Upgrading 5400 Years Old Tech: Tools for Better Reading

Upgrading 5400 Years Old Tech: Tools for Better Reading

250 words per minute (wpm). That’s how fast the average person reads! Invented 5400 years ago (along with writing), reading pretty much didn’t change since then. Reading is still the most efficient way to absorb information. However, with the advent of technology and the rise of social reading, there are now tools available to enhance the reading experience and make it even more effective.

One such tool is the meta-book “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer Adler. In this book, Adler introduces different reading techniques such as inspectional reading, analytical reading, and synoptical reading. These techniques help readers to not just passively consume information, but to actively engage with the material and gain a deeper understanding.

Another tool that can greatly enhance the reading experience is the social reading plugin called Glasp curators. This plugin allows readers to connect with others who have read the same book and share insights and opinions. It acts as a filter, helping readers to discover relevant and interesting content. The social reading trend is here to stay, and it’s just getting started.

In the book review "A Thousand Brains" by Jeff Hawkins, the author explores the idea that the neocortex is the organ of intelligence. Hawkins argues that almost all the capabilities we think of as intelligence are created by the neocortex. He believes that if we want to understand intelligence and build brain-like AGI, we need to understand what the neocortex does and how it does it.

Hawkins also suggests that the complexity of the neocortex is in the learned content, not the learning algorithm itself. This means that we can potentially build brain-like AGI without having to replicate the intricate circuitry of the neocortex. Instead, we just need to find the right learning algorithm and let it construct the necessary processing machinery on its own.

This idea challenges the notion that brain-like AGI is centuries away. If the neocortex is a relatively simple, human-legible learning algorithm, then it might not be as far-fetched as it seems. In fact, it could already be starting to crystallize into view on the horizon.

Incorporating these ideas and tools into our reading practices can greatly enhance our ability to absorb information and gain deeper insights. Here are three actionable advice to improve your reading experience:

1. Experiment with different reading techniques: Try out inspectional reading, analytical reading, and synoptical reading to see which one works best for you. Each technique offers a unique way to engage with the material and gain a deeper understanding.

2. Embrace social reading: Join online communities or use social reading plugins like Glasp curators to connect with others who have read the same book. Share insights, opinions, and recommendations to enrich your reading experience.

3. Stay curious and open-minded: Don't be afraid to explore new ideas and challenge your existing beliefs. The world of knowledge is vast, and reading is a tool that can help you navigate through it. Approach each book with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn.

In conclusion, while reading might be a 5400-year-old technology, there are now tools and techniques available that can enhance our reading experience and make it even more effective. From different reading techniques to social reading plugins, there are various ways to engage with material and gain deeper insights. By incorporating these tools and ideas into our reading practices, we can upgrade our reading experience and stay ahead in the age of information.