New Books Aren't Worth Reading
10 days ago
- #history
- #philosophy
- #literature
- Reading is often mistakenly considered an intellectual exercise regardless of content.
- Modern entertainment options like Netflix and TikTok have made reading books for entertainment obsolete.
- Books are primarily valuable for the information and perspectives they offer on the human condition.
- New books may lack diverse perspectives as modern authors often share similar backgrounds and opinions.
- Historical figures like Xenophon had rich, varied life experiences that informed their writings.
- Contemporary academics, such as Mary Beard, often reflect predictable, institutionalized viewpoints.
- To gain a broad understanding of the human condition, prioritize reading older books with diverse authors.
- A suggested rule: half of your reading should be from pre-WW2, pre-American Revolution, and pre-fall of Rome eras.