorise the content better?

[@adnanalam4410]

That's great

[@alwaysyoutome19]

Honestly, how admirable! Wish I did that as a kid haha

[@laurieknapp5264]

Lately I’ve been trying to absorb books more deeply because I get so frustrated when I forget what I learned. So I’m taking notes and writing my thoughts down as I read. It takes longer, but I’ve noticed a major difference. The material sticks with me longer and informs more of my everyday conversations. It’s interesting that KZbin somehow knew what I was up to and recommended this video.

[@missnanaa__]

I didn’t read at all but you and this channel really got me into books. You are a big inspiration for me and I hope you will make impact on more young people.

[@bartendersdaughter6003]

Start writing longhand. U’ll actually feel neurons pop.

[@Realisticallyliteral]

I've been really hard on myself for not reading as many books as other people, this really helped. Thank you.

[@LixiaWinter]

I wholeheartidly agree. Fixating on numbers is never good. This can be also applied to theater freaks and cinephiles. Ok, you watched 100-300 movies/plays this year, but when did you think about them?

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

Why is it such a certainty among many that have commented on this video, including the maker of the video, that one does not have time to think about what someone just read or just watched, especially if they read a lot or see a lot of movies, in a year?

[@thedutchess8425]

@@skiphoffenflaven8004 I noticed this too. I've personally read 60 books so far this year, which, according this video, would be "a lot." I don't spend my entire day reading, though, so what do they think I'm doing for the rest of it? Am I just vacuous, staring at a wall until I'm tired enough for sleep? Is it not possible to take breaks while reading to reflect upon something? Some people just read faster/more than others, and it doesn't mean they're getting any less of an experience from it.

[@wisdomwizard3620]

The Dutchess it’s not like you can’t think about them but it’s just less likely that you are

[@LM-et6yt]

as a lit student, i do this pretty much automatically. my commonplace book is an actual notebook though bc i just prefer analogue writing. also i kind of love that the commonplace book has such a long tradition in reading practices.

[@issadimayuga6424]

I have embraced being a slow-reader and this video is all the validation that I need

[@Roselyrette]

A few people here have said that annotating and critical reading has sucked the fun out of what used to be their favorite hobby, and I can understand why, but I’m actually the opposite. I find myself naturally critically engaging with the work and for me that’s a sign of enjoyment. When I find myself just flipping through without giving much thought to the implications of the story, it usually means I’m bored or don’t care much for it at all. My favorite books usually have pages upon pages of reflections spread across both digital note apps and physical notebooks haha but to each their own, I can understand why it drains some people. But critical engagement doesn’t have to be academic! I love adding stupid little marginalia like a big fat “LOL” or a little “aww” that just records how I felt about a particular scene in that particular time, and it helps my comprehension, enjoyment and retention of the material long term. I’d still suggest people to try and annotate and keep a commonplace book and approach it in a largely non academic way, just for enjoyment. Who knows maybe it’ll become your second favorite thing next to reading itself like it has become mine :D great video by the way!

[@frans00]

Couldn't agree more. Lately the trend of "reading lots books in a short amount of time" has been flooding KZbin. In a way, I think it's cool that people are getting into reading, but I also hope they don't stay in that level of binge/light/quick reading. There's so much more to it. After all, as time passes, I want to carry with me the knowledge and ideas that challenging, exciting books have awaken in me. Challenging books aren't read so easily, so quickly, but those are the ones that teach you the most. I won't remember the hundreds of light books that I had read years ago. But I will surely remember the few books I took my time and effort to properly digest, the books that have deeply merged with the intricate universe of my ideas (using a Commonplace Book). Also, a Commonplace Book should be an essential for 21st century learning. So much to learn, easy access, better tools. Medieval scholars, 16th century renaissance men and 18th century polymaths would have wished to have Notion! Love your channel btw :)

[@evanarroyo1384]

I’ve been reading often 40 pages a day of a fiction book, Instead of summarising it, I take out ideas I enjoyed from those 40 pages, write them down, put my own spin on it, and bam! I have more than enough ideas for a whole new story without even finishing the book.

[@hosaenat9101]

My method has been automatically calling my friend to discuss the book after I complete it. I was definitely in need of a more personal, reflective space so thank you for making this!!

