6 Strategies That Will Make You a Better Reader and Person: Publishers and the Smiling Curve

6 Strategies That Will Make You a Better Reader and Person: Publishers and the Smiling Curve

Reading is a fundamental skill that has the power to shape our thoughts, expand our knowledge, and improve our lives. However, not all reading is created equal. As Epictetus wisely said, "I cannot call somebody 'hard-working' knowing only that they read." It's not enough to simply read; it's also crucial to consider what and how we read. In this article, we will explore six strategies that can make you a better reader and person, while also delving into the concept of the smiling curve in the publishing industry.

1. Stop reading books you aren't enjoying
   Life is too short to waste time on books that don't captivate you. As a rule of thumb, consider the 100 pages minus your age guideline. For example, if you're 30 years old and a book hasn't captured your interest by page 70, it may be time to move on. This allows you to focus your precious reading time on books that truly resonate with you and bring you joy.

2. Keep a commonplace book
   Inspired by Tobias Wolff's character in "Old School," maintaining a commonplace book can be a powerful tool for personal growth. This involves typing out quotes and passages from great books that have impacted you. Just as Ronald Reagan kept note cards with handwritten quotes in his desk, you can gather wisdom and inspiration in one place. Seneca advised seeking out teachings and sayings that have immediate practical application, and by compiling them in a commonplace book, words can become works.

3. Reread the masters
   As Seneca emphasized, "You must linger among a limited number of master-thinkers, and digest their works if you would derive ideas which shall win firm hold in your mind." The world is constantly evolving, and so are we. By revisiting the works of influential thinkers, we can gain new insights and perspectives. What we take away from books can change over time, making rereading a valuable practice.

4. Ask people you admire for book recommendations
   Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads." Seeking recommendations from those we admire can lead us to transformative books that have the potential to change our lives. It's worth exploring a variety of genres and styles, trusting that if a book has had a profound impact on someone we admire, it may also resonate with us.

5. Don't just learn from your own experience
   General James Mattis once remarked, "If you haven't read hundreds of books, you're functionally illiterate." Learning solely from our own experiences is limiting and arrogant. Throughout history, humans have encountered similar challenges and triumphs. By immersing ourselves in the knowledge and experiences of others through books, we can tap into a wealth of wisdom. Study cautionary tales, historical accounts, and philosophical works to broaden your perspective and make informed decisions.

6. Get out of a dry spell
   If you find yourself in a reading slump, unable to find books that captivate you, try revisiting something that has deeply resonated with you in the past. Returning to a beloved book can reignite your passion for reading and remind you of the power of literature. Sometimes, all it takes is reconnecting with a familiar favorite to break free from a dry spell.

Now, let's shift our focus to the concept of the smiling curve in the publishing industry. The smiling curve is an illustration of the value-adding potentials of different components of the value chain in IT-related manufacturing industries. In the personal computer industry, both ends of the value chain, such as critical component makers and systems integrators, command higher value than the middle part of the chain.

This phenomenon can be likened to the publishing industry, where traditional publishers find themselves stuck in the middle. The advent of the internet and social media has changed the way people consume news and information. More and more readers access content through mobile platforms, with platforms like Facebook, Google, and Twitter becoming primary sources of information.

When readers follow a link on these platforms, their affinity is often directed towards the author rather than the hosting publication. This shift in consumer behavior has led to a redistribution of value, with publishers finding it challenging to maintain their relevance and exclusivity. The free distribution provided by the internet is available to every other publication, diluting the publisher's ability to provide exclusive content.

To thrive in this changing landscape, successful writers and publications must focus on their unique strengths and accrue outsized value relative to publishers who struggle to adapt. Publishers must recognize that their value lies in fostering and supporting talented writers, rather than clinging to outdated models.

In conclusion, becoming a better reader and person requires intentional choices and habits. By stopping books that don't resonate, keeping a commonplace book, rereading influential works, seeking recommendations, and learning from the experiences of others, we can enhance our understanding and broaden our perspectives. Simultaneously, the publishing industry must adapt to the changing dynamics brought about by the internet and social media. Embracing new models that prioritize the value of talented writers and unique content will be key to survival and success.