Silence Books

Category: Booknotes

Explore comprehensive booknotes and chapter summaries. Get the core ideas, profound themes, and key takeaways from the world’s most influential books.

  • The Hidden Wisdom of Fiction

    The Hidden Wisdom of Fiction

    The Hidden Wisdom of Fiction: Why Stories Transform Us More Than Self-Help Books

    In our productivity-obsessed world, we hunt for life hacks, bio-optimization techniques, and the perfect self-improvement formula. Bookstore shelves overflow with guides on habits, power dynamics, and resilience—each promising to transform complex wisdom into digestible bullet points. Yet perhaps we’re searching in the wrong place entirely.

    The profound wisdom we seek may not lie in neatly packaged lists, but within the immersive worlds of fiction. Stories can provide exponentially more transformative insight than non-fiction ever could, fundamentally changing how we absorb and apply life’s deepest truths.

    The Dilution Problem

    Most self-help books suffer from a critical flaw: they’re derivative works. Authors distill lessons from countless novels, biographies, and experiences, then repackage them into convenient summaries. While this approach seems efficient, it creates a devastating problem.

    When you compress the depth and richness of ten novels’ worth of wisdom into 100 pages, you inevitably dilute its meaning and impact. The profundity gets lost in translation, washing over readers like a shallow wave instead of immersing them in a deep ocean of transformative experience.

    The Bullet Point Trap

    Consider reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The author tells you that resilience is essential. You might highlight it, perhaps even take notes, then move on to the next habit. By the time you reach habit five, the first lesson has already begun fading from memory.

    When life inevitably presents a genuine challenge that tests your resilience, you'll likely fumble. The lesson simply didn’t stick—it’s incredibly difficult to embody abstract wisdom and apply it to the chaos of daily life.

    The Power of Lived Experience

    Now imagine reading The Count of Monte Cristo instead. This single 1,312-page story explores the very essence of resilience through lived experience. You don’t just read about resilience as a concept—you witness it through Edmond Dantès’ arduous journey.

    His profound trials, his unwavering determination, his moments of despair and triumph all sink deep into your consciousness as the story unfolds. You don’t merely learn about resilience; you live it alongside him. The emotional investment becomes total.

    When life throws you a curveball, you’re more likely to rise to the challenge. Edmond’s story becomes a personal touchstone, his struggles and triumphs serving as inspiration precisely when you need it most.

    Fiction’s Transformative Power

    This is fiction’s fundamental strength: its lessons don’t just inform you—they shape you. Stories mold readers like clay, leaving imprints far stronger than any bullet-pointed list ever could.

    History’s greatest minds, often too vulnerable to express their deepest truths directly, chose instead to channel their wisdom through fictional characters. This is why lessons from authors like Dickens or Dostoevsky resonate more powerfully than generic business advice ever could.

    The Right Approach to Reading

    How should you begin? The advice is counterintuitive: don’t seek out “great novels with life-changing wisdom.” Approaching fiction as a self-improvement project is counterproductive—you probably won’t enjoy the experience.

    Instead, let wisdom find you naturally. The most effective strategy is remarkably simple: read what genuinely interests you.👈

    Read what excites you. Read what embarrasses you. Read what confuses you. The genre doesn’t matter—just start reading. By following genuine curiosity, you’re far more likely to stick with it and, in the process, learn exponentially more about life than all the self-help books combined could ever teach you.

    When you read for pure enjoyment, the lessons adhere like nothing else can.

    Your Answers Already Exist

    Every answer you’re searching for already exists in fiction:

    • Courage? Discover it in To Kill a Mockingbird
    • Leadership insights? Explore Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
    • Understanding profound change? Immerse yourself in Les Misérables

    The Real Path to Wisdom

    Ultimately, a meaningful life isn’t about collecting wisdom like trading cards or completing self-help books like mandatory assignments. Life is about pursuing what genuinely excites us—what ignites our curiosity.

    The lessons we learn from stories we truly connect with become the ones we can carry and apply in our daily lives. They may not be numerous, but they prove impactful, ready to surface and serve us precisely when we need them most.

    In a world drowning in productivity hacks and optimization strategies, perhaps the most radical act is simply this: pick up a novel that intrigues you, and let the story work its quiet magic.

    WHAT I DIDNT LEARN FROM SELF HELP BOOKS
  • Key Points of Naval Ravikant

    Key Points of Naval Ravikant

    Key Points of Naval Ravikant: Books, Wisdom, and Quotes for a Wealthy Life

    Introduction

    In the noise of modern digital life, few voices resonate with the clarity and depth of Naval Ravikant. An entrepreneur, philosopher, and investor, Naval has become a guiding light for millions seeking not just financial independence, but a life of profound happiness and peace. He is best known for his thread on “How to Get Rich (without getting lucky)” and the subsequent book compiled by Eric Jorgenson, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant.

    Naval’s philosophy is a unique blend of capitalism and Buddhism—a roadmap for mastering the material world while maintaining spiritual equilibrium. He challenges us to rethink how we earn, how we learn, and how we live. This article delves deep into the key points of Naval Ravikant’s teachings, explores the books that shaped him, and analyzes the quotes that have become mantras for a new generation of thinkers.

    Whether you are looking to build specific knowledge, understand leverage, or simply find a way to be happier today than you were yesterday, Naval’s wisdom offers a practical toolkit. Let’s explore the architecture of a wealthy and happy life according to Naval Ravikant.

