"Slow-Reading is The New Deep Learning" & "Write like you code"

"Slow-Reading is The New Deep Learning" & "Write like you code"

In today's fast-paced world, where information is easily accessible at the click of a button, it's easy to fall into the trap of speed-reading. But what if I told you that slow-reading is the new deep learning? It may seem counterintuitive, but taking the time to truly engage with the content you're reading can lead to a greater understanding and retention of knowledge.

When we read, our brains go through a complex process of language comprehension and knowledge acquisition. It's not just about absorbing words from a page, but rather integrating new concepts with our existing knowledge. This is where slow-reading comes into play. By reading slowly and deliberately, we activate the processes that support knowledge acquisition. We engage with the content and associate new concepts with what we already know, allowing us to expand our knowledge base.

But what exactly happens in our brains when we read? Our experiences and sensory input are initially stored in Sensory Memory, which is like a firehose of data. From there, the information moves to Working Memory, which is critical for achieving our goals. Working Memory allows us to apply multiple memories or learned concepts simultaneously and retrieve long-term memories when needed.

To make sense of all this information, our brains have a sketchpad and a buffer. The sketchpad helps us mentally visualize current experiences or visual memories, while the buffer stores a coherent narrative that integrates inputs from different sources. We consciously access the buffer to assist us in completing tasks. And when it comes to converting short-term memory into long-term memory, the hippocampus in our brain plays a crucial role.

But here's the thing – converting conceptual understanding into knowledge takes time. It's not something that can be rushed. We need to give ourselves the space to make new mental connections and integrate new information with what we already know. And that's where slow-reading comes in. By reading slowly, we allow our central executive – the part of our brain responsible for working memory – to do its job effectively.

Another approach to improving our reading and writing skills is to adopt the mindset of a programmer. Just as good code is simple, efficient, and structured, so should be our writing. Bad writing, on the other hand, resembles bad code – unnecessarily complex, inefficient, and structured like a bowl of spaghetti.

When we write, we need to consider the mental resources of our readers. Attention span and memory are like the CPU cycles and RAM of our readers. Good writing takes this into account and keeps the reader engaged with frequent humor or insight. David Perell suggests the "Raymond Chandler rule," which states that the reader should have an epiphany every 250 words. This keeps the reader interested and ensures that the writing is accessible to a wide range of readers.

So, how can we apply these principles to our own reading and writing? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Slow down and engage with the content. Take the time to truly understand and integrate new concepts with your existing knowledge. This will expand your knowledge base and improve your ability to utilize that knowledge in the future.

2. Ask yourself questions as you read. Be conscious and deliberate in your reading process. Talk to yourself and have an internal conversation to quality control your experience with the text. Employ metacognition to enhance your learning.

3. Write like you code. Keep your writing simple, efficient, and structured. Consider the mental resources of your readers and ensure that your writing is accessible and engaging. Aim for frequent epiphanies to keep your readers interested and make your writing memorable.

In conclusion, slow-reading and writing like you code have more in common than you might think. Both require a deliberate and mindful approach, allowing for the integration of new concepts with existing knowledge. By embracing these practices, you can enhance your learning and improve your writing skills. So, take the time to slow down, engage with the content, and write with simplicity and structure. Your brain – and your readers – will thank you.