[@elishapeters153]

It always made me feel bad that I wasn't reading more like others. But you actually made me believe that I was doing just fine. Rushing through pages and quickly hopping on another book is just not good but letting the story sink in and being in love with the characters is more important

[@DaveSimkus]

Exactly! I felt the same way for a long time because I was always a slow reader. I wanted to fully understand and immerse myself. Now, I'm very happy not rushing through books because I know that it's the proper way to fully absorb and reflect on them. I also just don't want a good book to end too soon. I may read a chapter a day and then reflect on it the rest of the day before moving on. It's actually more enjoyable to read that way.

[@elishapeters153]

@@DaveSimkus exactly

[@george-vk8ke]

i found this an interesting video, but i also think the idea that ppl who read a lot of books aren't reading books... ""correctly"", a little bit silly. i agree that, if people read to learn new things and to really understand new concepts etcetera, that reading 100 of those books probably isn't going to make those stick, but some people just read for fun. i realise that this is not what this video is about so this isn't directed at the op himself, but rather everyone in the comments going "yeah i see these idiots on booktube reading 100 books a year and blah blah blah", like... you realise pretty much all of those people who read that much a year are reading solely ya/fantasy/romance/other genre fiction? they're not reading to form a deeper understanding of xyz, they're reading the way other people might watch tv shows. and honestly who cares if they don't remember the book a month later ? if they enjoyed it at the time, i wouldn't call that a waste of time.

[@hambonefakenamington69]

a fantastic take, i admire you for writing this comment!

[@DaviMourao]

I believe his point, and a good point that could be made about that, is that the number of books read per week/month/year is turning into a gamified sort of thing, more about showing off your "score" rather than what you took from it. "Look, I read while I'm walking my dog", "I read as soon as I wake up", "I listen to Audible at 3x speed while I'm showering". Is this right or wrong? To each his own. Of course, if you are a youtuber with a productivity channel or something, you probably don't want to say "I read 8 books in 2019", but this race to finish a book is certainly not the norm... And could even scare away people who are trying to get into the habit of reading/read more.

[@arkain.arkive]

Yes! Another point to consider is that the quantity vlogger also promotes books, often to younger audiences. It is a wonderful community that promotes reading. If those channels get more people reading and increase sales for more authors, how is that a bad thing?

[@jhan168]

Preach! This is true. I read so much fiction books. I read so fast especially the past few months. It's my escape from this not good reality. It makes me happy. I shouldn't be judged based on what makes me happy. I'm not hurting anyone. I don't tell people how much much books I read each week. Mainly, because I only read fiction books. And some people don't even consider that as reading. And I don't want to be judged. I don't want to feel bad or sad for being happy. Being happy isn't a waste of time.

[@glever2025]

@@jhan168 I consider fiction as reading. You are doing amazingly!

[@cricket62200962]

Thought Aristotle could chime in a bit. Reminded me of this. “The fact that men use the language that flows from knowledge proves nothing; for even men under the influence of these passions utter scientific proofs and verses of Empedocles, and those who have just begun to learn a science can string together its phrases, but do not know it; for it has to become part of themselves, and that takes time; so that we must suppose that the use of language by men in an incontinent state means no more than its utterance by actors on the stage.”

[@juliocesarsalazargarcia6872]

Exactly!

[@thebookofbrenda]

I love how this video popped up in my recommended because I was just thinking about how frustrating it is lately that either the people around me barely read enough anymore, or read for the sake of reading but not to sit and really savor and ponder over what they've just read.

[@aLoUd3]

Damn! Never have the Youtobe algorithm rewarded me so much as when I found this. Love your content man. ❤️ Keep up the good work.

[@mysticfellow9843]

The "I've read 300 self-help books this past year, I think I know what I'm talking about" guy.

[@Ridiculisious]

I don’t understand what is wrong with educating yourself not being a burden to your entourage to be honest... Is it actually a thing where people like being a handicap to those around them or am I missing something ?

[@dragz888]

@@Ridiculisious what?