    The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Modern Manual

    The Almanack of Naval Ravikant is not a book written by Naval himself, but a curation of his tweets, podcasts, and essays, brilliantly compiled by Eric Jorgenson. It organizes his scattered thoughts into a cohesive guide to wealth and happiness. The beauty of the book lies in its density; there is no fluff, only distinct, actionable insights.

    The book is divided fundamentally into two parts: Wealth and Happiness. This structure itself is a lesson—that solving the money problem is a necessary step for many to clear the mental space required for the pursuit of happiness, though the two pursuits are distinct skills.

    Part I: Wealth

    Naval resets the definition of wealth. It is not merely having money; it is having assets that earn while you sleep. Wealth is the factory, the robot, the code, the investment—money is just the medium of transfer. He argues that getting rich is not about luck; it is a skill that can be learned and repeated.

    Part II: Happiness

    Contrary to the popular belief that happiness is a trait you are born with or a destination you reach, Naval defines happiness as a skill. It is a choice you make and a set of habits you cultivate. It is the absence of desire, the state of being content with what is, rather than yearning for what is not.

    Key Point 1: Specific Knowledge

    One of Naval’s most powerful concepts is “Specific Knowledge.” This is knowledge that you cannot be trained for. If society can train you, it can replace you. If you can be replaced, you are a commodity, and commodities are paid the minimum necessary wage.

    Specific knowledge is found by pursuing your genuine curiosity and passion rather than whatever is hot right now. It often feels like play to you, but looks like work to others. It is usually on the edge of technology or art, and it is highly creative. Because it is unique to you, no one can compete with you on it. As Naval famously says, “Escape competition through authenticity.”

    Building specific knowledge requires you to lean into your natural obsessions. Are you naturally good at organizing? At coding? At understanding people? Double down on these traits. The internet allows you to scale this specific knowledge to a global audience.

    Key Point 2: The Three Forms of Leverage

    To get rich, you need leverage. Specific knowledge applied with leverage is the formula for massive wealth. Naval identifies three forms of leverage:

    • Labor: This is the oldest form of leverage—people working for you. It is high status but messy and difficult to manage. Naval is generally dismissive of this unless absolutely necessary.
    • Capital: Money. This is the dominant form of leverage in the 20th century. If you have money, you can invest it to make more money. It scales very well but requires initial capital to start.
    • Code and Media: This is the leverage of the new rich. It includes software, books, blogs, videos, and podcasts. It is “permissionless leverage.” You do not need anyone’s permission to write a book or code an app. It costs almost nothing to replicate. You build it once, and it works for you while you sleep.

    Naval urges us to focus on Code and Media. If you can’t code, write books, create blogs, or record videos. Build a reputation and an audience that trusts you.

    Key Point 3: Happiness is a Choice

    Naval treats happiness as a default state that we cloud with our desires and judgments. He often quotes Confucius: “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.”

    A core tenet of his happiness philosophy is the management of desire. “Desire is a contract that you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.” By constantly wanting things—a better car, a different job, a new partner—we are perpetually in a state of lack. Happiness comes from dropping these contracts.

    He advocates for meditation, not necessarily in a religious sense, but as a practice of observing one’s thoughts without judgment. By watching your mind, you realize that you are not your thoughts, and you can choose which ones to engage with. He suggests that peace is happiness at rest, and happiness is peace in motion.

    Key Point 4: The Art of Decision Making

    Naval is a master of mental models. He believes that wisdom is knowing the long-term consequences of your actions. A few of his heuristics for decision making include:

    • The Long Term Game: “Play long-term games with long-term people.” All returns in life, whether in wealth, relationships, or knowledge, come from compound interest.
    • The Difficult Choice: “If you have a hard decision to make, and you’re split 50/50, take the path that is more painful in the short term.” The concept is that the harder path usually leads to better long-term growth (Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life).
    • Inversion: Instead of trying to be smart, try not to be stupid. Avoid the obvious pitfalls like addiction, jealousy, and anger.

    Naval Ravikant’s Recommended Reading List

    Naval is a voracious reader who reads to satisfy his curiosity, not to finish books. He believes that reading is the ultimate meta-skill that can be traded for anything else. Here are some of the books he frequently recommends:

    • Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari: For understanding the history of our species and the fictions that bind us.
    • The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch: A transformative book on the power of knowledge and explanations.
    • Skin in the Game by Nassim Nicholas Taleb: Understanding asymmetry in risk and reward.
    • The Sovereign Individual by James Dale Davidson: A prophetic book about the digital age and the decline of the nation-state.
    • Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse: A beautiful novel about the search for self and enlightenment.
    • Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charlie Munger: Wisdom on mental models and investing from Warren Buffett’s partner.
    • Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: Understanding the biases of the human mind.

    Naval suggests that reading the foundational books (science, math, philosophy) is better than reading the “new” books. The old books have stood the test of time (the Lindy Effect).

    10 Transformations Quotes by Naval Ravikant

    Naval’s tweets are modern proverbs. Here are ten that encompass his philosophy:

    1. “Play long-term games with long-term people.”
    2. “Specific knowledge is found by pursuing your genuine curiosity and passion rather than whatever is hot right now.”
    3. “Escape competition through authenticity.”
    4. “Earn with your mind, not your time.”
    5. “Impatience with actions, patience with results.”
    6. “A distinct self is an illusion. It limits you. It implies you have a fixed personality.”
    7. “Meditation is intermittent fasting for the mind.”
    8. “Clarity of mind is power.”
    9. “Work as hard as you can. Even though who you work with and what you work on are more important than how hard you work.”
    10. “The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.”

