My Reading Strategy for Maximum Insight

How do I get the most out of my books?
This question has loomed over me forever.
For many years, through experimentation, failure and frustration, I've searched for the best approach to reading.
This strategy is the product.
It keeps my reading habit consistent and free from pointless friction.
It helps me analyse each book and absorb all the insight within.
It offers an outlet to get creative and practice my writing skill.
Throughout the process, you'll see many tried and tested principles to support your learning.
Creating systems.
The Feynman Technique.
Short-feedback loops.. to name a few.
Though simple, they're the backbone of a proper self-education, one that will leave you well-read and satisfied with the result.
There's no room for bullshit in this strategy either.
No complicated flowcharts, no guru speedreading, and no lazy 'hacks.'
It will take time and effort. Lots of it.
But the reward is real wisdom.
A step closer to being a polymath.
A life of curiosity, perspective and achievement.
Join me on X:
/ odysseas_px
Great Books of the Western World (scroll down a bit):
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_B...
Reading list picture (more or less the same as the Great Works list):
4chanlit.fandom.com/wiki/Char...
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:40 No BS Book Analysis
00:40-1:20 How I Choose Books - 1
1:20-3:09 Great Works of the Western World
3:09-4:01 How I Choose Books - 2
4:01-6:17 How I Read
6:17-7:05 Book Analysis
7:05-7:57 The Value of Slow Reading
7:57-9:48 An Outlet for Writing Practice
9:48-12:13 Long-Term Investments
12:13-13:00 Note-Taking Walkthrough
13:00-15:06 Building Your Personal Knowledge Bank
15:06-16:18 Note Structure + Mini-Essays
16:18-16:49 Conclusion

Пікірлер: 332

  • @shaileeeliyahu8891
    @shaileeeliyahu88912 ай бұрын

    "Good learning is slow" The perfect explanation for how criminally under-appreciated your channel is! Thank you, once again.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks man!

  • @addunk355
    @addunk35526 күн бұрын

    "I committed to improving my writing because I want my words to carry more weight." That statement is heavy! I stumbled upon your channel! Kudos to you for the excellent content!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    26 күн бұрын

    Cheers man, I appreciate it

  • @eylon1967
    @eylon19672 ай бұрын

    i had depression about 2 years ago. the first stepping stone in me getting out of it was taking a book in my hands and start reading and summarising it, chapter by chapter.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Amazing to hear that, glad it provided a way out

  • @C12341

    @C12341

    2 ай бұрын

    I'm going to try this. If it helps I'll report back. Thanks for sharing

  • @eylon1967

    @eylon1967

    2 ай бұрын

    @@C12341 if it doesnt help please try something else, it doesnt have to be books, just keep trying

  • @sup9023

    @sup9023

    Ай бұрын

    How many books have you read since then? Has it imporoved your intellect?

  • @thnrrtr

    @thnrrtr

    Ай бұрын

    What was the first book you did that with? 😊

  • @LeoDabague
    @LeoDabague2 ай бұрын

    Thanks! In a world of "do it faster, quicker, shorter" there's someone spreading the benefits on going deeper and building real and meaningful conections is just amazing.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, this means a lot to hear

  • @HunterHendricksonMusic

    @HunterHendricksonMusic

    2 күн бұрын

    Totally concur!

  • @rohithreddy75
    @rohithreddy752 ай бұрын

    Love this channel,No unecessary editing and sounds. I have been collecting words from various subjects and its worth it. Sometimes note taking in words and then a description to it would help in understanding a book/subject or just to keep a data of what you have learnt till now.

  • @marcelberes469

    @marcelberes469

    2 ай бұрын

    I know, right? He is a gem.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, and that's a good idea

  • @espartaco2028

    @espartaco2028

    2 ай бұрын

    I despise music on conversational videos. Right? You just get pissed trying to find the Turn The Music Off button! What I really can’t stand are the Gen Z touring videos where they play the blasting Regatón and cRAP while peacefully walking through Europe. Annoying!

  • @patsybholai3484

    @patsybholai3484

    24 күн бұрын

    I'm learning so much from your videos. Thank you!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    24 күн бұрын

    @@patsybholai3484 Really appreciate it, thanks

  • @gustavoleite8929
    @gustavoleite89292 ай бұрын

    “You don’t need discipline when you’re genuinely in love with the craft” I think exactly like that in this social media era that discipline is the key to all problems, of course I agreed that discipline is the changing point, but I’m willingly more propensity to “tell myself“ that is is easy to be disciplined in things that i like, such as gym and guitar, but I’m still very indisciplined in sleep in time and being disciplined in my diet

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Exactly, it's great to be disciplined by why not create an environment where it's less necessary?