[@veroreads]

As soon as you said "I was using OneNote, BUT..." I thought "Mmh... I wonder if I could use my Notion as a commonplace book." And lo and behold! :P I wholeheartedly agree about the quality vs. quantity debate. I do believe that the books we read will influence and shape us, and stay with us regardless of if we read them with intention or not; but that's the main reason why in my opinion we should read intentionally and with critical thinking, because otherwise we will be forever be lead by other people's words instead of choosing and following our own path. This turned very philosophical very quickly, I couldn't manage one practical thought if my life depended on it! XD In any case, I'm very thankful for the suggestion of using Notion as a commonplace book; I always forced myself to use a physical booklet, but I would constantly start one and abandon it because it felt to much to write entire paragraphs of quotes. Hopefully a digital method will help me stick to it!

[@nusaibahslife]

My favourite R. C. Waldun quote: "You're brain is a very stupid machine" 3:39

[@jenna2431]

And evidently, yours missed punctuation. ("You're = "You are", "Your" possessive case.)

[@nusaibahslife]

@@jenna2431 nice catch 😃

[@allebasaiadartse3951]

My first book was "Little Women" by Luisa May Alcott, this thanks to my mom trying to introduce me and my brother to the “literature life”, but It really didn't stick with me... That is until I read "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, there, right there is when I got to really know how does it feel to be blown away by a book! But now I actually prefer more of a “Carrie” from Stephen King, kind of book. hahahaha

[@erik-sr9bj]

Yeah Stephen King is the best. Have you ever read his short stories?

[@mereanacherise4081]

Making note of the thoughts you have while reading is so important for future recall. I always write all my reflections in a journal once I finish reading a book and it’s so interesting to go back to these entries later on and see how my views on the story have changed over time

[@madisondavidson9604]

This made me so much better as a slow reader. Getting into the literature community, reading feels like a competition that I was loosing because it took time for me to read a book and really enjoy it!

[@freebeerishere]

I’ve had notion sitting on my home screen for ages because I don’t know how to use it. But now that you’re praising it I might just have to have another crack... Also yes, common place books are amazing. Even if I just use it to write silly thoughts or practice calligraphy.

[@melaniewolf7244]

Love everything about this. You're a jewel of the next generation! Wish I'd had teachers recommend a commonplace book when I was growing up, seems like a treasure to have and pass on.

[@ginkgoleif]

I would actually really like to see how you structured your commonplace book. Could you do a video on that? Thanks

[@missale429]

I would also love to see that!

[@u.27]

I would love that

[@spelcheak]

Very helpful, was driving me mad for months trying to find more about this. Pretty much impossible to search for without already knowing exactly what you're trying to find. Thank you.

[@nysevicente2913]

I like to have a balance. Having a goal over how many books I want to read is important as I do feel like I get more from each book when I read more books funnily enough, as I make different connections and patterns but also appreciate the differences between different forms of literature. Saying that, as I want to reflect on each book I read, I don't choose a goal so high where I develop 'second-degree ignorance'. I especially take notes for non-fiction books and take more time to digest those. But hey, one size does not fit all! Great video-and this editing is lit :)

[@shruthiswaminathan2907]

Well put!

[@MarthaPennington88]

Thank you for this video. It pointed me to a tool I was already using for my own writing. I didn’t even consider using it as a note taking tool for my book journey.

[@nickmurray9193]

I started a commonplace book two months ago. It has truly been life-changing. I was having trouble coming up with blog post ideas, now I have ideas that pop up from my use of the commonplace book. I have resources stored for my classes, so when I want to cite a book I can do it without having to dig through the books again to find what I’m looking for. I’ve been trying to convince others to do this, but I have failed. I will send them this video and hopefully change their minds 😊

[@nihelofagirl]

Ugh commonplace books are such a lost art- love that you are promoting it!!

[@huecosenvezdeojos]

oficially my favorite yt channel

[@KidxVicious]

I don't think you ever actually explained what a "Commonplace Book" is. From context, it seems to refer to whatever centralized system you have in place to take down all the notes from whatever you're reading. This could be an actual notebook, or a notes app. Is that right?

[@authenticallyain8465]

3:25 also he has a video on how to start one. I would say it can be typed up, but your brain remembers better when writing

[@amaaanshaikh5332]

He made a video on it

[@kittymachine3798]

It would've been helpful if he had given us a quick intro to what he meant by Commonplace Book, with a mention of his more in depth video.