    How to Apply Naval’s Wisdom in 2026

    As we navigate the complexities of 2026, Naval’s advice on “permissionless leverage” is more relevant than ever. The rise of AI tools allows individuals to create code and media at an unprecedented scale. Specific knowledge is the only defense against AI; if a machine can learn it quickly, it’s not specific enough.

    Prioritizing mental health and happiness is also crucial in an increasingly distracted world. The ability to unplug, to sit in silence, and to control one’s reaction to external events is a superpower. We must curate our information diet as carefully as our food diet, avoiding the junk food of outrage news and social media envy.

    Conclusion

    Naval Ravikant offers a comprehensive philosophy for the modern age. He does not ask us to renounce the world, but to master it. By building specific knowledge, leveraging technology, and cultivating a peaceful mind, we can achieve true freedom. His message is one of agency: you have the power to change your financial trajectory and your internal state.

    The books he reads and the quotes he shares are breadcrumbs on a path he has walked. They invite us to question our assumptions, to value our time, and to realize that we are already enough. In the end, the goal is not just to be rich, but to be free.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. What is Naval Ravikant famous for?

    Naval is famous for being the founder of AngelList and for his profound insights on wealth creation and happiness, shared via Twitter and podcasts. He is an angel investor in companies like Uber, Twitter, and Yammer.

    2. Did Naval Ravikant write a book?

    No, Naval has not written a book himself. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant was compiled and edited by Eric Jorgenson with Naval’s permission. It collects his wisdom from various sources into one volume.

    3. What does Naval mean by “Wealth”?

    Naval distinguishes wealth from money. Wealth is having assets that earn while you sleep (businesses, investments, potential), whereas money is just how we transfer time and wealth. He focuses on building assets.

    4. How does Naval define happiness?

    He defines happiness as the absence of desire. It is a state of peace and contentment that comes when you stop yearning for things to be different than they are. He views it as a skill that can be practiced.

    5. What is the best way to start learning Naval’s philosophy?

    The best start is reading The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, which is available for free online. You can also listen to his podcast episodes, particularly his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience or The Tim Ferriss Show.

    The Intersection of Physics and Philosophy

    One of the most fascinating aspects of Naval’s thinking is how he applies principles of physics to life. He often speaks about the concept of ‘explanation’ from David Deutsch. Understanding the fundamental reality of how things work allows you to manipulate them. He applies this to wealth: wealth creation is a set of inputs and outputs. If you understand the equation, you can solve it. He implies that most people are operating on ‘folk physics’ when it comes to money—believing in luck or lottery tickets—rather than understanding the mechanics of value creation.

    The Role of Solitude

    In a hyper-connected world, Naval champions solitude. He states, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone,” quoting Pascal. Solitude is where you process your thoughts, where you debug your own mind. It is in the quiet moments that you can observe the “monkey mind” chattering away and begin to tame it. Without solitude, you are merely reacting to the external program; with solitude, you can begin to write your own.

    Continuous Learning as a Lifestyle

    Finally, the thread that ties all of Naval’s advice together is the commitment to being a lifelong learner. The modern world changes too fast for a static education to hold value (The half-life of a learned skill is dropping). The only way to survive and thrive is to be better at learning than everyone else. This means reading the basics, understanding first principles, and being willing to look like a beginner even when you are an expert in another field. It is this intellectual humility that opens the door to specific knowledge and, ultimately, to wisdom.

    Explore More:

  • Freida McFadden Books in Order

    Freida McFadden Books in Order

    Freida McFadden Books in Order: The Complete 2025 Guide

    If you have spent any time on “BookTok” or browsing the thriller section of your local bookstore lately, you have undoubtedly encountered the name Freida McFadden. A practicing physician specializing in brain injury, McFadden has turned her medical expertise into a superpower for writing some of the most grippy, twisty, and unputdownable psychological thrillers of the decade. Her ability to craft unreliable narrators and jaw-dropping endings has earned her the title of “The Queen of Twists.”

    However, with a proliferation of novels released over the last few years, knowing where to start can be daunting. Should you begin with her viral hit The Housemaid? Or dive into her earlier, darker humor works? This comprehensive guide provides the definitive list of Freida McFadden books in order, updated for 2025. Whether you are a completionist who wants to read chronologically or a casual reader looking for the best hits, this guide is your roadmap to her twisted literary universe.

    Who is Freida McFadden?

    Dr. Freida McFadden is a #1 Amazon and USA Today bestselling author. What makes her unique in the crowded thriller genre is her background in medicine. Many of her protagonists are medical professionals, and her plots often hinge on medical anomalies, hospital politics, or the psychological strain of healthcare work.

    This adds a layer of verisimilitude to her stories that pure fiction writers often struggle to achieve. She balances her busy medical practice with a prolific writing schedule, releasing multiple books a year, a pace that delights her ravenous fanbase.

    The Housemaid Series in Order

    This is the series that catapulted McFadden to global stardom. It follows Millie Calloway, a woman with a criminal past who takes a job as a live-in housekeeper, only to find herself in a house of horrors. These books should definitely be read in order to avoid spoilers.

    1. The Housemaid (2022)

    The book that started it all. Millie gets a job working for the wealthy Nina Winchester. But Nina is erratic, messing up the house just to watch Millie clean it. And Nina’s husband, Andrew, seems too perfect to be true. The twist in this book became a cultural phenomenon.

    2. The Housemaid’s Secret (2023)

    Millie is back, this time working for a rich tech mogul who refuses to let anyone into the guest bedroom. When Millie hears a woman crying from behind the locked door, her savior complex kicks in. But saving someone isn’t always as simple as unlocking a door.