  • @bomb7596
    @bomb75962 ай бұрын

    Would love to see you go though your Obsidian process like how you set up your links/tags and organise your notes. Great video.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    I have a set up video in the works. Thanks too!

  • @TheLrt123

    @TheLrt123

    2 ай бұрын

    @@odysseas__thanks for doing this bc I just started using obsidian a week ago to help with taking notes while reading. looking forward to it!

  • @user-sx4mv1qm2k

    @user-sx4mv1qm2k

    2 ай бұрын

    @@odysseas__this would really help a lot legend

  • @kristjandiego4328

    @kristjandiego4328

    2 ай бұрын

    Second that, would love an overview of your Obsidian system@@odysseas__

  • @khansa4.0

    @khansa4.0

    2 ай бұрын

    ​@@odysseas__I'm looking forward to seeing it! I had just started using Obsidian and I really need your tutorial to be able to use it as you do.

  • @SilverAphelion
    @SilverAphelion2 ай бұрын

    Being honest I am taking notes since I found your channel, but everything is on a notebook and I wrote a few mini essays in a single page, is quite the mental workout. My hand writting is getting better, less shaky and more confident on my words. Wll thank you.

  • @tatame13
    @tatame132 ай бұрын

    Hello I follow your channel since about 1 year. - Slow reading, i finished THE BOOK OF DISQUIET by Fernando Pessoa. That's the epitome of slow reading. - Re-reading, most difficult to me, I am (65) in returning to the same reading, I like the new, but - HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITIDUDE by Marques, I read 4 or 5 times, form start to finish. - Never finished: ULYSSES, by Joyce, The Magic Mountain by Mann. Cheers to you and all.

  • @allrandomtbh
    @allrandomtbh2 ай бұрын

    This channel also belongs on the top list of masterworks. Every video straight and only little fluff. Good storytelling AND massive insights. Thanks!

  • @christiangennari
    @christiangennari2 ай бұрын

    I do wonder if "The Great Works" is too heavily skewed to western thought though. There are more ways of understanding than western modes of thought which yield very positive results in different ways.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    The full name is "...of the Western World," so it's limited on purpose. I get you though, it's not a global picture.

  • @christiangennari

    @christiangennari

    2 ай бұрын

    Of course, it is very clear on it's purpose. I realize the way I framed it might skew the picture. I did not mean to imply that the collection is excluding anything in regards to its scope.@@odysseas__

  • @angelaking9619

    @angelaking9619

    2 ай бұрын

    Agree. This is a fabulous resource for the Western tradition and I'm so grateful to have them! It would be good to have a similar list or lists for other world literature and one that suggests post 1950 works. Does anyone know of any?

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    @@angelaking9619 The link in the description has a collection for other groups/regions, but I'm not sure how good they are

  • @austins.7745

    @austins.7745

    2 ай бұрын

    Western thinking is what built the modern world

  • @jammie2475
    @jammie24752 ай бұрын

    This was super helpful. Thank you. You're the first person to convince me to finally start marking up my beautiful books!

  • @robinawilliams1489
    @robinawilliams14892 ай бұрын

    Wonderful content. Glad it popped up in my feed. As a middle-aged first time undergrad student, I’m finding that all of the learning and processing skills I’ve taken for granted are things that need to still need to be improved, expanded, and nurtured. This idea for me began with the act of thinking. I realized that, while I am a pretty good thinker, there are skills and methods that I did not have that could be learned and applied. I think therefore I am is one thing. But I think therefore I am a thinker wasn’t as true. So, after much self-exploration and seeking new perspectives from others, I found that writing about the ideas I was attempting to process was the best way for me to learn anything and produce my own ideas around the subject. I did this by writing the same “mini essay” approach you’ve described. It has been life changing for me. Like thinking, my reading skills are ripe for improvement. The knowledge and experience shared here is wonderfully helpful. Thanks.

  • @nick_ikenma
    @nick_ikenma2 ай бұрын

    The video we've all been waiting for! Thanks a lot, man! 🙏🏾

  • @WLandrum98
    @WLandrum982 ай бұрын

    I love this channel! I just found it, which has already taken my reading to the next level. I would love to see a video about how you set up and format your notes in Obsidian.

  • @ThatNerdyMystic
    @ThatNerdyMystic2 ай бұрын

    Your channel is an absolute GOLDMINE for a self-learner. Thank you!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @danielscott8180
    @danielscott81802 ай бұрын

    You're a fine thinker. Your channel has influenced how I approach learning in my chosen field.