[@runneypo]

@@authenticallyain8465 could probably use some zettelkasten software to make a commonplace book

[@ambience6769]

Same, I’ve been feeling so bad, so slow so behind for not reading as much as people do. My collection isn’t as nice as theirs, I’ve been addicted to collecting more important books, so have a feeling of being intelligence. But now I kinda feeling a bit calmer and always have to whisper to myself, it’s okay, it’s not the quantity that’s matter. It’s how you become, the books you’ve read have changed you subconsciously. You’re never the same. But life goes on, learning is for eternity, no rush, no nothing, just art, just reading for the sake of it. I’ll read whatever I like, whatever I love ❤️. Thanks bud!

[@mavywavy801]

I read 146 books this year despite my goal being 12, I used two and a half notebooks and document what I’ve read with new words I’ve never saw before, new places I’ve never heard of and even wrote my own theories of what will happen in those books and it was pretty fun thing to do.

[@Mar-qx8og]

dude thank you!!! I'm so tired of seeing everyone bragging about reading a lot and not even enjoying it

[@anushkasingh1712]

Honestly, one of the best of KZbin's Recommendations I've ever got!😊

[@authenticallyain8465]

I'm obsessed with your videos tbh, please bless us with all your ideas 🥺

[@Luke-cp2jz]

In split between this video. I think reading critically takes the joy out of reading for fun or as a hobby. When I read fiction, I’m reading it to take my mind off stress and such, not to make it into a job and analysis, that’s why I hated assigned reading in high school, because it made reading a job rather than a relaxing pastime. I agree, critically reading is important to understand a book, having its impact be so much deeper, being able to connect it to life and to history and to the present. One of the reasons I love the Scarlet Letter so much is that it did make me think. I tied that book between history, the present, the future, to myself, to my religion, etc, but I think doing the same critical analysis of a horror book or a young adult novel or a Hunter S. Thompson book would suck me out of the book and make me not enjoy it. I think this applies to certain books. On one hand, if I read the Scarlet Letter without critically reading it, I would be bored and find it unenjoyable, but if I read every Stephen King book and took notes and annotated and connected it between everything I wouldn’t find much joy in his work. Now obviously, I do reflect on every book I read, look for major themes and think about it for a few days after reading, but no way can I critically thinks and analyze each book deeply and find the same enjoyment as I did doing it with Gatsby or Of Mice and Men vs doing it with Carrie or The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

[@silvasilvasilva]

People read for different reasons, I guess. The video is aimed at those who want to go deeper, as the title says. Whoever is happy doing anything else can go on doing exactly that.

[@Luke-cp2jz]

@@silvasilvasilva Yes, anyone can read how they want. Im totally for that. I just hear lots of people, especially high school students, resent reading because of the types of things teachers make them do, like the things in this video. Not only phones are taking away from reading, but school, where you are expected to start reading, does little if nothing to encourage kids to read because they make it work instead of what it is, which is an enjoyable hobby. You can have fun and analyze a book for deeper substance, but when it is for a grade and there's a time limit and its a book from two hundred years ago, it makes reading less fun, and only students who seek out books outside of class assigned books are the ones that keep reading. Thats what I was trying to get at. But yes, if people can analyze every book they read and take notes AND enjoy it, good on them, they can do something I can't. But I think this way of thinking, especially for a student, or someone who is JUST getting into reading shouldn't follow this because it can be hard for you to get into reading if you start out making it a job

[@maryoncoffee]

Hey, great video! I'm so glad I stumbled on this channel, I just recently found out that there's a "book community" on KZbin (the so called booktube). I was really happy with the idea that there was a platform with people who shared my greatest passion(especially because my friends rarely read). But then I realized that on most channels/videos the purpose of reading is more about the amount of books, than for self growth or discovery new ways of thinking/ideas etc. Yes, you can read 20 book per month, and that's great, but if you're reading really great, amazing, make-you-question-the-whole-world authors you are definitely not reading ten or more books in one month (1 these are dense to read sometimes, 2 you need to stop and appreciate and think about all the ideas that were brought to you by the author, otherwise you just read a bunch of words with no intrinsic meaning). Both reading tastes(?) are valid, but I just don't relate to the majority of the content currently on KZbin. So, to to find a channel that is focused on quality over quantity is really great and enthusiastic (maybe there are more but the KZbin algorithm isn't collaborating with me). I'm sorry for the rambling and possibly bad English, this is just meant to be a very excited apretiation post.

