Think Deeper: Upgrade your HQ&A Notes with Up, Down, and Across (Pt 3)

Think Deeper: Upgrade your HQ&A Notes with Up, Down, and Across (Pt 3)

Building an antilibrary: the power of unread books

The value of the Highlight, Question, and Answer (HQ&A) technique comes down to the quality of the questions you ask, so being able to prime a state of mind that surfaces better questions will deepen your understanding of the text and make you a more original thinker. But how can we enhance our ability to ask thought-provoking questions? One way is by building an antilibrary, a concept introduced by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book The Black Swan.

Tsundoku, a Japanese word meaning the habit of acquiring books but letting them pile up without reading them, captures the essence of an antilibrary. It is the idea that unread books can hold just as much power as the ones we have read, if we choose to view them in the right light. An antilibrary is a private collection of unread books, a reminder of everything we don't know.

Taleb explains that an antilibrary should contain as much of what we do not know as our resources allow. It is not about displaying books we have read, but rather curating a collection of resources around topics and themes we are curious about. It is an ode to everything we want to explore and a representation of our thirst for knowledge.

In our society, we often treat knowledge as personal property to be protected and defended. We use it as an ornament to elevate our status. However, this mindset limits our growth and hinders our ability to think critically. An antilibrary challenges this bias and encourages us to embrace our ignorance. It pushes us to acknowledge that the more we know, the more there is to learn.

Having an antilibrary, whether it's a small collection or a vast one, creates a humble relationship with knowledge. It reminds us that we are constantly on a journey of discovery and that there will always be more to explore. It fosters a mindset of curiosity and openness, which are essential traits for original thinking.

So how can we incorporate the concept of an antilibrary into our lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the unknown: Instead of solely focusing on books you have read, make a conscious effort to acquire books on topics that intrigue you. Don't be afraid to dive into unfamiliar subjects and explore new ideas. Expand the boundaries of your knowledge and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised by the insights that await you.

2. Keep track of references: As you read, make notes of all the relevant references that pique your interest. These can be books, articles, or even conversations with fellow readers. By documenting these references, you create a roadmap for future exploration. You can revisit these sources when you're ready to delve deeper into specific areas of knowledge.

3. Embrace serendipity: While it's essential to have a plan for your reading, leave room for serendipity. Allow yourself to stumble upon books or resources that you didn't anticipate. Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from unexpected sources. By remaining open to the unknown, you create opportunities for new perspectives and ideas to enrich your thinking.

In conclusion, building an antilibrary is a powerful tool for thought. It challenges our biases and encourages us to embrace our ignorance. By curating a collection of unread books, we create a humble relationship with knowledge and foster a mindset of curiosity and openness. So, let us embrace the unknown, keep track of relevant references, and allow for serendipity in our pursuit of knowledge. In a world that demands nuanced thinking, an antilibrary is a much-needed asset for original thought.