  • @EnteringtheDoor
    @EnteringtheDoor2 ай бұрын

    When I started doing notes on books I read, I've never felt so much better. I understand the ideas and remember them. I even can explain them to others like they're mine. Great tips!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Glad to hear it, thanks!

  • @mountainman3046
    @mountainman304617 күн бұрын

    I found your channel today. I am 31 years old and always saw myself as someone wise for my age. It is only after watching a few of your videos that i understand Socrates' famous line. You have inspired me to pick up learning once more and find a way to make reading important to me. Thank you.

  • @taytay6206
    @taytay62062 ай бұрын

    I never comment on youtube videos but I LOVE your channel so much. Keep it going !

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Grateful to hear it, thank you!

  • @Cee-lo3sn
    @Cee-lo3sn2 ай бұрын

    I wish there was a separate video on your note-taking process, especially on how to use Obsidian too for the non-familiar readers. Really like your system explained here.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, got a step-by-step in the works

  • @ReadtoFilth
    @ReadtoFilth2 ай бұрын

    So I read because I want to expand my horizon and empathy. I like stories but I also like perspectives. The world is vast. From what I see most of these books on the list you provide are mostly western centric. I want to read about all types of stories, from every type of people and cultures. I do try annotating when it is my book. Unfortunately the book I am reading now is the library’s (The Tale of Heike). If I write my thoughts about the book at the end I would forgot most of the book haha. I guess I just have to try to write summary every couple chapters to keep my brain going. Though I do prefer writing by hand. And I also pretty dumb. I can’t catch themes, foreshadow or symbolism. But I guess that will come with more reading.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    I get you. This list is "...of the Western World," so it's limited on purpose, but I agree with branching out to works from all over the world. Having a notebook by your side is also a great help when you can't annotate directly. Good luck in all!

  • @surrected4526

    @surrected4526

    2 ай бұрын

    Indeed, the list is supremely flawed and lacking at best.

  • @emmanuelojo9283
    @emmanuelojo92832 ай бұрын

    I'm pleased to say that this just made my year. I'm buidling a reading habit I dedicate 30mins to reading at least 30 pages of a book each day. So in a month I'd have read an average of 900 pages. Your video just helped with the final ingredient; (intentionally writing) as I'd love to share what I learn from time to time with the world maybe on a podcast of some sort. Just stumbled on your channel And I'm here to stay; gave you a sub and would recommend to others. Thank you.

  • @nomadchad5733
    @nomadchad573319 күн бұрын

    Another great video, packed with practical info.

  • @ajmathers6851
    @ajmathers68512 ай бұрын

    I have to say you are releasing great content! Thank you I have only just come across your channel and already you have helped massively.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Grateful to hear that, thanks

  • @LecoGarcez
    @LecoGarcez2 ай бұрын

    This is so awesome. Tks man! Great detailing of your method! I used to do it quite similar, but not as long process as yours. I had some ideas.

  • @rohanbidi
    @rohanbidi2 ай бұрын

    Excellent point about note-taking and mini-essay writing being a uniquely personal endeavour. One of the goals for reading is to go beyond knowledge accumulation and to train the mind how to think. The more effort we make in putting the ideas we read into our own words, the more creative we get, and also achieve deeper insights, eventually leading to personal growth.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Amen to all, and thanks

  • @flowerhouse7874
    @flowerhouse78742 ай бұрын

    Fascinating, how some of your ways approaching reading almost identical to mine, but you definitely have so much more useful tips!

  • @CoachWhillock
    @CoachWhillock2 ай бұрын

    This channel is fantastic. I’ve had 3 issues with my work lately and all 3 have been nailed in 3 videos purely by a chance find. Keep up the great work

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Wow, amazing to hear that. Thanks too

  • @espartaco2028
    @espartaco20282 ай бұрын

    I thank Odysseas and his presence for attracting like-minded and perhaps even specific men here. I am approaching the end of middle age in body but, not in mind and I seek with joy the fellowship of young to my own age readers, fans of learning. I’m obsessive from one obsession to the next, in a singularity type approach and right now, I’m learning Spanish like a mad scientist. I’ve reached fluency in two years but not just that. It is the quality of my Spanish, the formality and value of it. Anyway, whether that interests you or you simply wish to learn more about what Odysseas is saying, I'd love to form a workshop with you, dare I say befriend you in this hostile, fearful culture we’ve made. Did you know he's read over 1700 books? Mad man!!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    That's the power of the internet, a digital renaissance. Also that's my want to read list... I've read much fewer

  • @KennethTaylor96

    @KennethTaylor96

    2 ай бұрын

    I'm interested!! I'm 27

  • @MkwesiW901

    @MkwesiW901

    Ай бұрын

    Felicitaciones! (That's all I remember for Spanish class lol) I know you mentioned fellowship, but I wanted to ask what kind of things you'd love to see from him if he had an online community