    3. The Housemaid is Watching (2024)

    In this installment, the stakes are raised as we see Millie attempting to live a normal life with a family of her own. But the shadow of her past, and the nature of her “skills”, never truly leaves her. It explores the paranoia of suburbia where everyone is watching everyone.

    4. The Housemaid’s Legacy (2025)

    The latest addition to the saga, released earlier this year. Without giving away spoilers, this book brings Millie’s story full circle, confronting the consequences of the justice she has meted out over the years. It is a darker, more introspective look at the cost of being a vigilante.

    The Dr. Jane McGill Series

    Before she was a thriller queen, McFadden wrote medical humor. These books are lighter but still possess her signature wit.

    • 1. The Devil Wears Scrubs (2013): A hilarious, semi-autobiographical look at the grueling life of a medical intern.
    • 2. The Devil You Know (2017): Dr. Jane McGill returns, now a senior resident, dealing with new interns and old enemies.

    Standalone Psychological Thrillers

    This is where McFadden shines brightest. While these can be read in any order, reading them chronologically allows you to see the evolution of her writing style from medical dramas to intense psychological horror.

    Baby City (2015)

    A departure from her current style, focusing on the chaotic world of labor and delivery. More humor than horror.

    Brain Damage (2016)

    One of her first forays into darker themes. A skin specialist discovers a pattern in her patients that points to something sinister.

    The Surrogate Mother (2018)

    Abby wants a baby but can’t have one. She hires a surrogate, but the young woman she chooses seems to want more than just the money, she wants Abby’s life.

    The Ex (2019)

    Cassie is dating the perfect guy, Joel. But Joel’s ex-girlfriend isn’t letting go. A classic stalker thriller with a signature McFadden flip.

    The Perfect Son (2019)

    Mrs. Cass has the perfect family, until her high school senior son is accused of a brutal crime. Is he a monster, or is she blinded by motherly love?

    The Wife Upstairs (2020)

    A modern retelling of Jane Eyre (not to be confused with Rachel Hawkins’ book of the same name). It updates the gothic classic with modern twists.

    One by One (2020)

    A group of friends goes on a trip to a remote cabin. They get lost in the woods. Then they start dying. A classic survival thriller.

    Want to Know a Secret? (2021)

    A high school drama meets murder mystery. It explores the pressure of social media and the secrets suburban families keep.

    The Locked Door (2021)

    Nora’s father is a serial killer. She has spent her life trying to be nothing like him. But when her patients start dying in the same way her father’s victims did, she becomes the prime suspect.

    Do Not Disturb (2021)

    Quinn runs away from her life and ends up at the jagged, creepy Baxter Motel. The Bates Motel vibes are strong here, but the ending is pure McFadden.

    The Inmate (2022)

    Brooke takes a job as a nurse practitioner at a maximum-security prison. Her high school boyfriend, who tried to kill her, is an inmate there. What could go wrong?

    Never Lie (2022)

    Newllweds Tricia and Ethan are house hunting. They get trapped in a snowstorm in the massive estate of a vanished psychiatrist. Tricia starts listening to the doctor’s patient tapes… and uncovers a terrifying truth.

    Ward D (2023)

    Medical student Amy has to do her rotation on the psychiatric ward. But she has a secret: she spent the night there as a patient years ago. And the locked unit is horrifying at night.

    The Teacher (2024)

    Eve creates a new life for herself, but working at a high school brings her into the orbit of a dangerous student and a handsome colleague. A tale of obsession and revenge.

    The Crash (2025)

    Released in Spring 2025, this novel centers on a woman who wakes up from a car accident with amnesia, only to realize her husband might be the one who caused it. It has been praised for its claustrophobic atmosphere.

    Analysis: The “McFadden Formula”

    Why are these books so addictive? McFadden has mastered a specific formula. She typically uses dual points of view (POV) or a “Before/After” timeline structure. This allows her to control the flow of information perfectly. You think you know the hero and the villain, and then, at the 60% mark, she flips the perspective, and the victim becomes the perpetrator (or vice versa).

    Her prose is accessible and fast-paced. She doesn’t get bogged down in overly flowery descriptions. The focus is always on the plot and the immediate tension. This makes her books perfect “palate cleansers” between dense literary fiction reads. However, underneath the popcorn-thriller surface, she often tackles themes of domestic abuse, gaslighting, and the way society dismisses women’s intuition.

    Read Her Books!

    Whether you start with The Housemaid or pick up her latest 2025 release, reading Freida McFadden books in order is a journey into the darker corners of the human psyche. She challenges us to look closely at the people we trust, our spouses, our doctors, our housekeepers, and ask: Do I really know you?

    With her prolific output, there is always a new nightmare waiting on the shelf. So, lock your doors, turn on all the lights, and prepare to be up all night.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. What is the best Freida McFadden book to start with?

    Most readers recommend starting with The Housemaid. It is her most iconic work and gives you a perfect taste of her twisty style. If you prefer a standalone, The Locked Door is an excellent entry point.

    2. Does Freida McFadden write under a pseudonym?

    No, Freida McFadden is her pen name; she uses it to separate her writing career from her professional life as a practicing physician.

    3. Are the books connected?

    Aside from The Housemaid series and the Dr. Jane McGill series, her novels are standalones. However, eagle eyed readers might spot occasional Easter eggs referencing characters or locations from other books.

    4. Is Freida McFadden suitable for Young Adult (YA) readers?

    Generally, no. Her books are categorized as Adult Thrillers. They often contain mature themes, violence, and strong language. Want to Know a Secret? features high schoolers but deals with very adult situations.

