## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=0s) - The topic of discussion is how to effectively turn books into results, with a focus on quality over quantity, rather than just reading a large number of books, such as 100 books a year [(00:00:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=21s). - The idea of reading a lot of books is often promoted by gurus and individuals who brag about their reading habits, but the usefulness of this approach is questioned, and instead, a deeper and more intentional approach to reading is suggested [(00:00:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=15s). - The concept of having a "council of advisors" is introduced, which refers to a small group of writers whose work is deeply integrated and can be drawn upon for guidance and inspiration, as inspired by the Roman philosopher Synica [(00:01:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=62s). - Synica's philosophy emphasizes the importance of focusing on a select few writers of unquestionable genius, rather than trying to read a multitude of books, in order to gain true nourishment and insight from one's reading [(00:01:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=70s). - The need for curation and intentionality in reading is highlighted, as the world does not need more content, but rather a more thoughtful and purposeful approach to consuming and utilizing the information that is available [(00:01:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=85s). - A three-step system for making the most of the books that are read is introduced, which includes selection, absorption, and utilization, and this system will be explored in more detail [(00:01:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=107s). - The approach to reading being discussed is one that values depth over breadth, and seeks to integrate the insights and ideas from the books that are read into one's life, rather than just accumulating knowledge for its own sake [(00:01:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=99s). ## Step 1: Selection [(00:01:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=116s) - The process of selecting books to read involves having a real-life reason to read, rather than consuming books like Netflix and then trying to find a use for the information, as learned through necessity is key to effective reading [(00:02:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=138s). - Books are often chosen based on personal circumstances, such as reading Marcus Aurelius's [[Meditations]] during a tough time in life, or reading [[Prisoners of Geography]] to understand geopolitics in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine [(00:02:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=151s). - Selecting books can also be driven by the desire to understand someone, such as a new client, friend, or relationship, by reading their favorite book to deepen connections and gain insight into their thoughts and influences [(00:03:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=194s). - Sometimes, books are chosen based on recommendations from others, such as reading Mindset Secrets for Winning after a consulting client mentioned it, which can lead to new discoveries and areas of interest [(00:03:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=213s). - Not all started books are finished, and the decision to continue reading is often based on how much the content resonates with the reader, with note-taking on almost every page being a key indicator of resonance and an important part of the absorption technique [(00:04:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=244s). ## Step 2: Absorption [(00:04:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=254s) - To effectively absorb knowledge from a book, it is essential to take it slowly, with a minimum of two weeks to go through the material, allowing for an actual dialogue with the writer, rather than trying to blast through the content [(00:04:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=254s). - The process of absorption involves asking questions, taking notes in between the lines, and anticipating what the writer is trying to say, which helps to reconstruct their mind and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter [(00:04:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=282s). - Drawing diagrams using the book's concepts, such as redrawing diagrams in the blank spaces at the back of the book, can help to fully absorb the information and represent complex ideas, like cultivating a winning mindset, in a visual and personalized way [(00:05:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=322s). - Assigning emotional weight to successes and dampening emotional weight to mistakes is crucial, as it allows individuals to be stoic and analytical in the face of mistakes, rather than beating themselves up over them, which can lead to a more empowering mindset [(00:05:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=346s). - Translating learnings into personal understanding through diagramming and note-taking can be an effective way to integrate new knowledge and make it a part of one's own thought process, as demonstrated by the example of drawing a graph to represent how to cultivate a winning mindset [(00:06:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=378s). - The importance of slowing down and engaging deeply with the material cannot be overstated, as it allows for an acceleration of understanding once the fundamental components of the book are grasped, making it easier to absorb and apply the knowledge in the long run [(00:05:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=308s). ## 1st Principle Thinker [(00:06:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=386s) - To solidify knowledge from books, it is essential to identify the big ideas and concepts, and then assemble them into new constructs that can be used in daily life, which is what it means to be a first principle thinker, allowing individuals to absorb and fully understand these ideas and shape them into fundamental core concepts [(00:06:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=386s). - The book "[[The War of Art (book) | The War of Art]]" by Steven Pressfield is a phenomenal resource for anyone doing something creative or thinking about entrepreneurship, as it puts a face to the resistance people feel when trying to do something new, and it provides valuable insights, such as the idea that fear can be a sign of what one needs to do [(00:07:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=450s). - To overcome resistance, it is necessary to identify the force field that stands between an individual and their unlived life, which can include indifference, rationalization, lies, and a lack of self-confidence, and then find the path to overcome it, which can be achieved by drawing pictures and diagrams to convey understanding [(00:08:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=491s). - The concept of servant leadership is also important, as it emphasizes the importance of humility and being lower than others, which is illustrated by the idea that the sea can govern a hundred rivers because it has mastered how to be lower [(00:08:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=530s). - The [[Daqing]], a collection of 81 verses or poems, provides valuable insights into the nature of things and how to align actions with one's true nature, and it took three months to finish reading and mastering the material, which involved taking one verse per day and integrating the concepts into daily life [(00:10:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=632s). - The key to life is often finding what is easy for oneself but hard for others and building something on top of that, which is a concept also shared by [[Naval Ravikant]], and it is essential to align actions with one's essential self to achieve effortlessness and flow [(00:10:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=614s). ## Audiobook Tips [(00:11:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=669s) - Using the note feature while listening to audiobooks allows users to pause and dictate audio notes, which can be an effective way to accumulate notes and engage with the material [(00:11:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=669s). - This method can be so effective that it may lead to a deeper interest in the subject matter, as seen in the example of falling in love with the material in an audiobook about [[Bruce Lee]], prompting the purchase of a physical copy to further explore the content [(00:11:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=677s). - The process of taking notes and engaging in a dialogue with the author's ideas, as seen in the example of [[Shannon Lee]] discussing her father Bruce Lee, can help integrate the knowledge into one's own being and facilitate taking action [(00:11:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=696s). ## Step 3: Utilization [(00:11:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=705s) - Utilizing the knowledge gained from reading is crucial, as anything learned is either used or lost, and having a systematic way to utilize the information is essential for effective learning [(00:11:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=705s). - Having an active project that requires learning can force individuals to go down a rabbit hole and absorb information quickly, such as learning about [[Private equity | private equity]] to help a consulting client start a new fund [(00:12:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=723s). - Turning knowledge into an output, such as creating a [[YouTube]] video, writing blog posts, or sharing learnings with an audience, can help reinforce understanding and retention of the information [(00:12:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=778s). - Incorporating learnings into daily life can be done through discussions with partners, friends, or a book club that focuses on applying insights rather than just discussing them [(00:13:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=805s). - Having a systematic way of translating knowledge into action, such as a two-week sprint, can help individuals put new skills into practice and see tangible results, as seen in the example of learning to play the hand pan instrument [(00:13:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=821s). - The two-week sprint involves focusing on a particular technique or skill, practicing visualization, and putting emotional weight on achieving small wins, which can lead to significant improvements in a short amount of time [(00:14:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=856s). - The two-week sprint method can be applied to various areas of learning, and individuals can learn more about this approach through a master class on the topic [(00:14:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo&t=881s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXJzbwAaLo?si=YdJ46Rdg6W-83Q22)