  • @salomechiyo7993
    @salomechiyo7993Ай бұрын

    I wanted to rewatch your video but i could not find it again! It's been days that i search so glad that i refound it !! ❤ Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I found mind map intriguing and thought about started it one. Your video is the little kick that i need for started it

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you! And best of luck with it

  • @viktoriaberg8706
    @viktoriaberg87062 ай бұрын

    Impressive list. Allow me to suggest two of the finest Swedish authors to add to your list: Hjalmar Söderberg's "Doctor Glas" and Torgny Lindgren's "The Way of a Serpent". I have read both several times - they are not long, but amazing - and find something new every time. I think you would enjoy them. 🙂

  • @zainabshahzad147
    @zainabshahzad14719 күн бұрын

    I'm very grateful to KZread for recommending your videos to me. I relate with everything you've said and have a similar passion for writing and wanted to improve. Your advice really hit home for me. I'll definitely put it into practice now. Thanks so much! Genuinely impressed by your work🤍

  • @Orionstar528
    @Orionstar5282 ай бұрын

    Great video! Can’t say though I really agree reading following a canon list, because they always give a sense these are ALL the important oldies, but they always leave out the best books. I have the impression they are always just pick the most famous titles, not necessarily the best. A true western canon would have to had more than a thousand titles. But what I really wanted to say is that I’m really amazed to your approach to note taking. I’m a student, and I’ve always struggled to how to organize my notes, and this is incredible! Will definitely get obsidian and I’ll wait eagerly for your set up video which is in the works!

  • @baharl2981
    @baharl29812 ай бұрын

    I love your channel and i'm glad I found it... great and authentic content thanks you !

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Grateful for your words, thanks

  • @nicolascamacho319
    @nicolascamacho3192 ай бұрын

    Thanks friend. By your videos, you taught me of the Zettelkasten method in obsidian. It is totally amazing....❤

  • @taiwofakayejo9684
    @taiwofakayejo96842 ай бұрын

    Really great work bro I really Appreciate what you are doing

  • @MaRio-dr1qx
    @MaRio-dr1qx2 ай бұрын

    Thank you for another great video! very lovely that the algorithm picked u up and quadrupled ur subs, deserved

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    It's crazy... thanks!

  • @Astha-dy4ng
    @Astha-dy4ng2 ай бұрын

    How the hell you're so good at this man , an efficient polymath in making good luck

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Cheers, it's all simple consistency

  • @studybello
    @studybelloАй бұрын

    This video produced a lot of epiphanies for me, literal gold.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    Ай бұрын

    Cheers, glad to hear it

  • @niceasta
    @niceasta2 ай бұрын

    subscribed because you make the content I wish more channels made ─ that's why I'm creating something similar, and you serve as an amazing inspiration your new videos have been popping up, good job man! you're sharing many amazing ideas I'll definitely check this list you've mentioned

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, it's good to have you

  • @andimom2010
    @andimom20102 ай бұрын

    Good stuff. Not in my time line based on your previous vid. Ty

  • @danielebagnasco1123
    @danielebagnasco11232 ай бұрын

    I'll listen every video you have to offer to us. Your voice is pleasant and you argument with lucidity and clarity. I use Obsidian but i'm in a great tedium of not utilizing it properly trying with guides and another tips saved from varuous sites and videos, but with your points i think i will try better and with more focus.

  • @sinxenon3181
    @sinxenon318115 күн бұрын

    Good one! Thanks a lot

  • @waryaballan9077
    @waryaballan90772 ай бұрын

    Can you do a live demonstration of your notes some time. Maybe a detailed video of your notes or like a study with me?

  • @SuonoReale
    @SuonoReale2 ай бұрын

    I appreciate this channel. I have 3 highly technical books on my shelf that I have been putting off reading … analytical analyses of the works of Messiaen, Ligeti, and Joji Yuasa, respectively.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Cheers, hope you can tackle them well

  • @dangarvire
    @dangarvire2 ай бұрын

    This was so insightful and well structured. Spoken in a very kind humanistic way. Cheers from Spain. Would love a look into your tags, hyperlink method

  • @actuarialtrader2419
    @actuarialtrader24192 ай бұрын

    The best I've seen. Thanks

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @ziriguidum88
    @ziriguidum88Ай бұрын

    Just found this channel and I am amazed. I am focused on Greek Tragedies this year and following as well the Mortimer Adler's list. So it was like I just found a friend to talk about this new way of mine of living: reading and understanding humanity. Greetings from Brazil.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    Ай бұрын

    Love to hear it, and thanks

  • @jpmisterioman
    @jpmisterioman2 ай бұрын

    Now you should do a video of how to take notes from videos and other medias

  • @stevenrussi5973
    @stevenrussi59732 ай бұрын

    Started this conceptual theory of reading for real learning 40 years ago--initial reading, just cruise through the book--it is pleasurable, then, re read and underline and write down marginalia. Reread for a third time and type out a synopsis using the previous underlined stuff and original thinking in the marginalia. This will help you remember everything and increases vocabulary, speaking skills and writing ability. You are loading the human computer, synthesis occurs and, sometimes, new knowledge.

