These blog posts are short, daily ideas on reading deeply, taking notes, and applying the ideas. Each post is written by Eddy Hood with the goal of encouraging readers to pick up a book in favor of technology.
I’ve read hundreds of books in my life, but the first one I read well was Mastery by Robert Greene. I started it like any other book, eager to learn something new. But after the first few pages, I felt guilty for being casual with the material. It was full of knowledge and I wasn’tContinue reading How to Read a Book Well
Yesterday was rough for me. It was one of those days where every little thing stacks up in the wrong direction so that, by the evening, you’re completely disheveled. I sat through several hours of administrative meetings at work (not my favorite), my son forgot about his dentist appointment, the gym was packed full ofContinue reading I Tranquilized Myself to Avoid Work
It’s Monday morning and we’re back to work. But what’s the point? Sure, we’re putting food on our tables and we’re keeping the bills paid, but there has to be a greater reason for all this running around. Maybe you love your work, or maybe you’re in a job because it’s your only option forContinue reading The Rat Race
When I read a magazine, I compare myself to the people in the articles and the ads. They’re wearing nice clothes, live successful lives, and generally make me feel like I have a ways to go – like I’ll never be happy until I have what they have. When I read the news, I getContinue reading Why Books Matter
A tropical plant stood in the corner by a small table and a stack of books. I grabbed the most colorful story in the pile and ran back to my mother. We settled into the hard, plastic chairs and waited for the receptionist to call us back for my doctor visit. I was playing baseballContinue reading Oh, the Places I’ve Gone!
A few days ago, I spent the afternoon with my dentist getting a crown. I’ve since had headaches from the sensitivity of the tooth and haven’t wanted to read – at all. I’m feeling better now, but for a while, my life was sponsored by Tylenol and Ibuprofen. It’s hard to do anything when IContinue reading Feel Well, Then Read Well
The sea of Philosophy is wide and worn deep – it spans in all directions unending and complete. It’s an ocean first tranquil then unhinged – and I am but a traveler, sailing its brim. I peek over the edge of this boat of mine – to find on the surface a reflection supine. I’mContinue reading The Sea of Philosophy
Last night, I spoke with a friend who feels like a failure. He left a high-paying career for a blue-collar job and wonders if he’s sold himself short. He’s happy, but worried that he gave up the “better life.” It made me think of Henry David Thoreau shoveling manure. The nineteenth-century philosopher left his lifeContinue reading I Love Shoveling Manure
I work as an accountant, and the number one tip I can give you for saving money is to log into your bank account every day and review the transactions. You don’t need to reconcile the books or run complicated reports – just look at the transactions. The process of seeing your money daily makesContinue reading How to Get Smarter
There are two kinds of people in this world, those who love Monday mornings and everyone else. We have complicated relationships with our work, which makes sense, given that we spend more time with our colleagues than we do with our spouses, partners, and children. A relationship that demanding is bound to have some baggage.Continue reading It’s Not Enough to Be Industrious