[@richardmoore6078]

I've tried using Notion, but I find I'm more of a gardener than an architect, when it comes to my book notes. So I use Roam Research. Being able to link a concept through various different notes & paragraphs is a game changer for me. I use it everyday. And at the moment, I'm also considering starting up a commonplace book, for the nuggets & key takeaways from podcasts, books, seminars & KZbin vids, that really resonate with me.

[@TheStrategicKeys]

Love this. I learned about commonplace books at the end of last year. Issued a challenge to all my subscribers and viewers to keep one and try to put at least one note card (using the Robert Greene/Ryan Holiday method) each day. Trying to get the most out of your reading each and every day. Love what your teaching here. New subscriber!

[@maymadison3620]

So glad to have stumbled on your channel !

[@Lifeeewithsabrina]

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!! blessings x

[@yeobo]

I started reading a few books recently most spiritual so it’s a lot of reflecting and thinking. i always thought it was dumb to read a bunch of books and not even recall what you’ve seriously learned from it. i’ve always taken pictures or quotes of paragraphs that stood out to me or that i wanted to analyze as well as cut down how many books im reading at the time to help with the impact and understanding ive gotten from the book, notion seems amazing way better than pictures and random sentences in my notes app. loved the video and how thorough it was, also you are very pretty🥺

[@TheYoungFilmmaker]

Notion is a powerhouse!

[@danigotch123]

I don’t love the gatekeeping when it comes to reading. Plenty of people like myself enjoy both annotating books and still can get through close to 100 books per year. It’s what you spend your time on. It is possible to research themes of books and reflect on how they make you feel, sit with it, and move on and still accomplish a large quantity of books read. You can’t say for sure every person who reads a large quantity is not reflecting on how the book impacts them or their views. Also take into account reading a really great, thought provoking book inspires one to read more to gain that experience once again.

[@silvasilvasilva]

I don't think it has to do with gatekeeping. It's just a matter of how much time you spend reading x how much you get read. If you read and take notes, it naturally takes longer, which is an issue when you're racing to get to the next book. If you can deep read 100 books a year, you'd certainly do more than that if you were reading casually.

[@richarddewitt3457]

Thank you for making these videos. They have really sparked my interest and prompted me to read, write, and learn on a deeper level.

[@kpbergey]

Very refreshing, downloaded notion & newsletter. Look forward to following you. Good luck on your vlog journey.

[@harrison325]

Strange how I got this video recommended for me today. While I was reading this morning I came to the realization that I needed organization in my thoughts. This video encapsulated everything I was wanting to know. Great video, definitely earned a new subscriber.

[@ellelle]

You don't have to choose between quality and quantity. Some people do, some people don't. That being said, I usually take more time on non-fiction but fiction I speed through and don't look back.

[@shiprapassi2969]

I have been looking for a perfect channel for my academia aesthetic. I accidentally landed here and this is my favorite channel already. Thank you :)

[@chx7977]

So agree with you on quality over quantity. Sometimes I use books and their professional insights to delve deeper into understanding my own experiences. Sometimes it's vice versa, the knowledge collected aids the experience I have in life. No matter what though, they enrich my emotional and mental maturity.

[@carolynso8134]

Dude yes!! Taking notes while reading and recording your thoughts is awesome

[@edgymarshmellow8493]

I recently started keeping a commonplace book for myself to have easy access to stuff I google all the time. I also add stuff I read in the same field that I would like to remember or ask myself questions on. It’s helped a ton

[@indigo92099]

Very inspiring idea! I will definitely try this out from now on. I'd also be really interested in a video about how to generate ideas to “get thinking“ and find critical thoughts for books. Maybe some kind of key questions etc. or maybe your process when reading books, any pattern you find when thinking about your reading matter. :)

[@TheDasilva1]

When you talked about the interconnection between books, it reminded me of Luhmann and the Zettelkasten method. Highly recommended, as it will gradually increase the underlying concepts between many books and what they have in common (or not). Notion is great, but it's sluggish in my laptop. Obsidian, Zettler and RemNote are good alternatives too. But, indeed, Notion has a wider variety of features.