  • @hlbs497
    @hlbs4972 ай бұрын

    Seriously, thanks for adding sense And wisdom without the usual BS on this topic 🙏

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @OldTomato44
    @OldTomato442 ай бұрын

    I think your approach is spot-on. Back in the day when I was reading my way through the Western Canon, I kept a commonplace book for recording great lines and ideas. But the Personal Knowledge Management systems of today, like Obsidian, would have been a big help!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, I wish I found it earlier too

  • @MANUSB-wv2cy
    @MANUSB-wv2cy2 ай бұрын

    Great contents ...simple yet deep❤

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @oscarbracho8952
    @oscarbracho89522 ай бұрын

    Great video. Thanks for your ideas..

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Much appreciated

  • @casualreader
    @casualreader2 ай бұрын

    Excellent suggestions! This video alone is great incentive to subscribe.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @sushrutjangid3635
    @sushrutjangid36352 ай бұрын

    This is really interesting, I have been doing this for a long time but now that I see, your video, it sort of gives me a positive validation of being on the right track. I approached it in a different way, so there are two techniques that I sort of used one was 'Spaced Repetition' where the Documenting for archival is the key to getting back to your previous books and the other was 'the Feynman technique' which you did as well, writing in your own word or as if Feynman explains; write it like you are explaining a five-year-old. Also, your obsidian looks like a mind castle. Thanks for the video man. Cheers!! from India, discovered you today and already subscribed.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Spaced repetition is also great, it's important to revisit ideas from time to time. The app is obsidian. Good to have you also

  • @agathoklesmartinios8414
    @agathoklesmartinios84142 ай бұрын

    For reading, I also like to switch between more difficult books and easier books. So usually after reading a harder book, usually non-fiction, I will read some lighter fiction story before delving into another dense book that I actually want to learn from. Doing so I discovered that I actually rather like (gay) romantic comedies, a genre I had never really considered getting into, but which tend to be pretty perfect for that role. Just a light-hearted, not-too-serious story of cheesy romance and comedy like "Heartstopper" or "Red, White and Royal Blue". As for my actual processing of book notes for books I actually want to learn from, that is still a work in progress for me on how best to approach this. I only started making annotations in my physical books a couple of months ago and import them into Readwise (the app had a picture and OCR function). But beyond that I haven't really done much, I usually don't really know how or why to continue working on it, I tend to feel like once the book is finished that's it, on to the next one. Definitely still growing in that area.

  • @xmifi
    @xmifi2 ай бұрын

    Unless you are reading classics. Many of the self help books are regurgitating the same message in the different way. The problem is finding that nugget book with would give you that aha moment.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    For sure

  • @vjpublisher
    @vjpublisher2 ай бұрын

    I agree, advance notetaking is better than on-set research. Thanks so much!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Yep, and you supplement your notes with some extra research. Much appreciated

  • @cordeliaparham6800
    @cordeliaparham68002 ай бұрын

    I like your "So what?" atomic notes.

  • @yuriybesarab11
    @yuriybesarab112 ай бұрын

    Super! Best I've ever heard!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @skaus2184
    @skaus21842 ай бұрын

    Got to love the reading list graphics from the chans...

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    They're good at making charts, I'll tell you that

  • @philmcgroin
    @philmcgroin2 ай бұрын

    Dope content, subscribed!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, good to have you

  • @kanyewest7478
    @kanyewest74782 ай бұрын

    Bro, I wanted to say this now because you're blowing up, and might be my last chance for you to see my comment but your content is great I remember seeing you a little bit ago and thinking about how much potential you have, most accounts are just making content for views and just aren't really knowledgeable lol but yours is great and it seems as if you have a real passion. Keep it up you're doing great, and I and many others are cheering from the sidelines and learning from you.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks man, real grateful to hear that. Still don't know what I'm doing, but I hope we can build something truly valuable.

