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.
Saturday morning is insanity in my home. It’s chore day, which means that nobody can enjoy anything until the toilets are scrubbed, the beds are made, and the mysterious junk drawers are emptied and sanitized. It’s a lot of work, and with it comes a lot of noise. Kids shout that they’re out of cleaningContinue reading Slowly, But Surely
My wife and I dangled our legs over the edge of the slop that led down towards the Seine River. Parisians sat all along the river, watching the boats sail past while they enjoyed ham and cheese baguettes and talked about life. Honestly, sitting on the side of that river was the most enjoyable partContinue reading This idea Made Me a Better Reader
Just because there’s an opportunity, that doesn’t mean I should take it. But I’m taking this one. I don’t know how I’m going to make it work, but that’s been the guiding force of my life. I tend to build the airplane while it’s flying. What’s the opportunity? I just found out that my wife,Continue reading I Just Enrolled (This is Nuts)
It’s 1991 and I’m in my backyard laughing at my dog. His name is Maverick. He’s a springer spaniel with big brown ears and the need to chase his tail. I’m laughing because every time Maverick spins in a circle, I count – and I’m currently at 76. This dog has ambition. I’ve had aContinue reading Circular Reasoning in a Book
You’re building a pyramid. It might not look like the typical Egyptian structure looming in the desert, but it’s there. Your pyramid might be a business you’ve built, a child you’ve reared, or a charitable contribution you’ve made. Subconsciously, you’re working on something that will give your life meaning, and tell the world that youContinue reading The Denial of Death by Earnest Becker
I have limited experience with camels. My mother dated a guy who smoked a pack of Camels every day. I don’t remember much about him other than his yellow mustache which made me sick. Watching him smoke was enough to keep me out of the habit. Two more times, camels have influenced my life. It’sContinue reading Overcome Yourself in 3 Steps (According to Nietzsche)
I like the word Ruminate. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900) used this word in his opening remarks of On the Geneology of Morality. He points out that his ideas are difficult, and that the reader must spend time with them – mentally chewing on the concepts. That got me thinking — we’re all screwed.Continue reading How to Think For Yourself
It’s true, I need a digital detox. Sometimes I go from looking at the little screen (my phone), to the large screen (my laptop), all while watching a movie on the biggest screen (my television). In total, I spend six to ten hours a day looking at glowing surfaces and my head is throbbing. IContinue reading I Need a Digital Detox
When people think of philosophy, they often conjure up images of Plato and Aristotle. However, philosophy is much more than just two old guys in togas discussing universal ideas. Here’s a list of the major philosophical questions, along with a selection of philosophers you can explore within each area of focus. This list of greatContinue reading A List of Great Philosophers (Men and Women) You Should Read
In 2002, Steven Pressfield taught us about resistance in his book, The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle. If you haven’t read it, here’s the main idea: whenever you’re about to do important work, there’s a palpable feeling of resistance every time you get started. If you’re an author, every morning’s writing sessionContinue reading The War of Reading