The Value of Reading Unsummarizable Books and the Power of Content Curation in Building Communities

The Value of Reading Unsummarizable Books and the Power of Content Curation in Building Communities

In a world where information is readily available at our fingertips, the question arises: "If a book can be summarized, is it worth reading?" Some argue that if a book's contents can be adequately "summed up," then it is not actually a book worth reading. They believe that the harder it is to summarize a book, the more valuable it might be.

As time goes on and we continue to read and digest various works, we begin to connect the dots. The more we engage with literature, the more we find connections and patterns that enrich our understanding of the world. A book proposal, for example, is simply a summary of a book that doesn't exist yet. It acts as marketing copy, tantalizing readers with what is to come. However, the true essence of a book lies in its entirety, not just in its summary.

Similarly, works of art are not just disembodied, entirely abstract, conceptual things. They have a deeper meaning and essence that can only be fully experienced when viewed in its original context. When we extract a piece of art from its intended environment and place it under the spotlight of attention, we inadvertently change its essence because we haven't taken the time to understand its true nature.

On the other hand, content curation has emerged as a powerful tool for community building. As Clay Shirky, author and NYU Professor, points out, "Curation comes up when search stops working. Curation comes up when people realize that it isn't just about information seeking, it's also about synchronizing a community." In today's digital age, the role of traditional media outlets is evolving. If someone were to start a publication like The Village Voice today, they wouldn't print anything or hire a ton of writers. Instead, they would focus on building a website and a mobile app, and then gather content from various social media platforms that are related to their community.

By curating content from blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, and other social media feeds, a publication can create an aggregation system where an editor and journalists can sift through the posts, curate them, and publish them. This approach allows for a more diverse range of voices to be heard and for the community to actively participate in shaping the narrative.

Content curation not only helps in bringing together different perspectives but also strengthens the sense of community. When people see their own thoughts and experiences reflected in curated content, they feel a sense of belonging and connection. It fosters engagement and encourages individuals to contribute their own unique insights and ideas.

In conclusion, while the value of reading unsummarizable books lies in the depth and richness of the content that cannot be adequately captured in a summary, content curation has become an essential tool in building communities. By curating content from various sources, we can create a more inclusive and diverse platform where different voices can be heard.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the challenge of reading unsummarizable books. The more difficult it is to summarize a book, the more valuable it might be. Dive into complex and thought-provoking literature to expand your understanding of the world.
2. Explore the power of content curation in your own community. Build a platform where diverse voices can be heard and curate content that resonates with your audience. Encourage active participation and engagement.
3. Seek connections and patterns in your reading and curating. Look for underlying themes and ideas that can be woven together to create a more holistic understanding. Connect the dots to gain deeper insights and enrich your own perspective.

By combining the value of unsummarizable books with the power of content curation, we can create a more informed and connected society. Both approaches have their unique benefits and can contribute to our personal and collective growth. So, let us embrace the challenge of reading unsummarizable books and harness the power of content curation to build vibrant communities.