    WHAT I DIDN’T LEARN FROM SELF BOOKS
  • Why I Abandoned Audiobooks

    Why I Abandoned Audiobooks

    Why I Abandoned Audiobooks: The Science of Reading vs. The Joy of Paper

    Everyone seems to be listening to a book these days. In traffic, at the gym, while doing the dishes. The promise is tempting: “read” more books in less time. I tried it. I really did. But after several frustrated attempts and realizing I could barely remember the main character’s name two days later, I decided to investigate.

    It’s not just stubbornness or nostalgia. There is a scientific and sensory reason why I (and perhaps you) don’t like audiobooks. Below, I explain the three main reasons that made me go back exclusively to paper.

    morty talking alone

    The Lack of “Tangibility”: The Book as a Physical Trophy

    The first point is purely sensory, but essential. Audiobooks are digital files; they don’t exist in the physical world.

    • The sensory experience: When we read a physical book, we feel the weight, the smell of the paper, and the texture of the cover. Our brain creates a “geography” of the book (e.g., “that sentence was on the bottom right of the page, about halfway through the book”).
    • The sense of progress: Watching a bookmark physically advance gives a dopamine hit that a digital progress bar simply cannot replicate.
    • The book as identity: Having a full bookshelf isn’t just decoration; it’s an external manifestation of your accumulated knowledge. An MP3 file doesn’t carry the emotional weight of a battered book you read on an unforgettable trip.

    Content Retention is Proven to be Lower (Science Explains)

    This is the crucial point. Listening is a passive activity; reading is active. When you listen to an audiobook, the flow continues even if your mind wanders. In reading, if you lose focus, the reading stops.

    Studies indicate that for complex narratives or studying, visual trumps auditory.

    Relevant Data: A study conducted at the University of Waterloo compared mind wandering during silent reading versus listening. The study suggested that the mind tends to wander more during listening, and the retrieval of factual details is often lower in audio formats compared to focused reading, especially in dense texts.

    Memory Retention Comparison (Estimate based on cognitive studies):

    Content TypeRetention (Physical Reading)Retention (Audiobook)
    Light FictionHigh (90%)Medium-High (85%)
    Non-Fiction / TechnicalVery High (95%)Low (60%)
    Specific DetailsHighLow

    Note: Physical reading allows for “ocular regression” (quickly going back to re-read a confusing sentence), something that in audio breaks the rhythm and is cumbersome.

    The Pen is Mightier than the “Play” Button: The Power of Note-Taking

    I don’t like audiobooks because they prevent me from conversing with the author.

    • Marginalia: Highlighting, underlining, and writing in the margins forces your brain to synthesize information instantly.
    • Kinesthetic Memory: The act of holding a pen and writing reinforces motor memory.
    • Impossibility in Audio: Trying to pause an audiobook, unlock your phone, and type a note in an app completely breaks the immersion and the flow of learning. On paper, it’s a fluid, one-second movement.

    Give Paper a Chance (and Second-Hand Bookstores!)

    If you feel like you aren’t absorbing what you “read” with your ears, don’t feel guilty. Your brain biology prefers visuals for deep learning.

    My recommendation: Turn off the headphones. Go to a second-hand bookstore (a sebo) in your city or use book swap sites.

    1. Used Books: They have history. You might find notes from a previous owner that enrich your reading.
    2. Sustainability: Buying used is recycling knowledge.
    3. Cost-benefit: You pay a fraction of the price for a far superior retention experience.

    Reading is an act of resistance and focus in a noisy world. Don’t let audio replace the productive silence of reading.

    FAQ

    Here are answers to what most people search for on Google regarding this topic:

    1. Does listening to an audiobook count as reading?

    Yes, it counts as content consumption and entertainment. However, neurologically, the decoding process is different. For leisure, it’s valid; for deep study, visual reading is superior.

    2. Why do I fall asleep listening to audiobooks?

    Because listening is passive. The constant rhythm and lack of visual stimulus signal to the brain that it is time to relax, similar to listening to a lullaby or white noise.

    3. Which is faster: reading or listening?

    The average adult reading speed is 250-300 words per minute. Normal speech (Audiobook 1.0x) is about 150-160 words per minute. This means reading with your eyes is, on average, 2x faster than listening.

    4. Can I replace college textbooks with audiobooks?

    It is not recommended. Technical texts require constant re-reading of complex paragraphs and visualization of structure, which is very difficult to do with audio alone.

    5. What is better for memory retention?

    Physical reading combined with handwriting notes (the active reading system) is the champion method for long-term memory retention.

    6. Are audiobooks good for anything?

    Yes! They are excellent for biographies, comedy, and light fiction, or for “reading” at times when your hands and eyes are busy (driving, cooking), where the alternative would be reading nothing at all.

    References

    • Willingham, Daniel T. (Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia) – Articles on the cognitive difference between decoding audio and text.
    • University of Waterloo (Mind Wandering Studies) – Research indicating higher mind wandering in passive listening tasks compared to active reading.
    • Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. – “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard” (While focused on typing vs. writing, the principle applies to the passivity of audio vs. the activity of note-taking).
    • Audio Publishers Association – Data on narration speed vs. average visual reading speed.
    DOWNLOAD PDF BOOKS
  • How “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin Transformed My View on Art

    How “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin Transformed My View on Art

    The producer Rick Rubin
    The producer Rick Rubin

    The Main Teachings from the Book “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin

    What should you expect from this legendary figure? Here’s how Rick Rubin defined art in his book, The Creative Act.