  • @samuelporter1155
    @samuelporter11552 ай бұрын

    Awesome video!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @CeliaAWhite
    @CeliaAWhite2 ай бұрын

    I just discovered your channel and subscribed. Outstanding content.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Loicmartins
    @Loicmartins2 ай бұрын

    Very good video thank you!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @leandrocaniglia582
    @leandrocaniglia5822 ай бұрын

    Here is my approach, which I apply when I study (pure) mathematics: I completely rewrite every chapter I read, following my style and own perspective (of course, I also provide solutions to the accompanying problems that I'm able to solve, but that's common practice). It's a meticulous process, but I find it effective in reinforcing my understanding.

  • @canopus78
    @canopus782 ай бұрын

    Excelente..!

  • @anusreeashit5548
    @anusreeashit5548Ай бұрын

    We need a detailed obsidian walkthrough please. We would love to see it

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    Ай бұрын

    Coming today!

  • @user-tu8ln5zl1g
    @user-tu8ln5zl1g2 ай бұрын

    You deserve more attention

  • @ruskinyruskiny1611
    @ruskinyruskiny16112 ай бұрын

    "Just be kind" K.Vonnegut.

  • @mimikelly9374
    @mimikelly937422 күн бұрын

    awesome content babe

  • @FinallyImKath
    @FinallyImKath2 ай бұрын

    This content is absolute gold. I am an academic skills tutor in a UK university and I spend a lot of time practicing different approaches to learning so I can pass that wisdom on to my students. Thank you so much for making this! Question: In your first set of notes, do you copy direct quotes from the book or your margin notes or both? I get a lot of questions about this, and have heard of all kind of approaches to this step. I think students sometimes get too bog down on this step and I can't quite figure out why yet.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, and that's cool to hear! For the first set, I usually elaborate on the notes I made in the margin, along with any supporting quotes. It's usually way more than needed, but I like it that way. Hope that makes sense

  • @FinallyImKath

    @FinallyImKath

    2 ай бұрын

    It does, thanks for the reply!

  • @SLTYMILK
    @SLTYMILK2 ай бұрын

    I started using Obsidian recently. Got all my previously read books in there, now just have to add notes and build links I also realized I’m gonna have to reread most of the Greek plays/poems and take notes this time. I suppose I can use lulls between my monthly book purchases for that lol One last thing: You said that when writing something, most of the writing is done if you take good notes (especially with a “second brain”). It’s the same thing for me as a copywriter (by profession) - I “assemble” sales copy from notes rather than writing from scratch. Interesting parallel

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Yeah it's long to transfer/reread everything, I'm still doing it... So worth it in the end though

  • @theawakenedyou
    @theawakenedyou2 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Odysseas! You have given me the tools I needed to write, especially with your mini-essay video. All this time, I could have used my teaching outlines with quotes, text from spiritual literature and my own thoughts to create my own mini-essays on the subjects I taught. Honestly though, I didn't think I was smart enough to write a book. And over the years (since 2003 to date I've read nearly 5000 books) and I did this at the beginning mainly to catch up with everyone else whom I thought was smarter than me. And what's your suggestion on Obsidian for beginners? I tried to use it before but I became frustrated with trying to set it up so I just scrubbed it. Thanks again for your videos! I really feel more encouraged now to write!

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Much appreciated! 5000 books is crazy too, with all that, there's hundreds of potential books hidden in your mind. Obsidian can be tricky at first, but it's easy once you overcome that hurdle -I'll be making a setup guide soon

  • @smda8494
    @smda84942 ай бұрын

    🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 *📚 Tailoring a Reading Strategy for Maximum Insight* - Developing a reading strategy focused on analytical insights. - Emphasizing simplicity over complexity in the reading process. - Choosing books strategically to maximize learning potential. 01:12 *📜 The Great Works List Criteria* - Discussing the criteria for inclusion in the Great Works list. - Emphasizing relevance, engagement with great ideas, and depth for rereading. - Highlighting the significance of structured learning through canonical works. 03:19 *📚 Supplementing with Modern Reads* - Adding modern books to supplement the Great Works list. - Simplifying the process of choosing new books for reading. - Utilizing Goodreads and recommendations for diversifying reading material. 04:01 *📝 Active Reading through Annotation* - Advocating for active reading through annotation. - Discussing the benefits of writing notes for comprehension and retention. - Exploring strategies for effective note-taking during reading. 06:22 *📝 Processing and Cementing Knowledge* - Transitioning from reading to processing and cementing knowledge. - Highlighting the importance of extensive note-taking post-reading. - Discussing the role of thorough note-taking in deepening understanding. 07:06 *📝 Benefits of Slow, Detailed Note-Taking* - Arguing for the benefits of slow, detailed note-taking over speed reading. - Emphasizing the importance of patience and thoroughness in learning. - Highlighting improved comprehension and retention through meticulous note-taking. 08:15 *🖋️ Practicing Writing Skills through Note-Taking* - Discussing the role of note-taking in improving writing skills. - Advocating for consistent practice and improvement in writing. - Exploring personal experiences and strategies for enhancing writing abilities. 10:03 *🧱 Building Blocks of Knowledge and Writing* - Conceptualizing books as collections of building blocks for future writing projects. - Exploring the hierarchical structure of book notes and their utility in larger writing endeavors. - Highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of detailed note-taking for future writing tasks. 13:47 *🔗 Creating Connections through Atomic Notes* - Introducing the concept of atomic notes and their significance in knowledge integration. - Discussing the power of disconnected notes to form unique connections. - Exploring how atomic notes facilitate the emergence of personal insights and perspectives. 15:10 *📝 Structuring Mini Essays for Comprehensive Notes* - Detailing the structure and format of mini essays for comprehensive note-taking. - Discussing strategies for engaging readers and conveying ideas effectively. - Highlighting the versatility of mini essays in accommodating diverse learning objectives. Made with HARPA AI