[@krishnathapa177]

You are great booktube I was looking for indeed. Namaste from Kathmandu Nepal

[@fena_reti]

Finally someone appreciating quality over quantity. I feel so much pressure to read book after book after book, while all I want is to take a small break to reflect upon each book. This notetsking system seems intresting I might have to try it out!

[@Daisy-oe6pt]

I am absolutely in love with your channel. Thank you for your hard work!

[@Nikita-kl4fq]

Wow! I never thought of reading this way, this is honestly so helpful for better understanding of what we are actually reading from books

[@FxnkyFresko]

I already know how to use this system; the most critical is consistency!

[@Ridiculisious]

Some people in the comments section are confused. I think the main idea here is just to build your opinion on something. You read and give your opinion. nobody is asking to analyze the books, enjoy it and build your opinion. I think it is a good thing because you exercise yourself to critical thinking and won’t believe everything you see and read. Just chill. Read and enjoy. If you don’t want to note what you were reading it is okay, you do you. Don’t feel guilty about it. I read fanfictions when I am bored and I don’t necessarily write about it unless if the fanfiction made me think. You don’t always have the will to write about and it is okay don’t worry

[@SnehaSrik]

This was such a fantastic video, I even felt in competition with my past self when it came to reading but it does seem odd to compare the reading of my 19 year old self to my 11 year old self - really insightful conversation :) you've got a new subscriber

[@DrawingsFromAnna]

Ooo I love that Alexander Pope quote!

[@OhioWolf94]

My favorite computer organization program I use is evernote, it isn't over complicated and I like the layout :)

[@nawrastS]

YOU ARE AMAZING. THANK YOU

[@thesp8145]

Are you from Melbourne? Wasn't aware that you lived in Australia. Cool!

[@mendyviola]

Having been around for a few decades, I will advocate an analog method. Things that I noted in the 90’s electronically are lost due to format/electronic storage standard changes over the decades. My handwritten notebooks aren’t reliant on the current day’s technology.

[@RJG253]

I read somewhere Lincoln re-read the same dozen books over and over again in his youth.

[@JunLim_]

Yow I just realized about the imlortance of quality over quantity. It takes me a couple of weeks to finish a 100-paged book mainly because I take notes of its important details so I wont forget it. I spent my whole life believin I was a slow reader. Thanks for this vid

[@michelapaz4451]

I even keep a commonplace book exclusive for KZbin videos about philosophy, self-improvement stuff, and literature, which is separate from my commonplace book version, and yeah, my KZbin commonplace book pages have been filled in with your videos.

[@meninaviolet]

Loved this video! This is what I did for my dissertation and it is true that it leads you to a much deeper reading! I also take notes of research ideas, make connections to other texts, etc. The only thing is that I don't have a system for taking the notes. I use Word documents, notebooks, and a note app on my cell. I will try the method you suggested. This is a really great video!

[@ChayePhilosophy]

This was absolutely important for me to see. Thank you for making this video. I hope that you get the success and attention that you deserve.

[@rainepanda]

This concept makes sooo much sense. This year I made the goal to read in place of using social media and even though I've read 30 books so far this year I don't feel like I absorbed or learned nearly as much as I should have from reading so much. My goal is to read less and study more! No problem with books for entertainment but not all books should be read just for entertainment or shallow learning.

[@reeya6858]

Concept of this video is amazing, for the fact that it has given the compete freedom to our choices of books, our thoughts( understanding) and also to expand our knowledge in the way we want! Thanks :)

[@angelagioia5211]

I actually keep a "readings" journal where I take notes of books I'm reading with page numbers, quotes and illustrations. I think that if people read 100 books a year it really depends on what they're reading. If they're reading 'fluff' then it probably doesn't matter that they don't remember what they've read.

