Why You Should Stop Reading News and Embrace a Strenuous Life

Why You Should Stop Reading News and Embrace a Strenuous Life

In today's fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information. The speed at which news is delivered has increased, and the cost to produce news has significantly dropped. This has led to a flood of surface-level opinions on isolated topics, filling our heads with irrelevant information.

Moreover, news producers want us to consume more of their content, just like any other purveyors of drugs. As a result, the incentives behind news production have shifted. When news is free, advertisers become the ones in charge, and page views become the name of the game. This misalignment of incentives compromises the quality and integrity of the news we consume.

The consequence of constantly consuming news is that most of what we read online today is pointless. It doesn't contribute to living a good life, making better decisions, or understanding the world. It lacks depth and meaningful information that can help us develop genuine connections with others.

When we stop reading the news, we begin to notice how misinformed those who do read it are. They often cherry-pick information and give it undue weight in their opinions. We also realize that we weren't as well-informed as we thought. The news didn't make our opinions more rational; it just made us more confident in our existing beliefs.

Not reading the news reveals that much of what we thought was our own thinking actually belonged to someone else. To counteract this, it is crucial to spend less time consuming news and more time thinking for ourselves. We need to change our sources of information, seeking out more reliable and in-depth content that can truly enrich our understanding of the world.

One of the key insights we can draw from the concept of a strenuous life, as advocated by Theodore Roosevelt in his 1899 speech, is the importance of effort and striving for greatness. Roosevelt believed that a life of ease and idleness is unworthy of both individuals and nations. He emphasized the value of hard work and the pursuit of non-remunerative endeavors that contribute to the betterment of society.

Roosevelt's message resonates with our current predicament. We must strive to play a significant role in the world and not shy away from our responsibilities. Building a strong foundation for a nation requires not only material prosperity but also a commitment to higher ideals and the willingness to undertake great tasks.

To achieve true national greatness, we must approach our responsibilities with seriousness, courage, and high resolve. We must demonstrate qualities such as courage, honesty, and good judgment. It is essential to select capable individuals based on their fitness and merit rather than partisan service. These individuals must administer impartial justice, serve their government with integrity, and show tact and firmness in dealing with different cultures and perspectives.

In conclusion, embracing a strenuous life and breaking free from the constant consumption of news can lead to a more informed and fulfilled existence. By spending less time reading pointless information and more time thinking critically and seeking reliable sources, we can make better decisions and develop deeper connections with others. Additionally, adopting the qualities of courage, honesty, and good judgment advocated by Roosevelt can contribute to the greatness of both individuals and nations.

Three actionable pieces of advice to implement in your life:

1. Limit your news consumption: Set specific times for reading news and avoid mindlessly scrolling through countless articles. Focus on quality over quantity.
2. Seek diverse perspectives: Look for alternative sources of information that provide different viewpoints. This will help you develop a more well-rounded understanding of complex issues.
3. Engage in non-remunerative work: Dedicate some of your free time to activities that contribute to the betterment of society, whether it's volunteering, pursuing a hobby, or engaging in intellectual pursuits like reading or research.

Remember, it's not about completely cutting off from the world, but rather being intentional about the information you consume and the actions you take. By doing so, you can lead a more purposeful and meaningful life.