    When you see the man in the photo, you probably wouldn’t guess that he:

    • Produced for Lady Gaga, Metallica, Linkin Park, and Johnny Cash.
    • Was a vegan for 20 years.
    • Doesn’t play any musical instruments.
    • Has a net worth of $300 million and prefers to walk barefoot.

    But this book isn’t about him. It’s about the ideas he conveys through his words. Rick Rubin himself states that he gets paid (and handsomely) for his ability to discern what is good and to help the artist find it within their own creative process.

    Regardless, I have never read anything quite like this book before. He managed to put into words his vision of what art is: how it occurs both within and around us, and how we can tap into that marvelous energy and transform it into… a finished Work.

    Cover of the creative act
    Cover of the creative act

    Here are a few of the lessons that I took away from the book.

    1. Your entire life is a form of self-expression.

    This is a powerful concept. If we stop to pay attention, we see the world is in constant motion. Flowers bloom, rain falls, the sun rises and sets, people go to work. Every day, we express ourselves in countless ways, often unconsciously.

    Therefore, everything you do—and even what you don’t do—is ultimately a message.

    2. Certain ideas have their own time to arrive, and they find a way to be expressed through us.

    Before starting this website, I thought about it for a long time. But I didn’t know where or how to release the ideas I had inside me. The internet can be a cruel place for new ideas; people often resist what isn’t obvious.

    However, I wanted to create something different. Something with my own identity. I didn’t want to copy anything or anyone. Eighteen months later, the idea finally came.

    3. The ability to look deeply is the root of creativity—to see beyond the mundane and grasp what might otherwise be invisible.

    Details are so fundamental they shouldn’t even be called “details.” The ability to see beauty, purpose, and meaning in things, people, and events is what makes us human.

    It’s vital for all of us to have time to do nothing—to embrace absolute idleness. We need that space to connect the dots within our minds.

    These were just a few of the teachings I absorbed from the book. I don’t want to list all my notes (I took 95 of them!). Instead, let’s change the angle…

    My Perspective on The Creative Act

    The creative act
    The creative act

    Act 1 – Comprehension

    First, I want to tell you that this book focuses heavily on how to feel. Talking about this is difficult. Feeling is subjective, rare, and unique.

    In this first part of the book, Rick teaches us to first understand this feeling we have within us. This purity, this voice, this desire to express ourselves to the world.

    You know that restlessness? That urge to shout to everyone that you have something meaningful to show them? Yes, that’s it!

    I spent the last six years of my life accumulating knowledge and wisdom because I wanted to express myself somehow and add value to people’s lives. But it had to be on my own terms, with my own identity.

    It took me eighteen months to finally do it. Why? Because I wasn’t ready. I had to learn to listen to myself, to that inner voice. I had to understand the bigger picture and what this voice was truly trying to tell me. The will to help was there. The will to act was there. But I was missing the “how” and “where.”

    • Writing
    • Audio
    • Video
    • An App
    • Drawing

    There are so many ways to express your art online. But what should you create? What could be relevant in someone’s life? How can I make a positive impact?

    I know… we all have this doubt.

    Rick Rubin teaches us to “let it flow.” And that is the easy-but-hard part.

    Why?

    There are millions of possibilities, but we have to make a choice. And it’s precisely at that moment of choice that… we freeze.

    We freeze because we think too much. What will people think? Will it be good enough? How many views or likes will my art get?

    To be completely honest with you: don’t worry about any of that. Set a bold goal. Be consistent and surrender to the process.

    I’ve been creating things for the internet for eighteen months now. I can tell you I’ve written over 500 articles and made over 1,000 social media posts.

    And you know what I learned? After a while, you have to stop caring so much about the numbers. Focus on your art.

    Create your art, polish it, improve it, refine it even more, and then show it to the world.

    I have been insulted, hated, and ridiculed for many posts I’ve made. I always treated everyone with politeness and never reacted. A simple, “You’re right,” solves everything.

    Just start, get better, and keep going.

    Act 2 – Action

    They will criticize you if you try. They will criticize you if you don’t. Since you’ll be criticized no matter what, you might as well try.

    What difference will it make? At least you’ve taken a step and added a brick to the wall. You’ll add another tomorrow, and the day after. Soon, your castle will stand tall, and your critics will either vanish or try to copy you.

    In this second part of the book, which I’ll call “Action,” Rick Rubin emphasizes that there is no magic formula or straight path.

    You will only know what to do (or think you know) after you begin. And that’s the beauty of life. So many people want ready-made formulas and miraculous strategies for their businesses.

    That’s why a gigantic digital market has been created, filled with expensive products and services that, in reality, don’t solve your problem.

    I can tell you this for sure: I’ve bought books, courses, and services too. But nothing in life has helped me more than good old intuition.

    Try standing in the shower and letting the water fall on your head with your eyes closed. Try sitting by the ocean with your eyes closed. I dare you to lie in the grass with your eyes closed, just feeling the wind in your hair and on your face.

    And do you know why I suggested “with your eyes closed” in every experience?

    Because some things in life need to be felt. For these beautiful moments, closing your eyes allows for a deeper connection with your soul.

    You don’t need AI to know if your company is doing well, you don’t need a smartwatch to know if you slept well, and you definitely don’t need the most expensive phone or computer to write, code, or create your best art.

    Definitely not. I’m writing this very text lying in bed on my phone, with my wife and my poodle beside me. Obviously, I’ll review it on the computer, but tools shouldn’t stop you. And they shouldn’t stop your art.

    Act 3 – The Work

    To conclude this piece, let’s talk about legacy. In various parts of the book, Rubin teaches us that we need to find ourselves, create, and then find new ways to create more and better work, to finally arrive here.