  • @ofenkaseoffizier9343
    @ofenkaseoffizier93432 ай бұрын

    Very interesting video. At the moment i just read, i always know what to read, cause my shelfes full of books i want to read, i mostly get them second hand and its like: sounds intrestin ill get it. Up until now im not annotating anything, cause i think the things that stand out to, ill remember anyway, and the rest ist just not that important for me anyway. But i might try it in upcoming reads. Upon till now i just read like shorter books, my first longer read now being the tindrum (Günter Grass) wich honestly feels like not reading t all more like watching a movie. But aside from my love for fiction i now started to study philosophy an politics where annotating could really safe me some work. But sometimes i just like to read for the sake of reading and really dont mind about taking notes.

  • @kingech_B15
    @kingech_B152 ай бұрын

    I can dig it.

  • @kipkiphoera
    @kipkiphoera2 ай бұрын

    I like your path on trying to embody the ideal of a renaissance man. Thanks for sharing your visions on reading, note taking and keeping other useful supporting interests and hobbies. As I'm trying to craft a similar path myself, I have two questions for you. 1) How do you treat the natural sciences? I see that the "Great Books" list contains works of Newton etc. But as a physics & philosophy major, I can say that reading the original is very hard from a modern perspective. I've read some Newton passages, but I can safely say that most of my deep understanding of mechanics and gravity comes from reading modern textbooks with modern math notation and doing practice problems. (A notable exception is Darwin, which is still very readable) How do you treat the natural sciences? 2) As far as I can judge from your videos you seem to read exclusively in English. How do you think about reading in other languages too? Myself, I'm constantly struggling the trade-off. This year I started also reading some philosophy in French, Latin and German (the languages I learned to an intermediate level in high school) and while I find it very fulfilling to read the original words of an author (and I feel my reading competence in these languages grow), I saw the total amount of books read this year dwindle fast. Still, I'm thinking of starting to learn ancient Greek to read some original Greek pieces. How do you think about reading in other languages?

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, grateful to hear it. You're right with the sciences, they're hard for laymen. Adler explained that they're included less for learning the science/maths itself, and more for understanding how humans solved major problems in the field -the history. As you say, popular science and textbooks are great for understanding the meat of the subject. Reading in other languages sounds great. I don't have an experience to share, but I've heard it's eye-opening to read books in their original language. If you can, go for it! Hope that helps

  • @user-rm8qt9cd2l
    @user-rm8qt9cd2l2 ай бұрын

    Great channel thanks

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @harmony0717
    @harmony07172 ай бұрын

    Your pronunciation is really good 🤓👍

  • @lumos0123
    @lumos01232 ай бұрын

    I feel like there should be a discord server for this channel so I can communicate to more like minded people efficiently!

  • @krazzyvibestv8657
    @krazzyvibestv8657Ай бұрын

    I wish I was sorted out as you man

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    Ай бұрын

    Trust me it took a long long time. You'll get it

  • @Mr_GuyG
    @Mr_GuyG2 ай бұрын

    Please make a video about how you use obsidian!

  • @MARS-pb2yh
    @MARS-pb2yh2 ай бұрын

    AMAZING video

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Cheers

  • @H3XED_OwO
    @H3XED_OwO2 ай бұрын

    I recommend "the denial of death" by Earnest Becker as it fits the 3 criterion and is also one of my favourites

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Heard good things about it, excited to get there

  • @marcusr2392
    @marcusr23922 ай бұрын

    I also really like writing in the books I read! I'm currently in university and some of the books for the course I really have no interest in keeping and plan to sell when I'm done, so I don't annotate most of what I read currently, which really bums me out.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Yeah that's a shame, best you'd be doing is helping the next owner

  • @harisabbasi2822
    @harisabbasi28222 ай бұрын

    Sir when you read line or paragraph what you do you move forward or go in depth of that line or paragraph but how

  • @nootnootd9450
    @nootnootd94502 ай бұрын

    woah your subscriber count has nearly doubled in the last two weeks?? congrats !