[@QNiki]

This really gave me a new perspective on understanding books and literature. The first step for me would be getting myself to read more in my day to day though lol

[@Fullbatteri]

20 is my yearly goal, just so I don’t get lazy (because I do!) usually, I’ll naturally hit that mark, and if I go beyond 20... cool, if not, that’s perfect too, as long every read was worth it. Read slow, learn, enjoy, talk about it, re read if necessary, take notes, put on marks, take photos, whatever, I also try not to feel guilty if I forget a mark I made. Great video by the way! I’m subscribing!

[@hanawana]

I don't know about notion but I love your passion

[@Demi_God423]

Love your channel and your videos.

[@DaviMourao]

Great video. It's "easy" to "read 100 books per year". Especially when you see things such as people "reading" while cooking, brushing their teeth and so on. Sure, you're moving the pages, but are you really absorving anything? Theres also counting what they listened on Audible as a book read, which I personally don't think it's the same thing, but let's not go there. Now, to really comprehend a book and be able to explain it in your own words, instead of just repeating the quotes and the book description, it's something else entirely. I started making my own summarization of the books (used to do it on Evernote, but right now I'm torn between using Roam or Obsidian) a while ago and altough I'm reading less books in a pure numberical way of seeing this, I'm learning way more.

[@idek7438]

Audiobooks absolutely count as reading. I hate to break it to you but the words you are absorbing are the same whether you read them with your own two eyes or have them read to you. And many people cannot read books for themselves and have to rely on audiobooks. Not just blind people but also people with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. To say they're not actually reading them and it doesn't count is quite offensive and comes off as pretentious.

[@Nourahmedhs]

Your channel is brilliant and i think it’ll go viral in no time!!!! Keep going I love your videos.

[@C_Kava]

TRUTH, i used to stress about quantity but understanding is where its at

[@Joe-ol5bq]

Only a matter of time before this channel blows up. Feeling like im on the cunning edge just witnessing RC Waldun's rise..... !

[@annakat03]

YEESSSS So happy to find out about this channel AND find out you use Notion too!!! Love it.

[@imnobodywhoareyouu]

Dude, I started reading as an adult (is kinda funny, I had a very boring job and I started reading epubs on the computer to pass time) and I read like 24 books in a year. Always saw that people who says they read a book a week and I thought that I was kinda dumb because I would never be able to read comprehend and digest so many books and so many information. Thanks for the video the channel is so cool. I just subscribed.

[@idek7438]

Just because you wouldn't be able to do it it doesn't mean nobody is able to lmao ever thought you just might be a bit thick if you can't fully digest a book in a week?

[@arialdejeune5354]

I like your thinking and ideas. Thanks, I've subscribed.

[@amrithamoorthy7369]

Thank you so much, thank you so much, thank you so much, I fucking love you so much for making a video on this, I really don't understand why people don't get this , THANK YOU FOR VALIDATION

[@bemymeraki6698]

Through out my life, I have been reading a lot of books but after some months, I would just know that once I read and loved that certain book but all those smalll turns, reasons and words said in some lovely scenes would be vanished as always and I just missed and craved for a valid answer and system. I watched countless vidoes but nothing seemed effective but wao you are genius. Loved your video. I will use your tips from this moment on. Your new subscriber.

[@josiedelatorre7865]

hi r.c. waldun. just wanted to say i've been subscribed to you for awhile and i really enjoyed your channel! you're a huge inspiration on reading and writing for me!

[@BardTopher]

Found your channel through recommended. There's some great content on here! Excited to go through more of your videos

[@EricTian3]

Thanks for this video, R.C. - the pursuit of quantity is also a pet peeve of mine and your message deeply resonated. Looking forward to future videos!

[@mukundarora5138]

I always liked ,appreciate , encourage and followed those people who believe in quality over quantity in any field whether it's education , relationships, reading,even sleeping ( quality sound sleep) , books,.... We should encourage young minds to follow quantity but to prioritise quality.

[@MrDogyesiam]

Love your curtains!

[@225raphael]

Finally, a really good recommendation video! Thanks for that, buddy! I needed it!

[@mariadillon860]

Ha ha..... by your build up I knew you were going to say Notion!!😊😆. I keep a common place book on GoodNotes... as you said it is a game changer😊. I also use Anki for flash cards when there are things/concepts in my books that I wish to memorise. Really enjoyed the video content👌x