    To stand the test of time, a work of art aims to mark our passage on this Earth. It is the message in the form of music, books, texts, videos, paintings, photos, or apps.

    Whatever the form, your job as an artist is to create a channel—the space and the time—to let your art flow through you and reach completion.

    So, I’ll be brief. Because at this very moment, as I write, I am creating a new piece of my own work. I hope you’ve grasped the message and will now close this text to start building yours…

    Until next time!

    Victoria Concordia Crescit

    LEARN HOW TO READ SLOW

    Explore More:

  • Why Read Books Slow is Perfect

    Why Read Books Slow is Perfect

    Why Read Books Slow is Perfect: An simple guide to read better

    Read quickly

    A few years ago, a friend of mine bragged to me that he had read 24 books in a year (all self-help books). It was all the rage at the time to read and post the book.

    I remember the iconic photo of him lying on a stack of books. Is it an achievement? Of course! But what’s the point of publicizing it as a merit?

    When I asked him which ones he liked most and which passages from the books had the most impact on him, silence reigned in the air...

    And no wonder. Try reading Socrates, Plato, Marcus Aurelius, Jane Austin and Orwell all at once, quickly and without thinking about it…

    You close the book and it feels like you’ve been punched in the stomach…

    Therefore, I insist on always absorbing as much as possible from each book. I don’t care how long it takes me to read it.

    I care about the knowledge I will abstract from it…

    Read slowly

    Here, I believe, we separate those who enjoy this wonderful hobby of reading from those who are photography enthusiasts.

    Photos of the Books I’m Currently Reading

    Over the years, I’ve honed my reading style. I’ve tried several reading techniques. However, paced, in-depth reading is the one that has won my heart.

    There are certain books that need to be read slowly. Why? There’s a lot of knowledge condensed there.

    Have you ever noticed that in self-help books, the author writes a lot, and it seems like they mean the same thing? Whereas in philosophy, Plato writes a line that makes you think all week?

    Why does this phenomenon occur? I’m not sure if there’s any scientific evidence to back it up. But, as sentient beings, we could write a lot more to explain it in words.

    I’m not against self-help books. And I understand that they need to be written that way to sell.

    But the question is: How to reach the reader by getting straight to the point?

    I get this feeling every time I read a classic book. (Obviously, it depends on the writer’s style.)

    So there are books that need to provide a general context before going deeper (Crime and Punishment, for example) and there are books that get straight to the point (Eichiridion, another example).

    The important thing, in my view, is to be able to transmit knowledge, the idea and/or the concept.

    Do you read or retain?

    Yet here we are, wondering which method is best. And there’s really no right answer.

    Right and wrong are subjective things, and even ambiguous; in the minds of two different people.

    However, narrowing the issue down, I want to emphasize that reading for the sake of reading; and reading and retaining. These are very different things.

    You’ve probably read something to distract yourself: Magazines, comics, paperbacks, etc.

    He has also done technical readings and readings out of pure curiosity.

    My recommendation? Create your memory palace. While reading, imagine places, things, colors, sensations, feelings, and music that connect the information you read with your memory.

    This process of memorization (I say memorization, because memorizing information just for the sake of it. It doesn’t make you learn.) elevates you a lot.

    Soon, this will evolve. You’ll start learning languages ​​faster, remembering shopping lists, remembering your passwords (laughs), and even remembering holidays…

    How to improve your reading

    Next, I want to leave the reader with a simple technique that has done me a lot of good.

    Since April, I’ve been keeping notes of what I read. This can be done in Docs, Word, notes, pen and paper, a vision board, etc. Whatever works best and is most convenient for you.

    my books read

    This simple exercise gets your mind to connect the dots. Consequently, it creates what I’ve called a “memory palace.” Indeed, every book you read is recorded in your memory.

    It may not sound that important now, but being able to remember various passages from books is vital for you.

    This practice will help you in countless areas of life, at work, in your studies, and in so many other areas. I recommend you start.

    Time to practice

    I know, I know. The first few won’t be good. They won’t amount to anything. But as you practice, you’ll start accumulating “compound interest of wisdom.”

    Next, I challenge you to choose a classic book (Don Quixote, The Alchemist, 1984, etc.). The exercise I recommend doing is reading a paragraph, page, or chapter a day (that’s all!).

    Why? So your brain has time and space to connect information. When you give your mind this time, you create a reset; then you can better capture the passages and meanings of the books.

    Philosophy books are great to explore. Plato, Aristotle, and Confucius, for example. Each line will leave you thinking for days.

    Each completed reading reconnects you with your soul. It enriches you from within.

    (They also make you reconnect with your soul and being!)

    Go out now, pick a book, set a daily goal, and give it a try.

    Pro tip

    To further reinforce my reading, I read on a blog that it was worth making index cards about the books I read. In addition, watch a video or review of the book.

    Nothing too complex. Just listening to the other person’s perspective on the work you just read. This can help you gain a different perspective on the reading.

    Join discussion groups on Reddit, Facebook or elsewhere. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about the passages that resonated with you and why.

    (This will help you even more with the memory palace.)

    Keep things simple. Record what makes you feel comfortable. Use bullet points, phrases, images, photos, or whatever you feel like doing.

    I guarantee this will help you memorize and retain even more information about what you’re reading. Eventually, in a conversation, when people talk about the book, you’ll remember it as if you read it yesterday.

    To conclude our conversation

    • Read what you like to read
    • Read slowly, enjoy the text
    • Establish a reading routine
    • If possible, make notes of what you read.
    • Watch or listen to a review

    Always remember: Quantity is not synonymous with quality. I’d rather read two books a year and absorb 80% of the content than read 22 books and not remember all the names.

    THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB IN ORDER
  • What I Didn’t Learn from Self Help Books

    What I Didn’t Learn from Self Help Books

    What I Didn’t Learn from “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

    The Seduction of Self-Help Manuals

    Books labeled as “self-help” have a well-established formula: they have the design, cover, and text strategically crafted to hook us and deliver something like a kind of instant illumination for our journey. They promise a didactic simplification of what to do next with what we have at hand. This marketed convenience delivers a simplistic approach with easy and palatable language.

    There’s no doubt about the seductive tranquility of this easy-resolution path sold by a “good success manual.” These are works that promise a magic formula filled with jargon and ways of doing things, offering simplified resolutions for very complex situations and plots of distinct realities.

    The Vacuum-Packed Discourse

    Recently, while reading Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, I realized this discourse couldn’t be any different. The book resembles a vacuum-packed product displayed on a shelf – ready for consumption but disconnected from the real complexity of human life.

    Now I propose a fundamental question: How can we extract what is truly a lesson from a self-help book so that it becomes applicable to your life? This is certainly not as simple as the reading suggests. We must dive into this thinking and engage in deeper reflection.

    Beyond Superficial Recommendations

    According to Carnegie’s book recommendations, there’s a great impact when you learn to position your voice and make a good reading of the space you’re in.

    But it’s necessary to go beyond and reflect with the help of this starting point: How do I observe myself in this environment without losing the essence and power of who I am a priori?

    This is a question that no manual can answer satisfactorily. Preserving authenticity while developing social skills is a challenge that transcends any pre-established formula.

    The Impossibility of Instant Transformation

    No self-help book, not even this one so highly recommended for shy people, can help you maintain your essence while completely transforming how you act before others and in your relationships. The idea that someone can develop into a surprisingly extroverted and influential person just by following a manual is, in fact, a dangerous illusion.

    This genuine transformation is, in reality, a hard task arduously sponsored by the maturation of ideas and life’s difficulties. It’s a process allied with the constant growth we have – and I dare say we all have – as we develop on life’s journey.

    The Real Value of Observation

    Certainly, getting to know people through observation and note-taking tells me much more about my curiosity regarding taking knowledge notes about the environment I’m inserted in and the way I’m inserting myself into it. This practice reveals more about our internal learning process than about social manipulation techniques.

    Genuine observation of people and environments is a skill that develops over time and through lived experience, not through the mechanical application of techniques learned from books.

    The Need for Multiple Perspectives

    Carnegie’s book is worth reading, but it’s crucial to recognize that there are no complete manuals for the complexity of human relationships. Therefore, I recommend other readings that offer deeper perspectives on human behavior:

    • Body language and non-verbal communication: Such as “The Body Speaks” by Marshall
    • Strategy and power: “The Prince” by Machiavelli
    • Social philosophy: Works that explore social dynamics in more complex ways

    The Search for Authenticity in a World of Formulas

    The great challenge is not in following ready-made recipes, but in developing discernment to extract valuable insights without losing our individuality. We must constantly question: do these techniques help me express myself better, or are they transforming me into someone I’m not?

    True influence and the ability to make genuine friends don’t come from mechanically applied techniques, but from developing empathy, active listening, and the capacity to authentically connect with other human beings.

    The Paradox of Prescribed Spontaneity

    One of the most striking contradictions in self-help literature is the attempt to systematize spontaneity. Carnegie’s book suggests specific phrases and behaviors to seem more likable, but there’s something fundamentally flawed about scripted authenticity. How can we be genuinely interested in others if we’re following a predetermined script?

    This paradox reveals the inherent limitation of any manual that tries to codify human complexity. Real charisma and genuine connection emerge from a place of true curiosity about others, not from memorized techniques.

    The Cultural Context Problem

    Another aspect that self-help books often ignore is the cultural relativity of social behaviors. What works in one cultural context may be completely inappropriate in another. Carnegie’s recommendations were developed within a specific American business culture of the early 20th century, yet they’re often presented as universal truths.

    Authentic social skills require sensitivity to context, culture, and individual differences – something that no universal manual can adequately address.

    The Journey of Self-Discovery

    What I truly learned from reading “How to Win Friends and Influence People” wasn’t from its pages, but from questioning its premises. The book served as a mirror that reflected my own assumptions about success, relationships, and authenticity.

    The real learning came from asking: What kind of person do I want to be? Do I want to influence others, or do I want to connect with them? Is there a difference?

    These questions led me to deeper self-reflection than any technique ever could.

    Learning Beyond the Manual

    What I didn’t learn from “How to Win Friends and Influence People” was precisely what no manual can teach: how to be genuinely myself while developing social skills. The book offers useful tools, but wisdom lies in knowing when and how to apply them without losing our essence.

    True personal transformation is a long process, sometimes painful, but deeply rewarding. There are no shortcuts to genuine growth, and perhaps this is the most valuable lesson we can extract from any reading experience: real growth happens in the space between what we read and what we live.

    Self-help manuals can be interesting starting points, but they should never be considered final destinations. The journey of self-knowledge and developing human relationships is unique to each person and requires much more than applying standardized techniques – it requires courage to be authentic in a world that constantly pressures us to follow ready-made formulas.

    The most profound influence we can have is not through manipulation or technique, but through the courage to show up as our authentic selves and create space for others to do the same. This cannot be learned from any book – it must be lived.

    THE SACRED TRUST OF SCHOOLBOOKS