  • @thewicked8040
    @thewicked80402 ай бұрын

    Nice stuff! Would you do a video walkthrough where you show step by step your note taking process? I use obsidian too for that.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    I have a setup guide coming soon, but this video is pretty much my entire system

  • @thewicked8040

    @thewicked8040

    2 ай бұрын

    @@odysseas__ Thanks. I've seen you had Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit. Philosophy books like the one I mentioned have the characteristic of being holistic and organic, it is important to know the various parts sufficiently to understand the whole, and therefore there is a need to "save" many passages and take notes about them. Can I ask how you approach books that are so content-heavy? This is till now the biggest problem with my pseudo-zettelkasten method.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    @@thewicked8040 I struggle there too. Most of the time, I brute force it and just spend a long time fleshing out each idea, if I truly believe they are valuable to me. Sometimes, I can't be bothered and will take a break for a while. Other times, I might restrict myself to only the best ideas and save the rest for another time.

  • @Warrmachine137
    @Warrmachine1372 ай бұрын

    I am enjoying your content and have started using Obsidian. Can you do a video on your method of how you organize your notes and settings for Obsidian? I've researched it a bit, but I like your approach and would like to understand it better. Thanks

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks, and it's in the works

  • @obsolete9734
    @obsolete9734Ай бұрын

    would you ever do a video on your workflow related to writing in obsidian? It would be something i'd love to see

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    Ай бұрын

    A full obsidian guide is releasing in the next few days!

  • @obsolete9734

    @obsolete9734

    Ай бұрын

    awesome!@@odysseas__

  • @jamesfarmer8463
    @jamesfarmer84632 ай бұрын

    In order to link notes in Obsidian, as far as I know, you need the foresight to make a word a [[keyword]] or tag. How do you determine which words should be [[keywords]] to link future notes?

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    I struggled with this question too. I create tags based on if I believe I will be interested enough to explore the topic further. For example, I like reading about sex roles according to anthropology, so I have a tag called 'sex roles,' because I know I will add more notes to it in the future

  • @denisemnemosyne
    @denisemnemosyne2 ай бұрын

    The Great Books are clearly a good list, but lacks some of the best literature from the romanic languages. Take a look after "The Lusiads", from Camões. The greatest work ever written in Portuguese.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    I agree, I'd supplement it with books from all around the world

  • @bsearles72
    @bsearles728 күн бұрын

    Love this! One quick question I had, not sure if you have addressed this in a video, but how does one get over the taboo of writing in books? It seems like marginalia is the general consensus for good note taking/active reading, but what holds me back personally is the fear of "contaminating" a book. Would love to hear any tips/thoughts you have on how to get past that.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    8 күн бұрын

    Thanks, and this is something I ran into a lot. Writing in pencil helped me get over the mental barrier: 'Its reversible so I'm not doing any damage' But more importantly, I was convinced writing is how you make a book your own, beyond physical ownership. It's how you make it 'intellectual property' personal to you, and I liked that idea. You could also buy second hand books, and since they're already worn out a bit, it might be easier to add your own annotations. I hope those help!

  • @bsearles72

    @bsearles72

    8 күн бұрын

    I never thought about it that way when it comes to the intellectual property idea. I'll definitely use these tips going forward. Thank you so much! Keep up the great work.

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    8 күн бұрын

    @@bsearles72 Thanks, and you're very welcome

  • @darthrincus
    @darthrincus2 ай бұрын

    Does anybody know if there's an equivalent study list but for film ?

  • @DanielGTaylor
    @DanielGTaylor2 ай бұрын

    While Mortimer J. Adler does talk about about a form of speed reading in "How to Read a Book," Inspectional Reading, the purpose of this kind of reading is to get a quick sense of a book to determine if it's worthy of a deeper read. I've read 46 books so far in 2024, and I don't speed read. In praise of slow!

  • @almostafaelshafi7618
    @almostafaelshafi76182 ай бұрын

    Hey Odysseas, I want to start writing mini essays, but I have poor grammar. Do you think it will improve over time the more I read and write? Or are there any tools that can help me out with this specific problem?

  • @odysseas__

    @odysseas__

    2 ай бұрын

    It's hard to say from my own experience, but I'm sure the practice of mini-essays will help you speed up your learning and let you spot patterns better. Good luck!