The Power of Unread Books: Building an Antilibrary

The Power of Unread Books: Building an Antilibrary

Have you ever heard of the Japanese word "tsundoku"? It beautifully describes the habit of acquiring books but letting them pile up without actually reading them. It's a word that resonates with avid book collectors and those who are constantly in pursuit of knowledge. But what if I told you that unread books can be just as powerful as the ones we have read?

This concept of the power of unread books is brought to light by Lebanese-American scholar and author Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book "The Black Swan". Taleb introduces the idea of an antilibrary, which is essentially a private collection of unread books. He explains that read books are far less valuable than unread ones. The library should contain as much of what you do not know as your financial means allow you to put there. In other words, the more you know, the larger your collection of unread books should be.

The goal of an antilibrary is not to collect books you have read to display them on your shelf as a status symbol. Instead, it is to curate a highly personal collection of resources around themes you are curious about. It is an ode to everything you want to explore and a reminder of everything you don't know. Being surrounded by books we haven't read yet is a humbling experience, whether in a private or public library.

We live in a world where knowledge is often treated as personal property to be protected and defended. It becomes an ornament that allows us to rise in the social hierarchy. However, this tendency to focus on what we already know is a human bias that limits our mental operations. An antilibrary challenges this bias and encourages us to embrace the unknown.

So how can we cultivate our own antilibrary? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Make note of all relevant references: As you come across books, articles, or any other sources of knowledge that pique your interest, make a note of them. Keep a running list of these references and revisit them when you're ready to delve deeper into a particular topic. This way, you're actively building your antilibrary and ensuring that you have a wealth of resources at your disposal.

2. Ask fellow readers for recommendations: Don't be afraid to reach out to others who share your passion for learning. Seek recommendations from friends, colleagues, or even online communities. By tapping into the collective wisdom of others, you can discover new books and authors that you may have never come across on your own. Expand your antilibrary with diverse perspectives and ideas.

3. Allow for serendipity: While it's important to be intentional about adding books to your antilibrary, leave room for serendipity. Don't be afraid to stumble upon a book that catches your eye in a bookstore or library. Sometimes, the best discoveries are the ones we didn't plan for. Embrace the element of surprise and let your antilibrary grow organically.

In a world where nuanced thinking is needed more than ever, an antilibrary is a much-needed tool for thought. It reminds us of the vastness of knowledge and the importance of continuous learning. It encourages us to embrace our own ignorance and approach new ideas with humility.

Now, let's shift gears and explore the unlikely journey of another entity that defied expectations: Pinterest. Pinterest's founders are not prodigies, but they managed to build something big despite the initial lack of enthusiasm. In fact, when Pinterest first launched, it only had 200 users after four months. It took a year and a half for the site to gain traction in California.

What sets Pinterest apart is that the team maintained their original vision even in the face of pressure to be successful quickly or pivot. They were obsessive about the product, the writing, and the community. In fact, Ben, one of the founders, personally wrote to the first 5,000-7,000 people who joined the site. This level of dedication and attention to detail played a significant role in Pinterest's eventual success.

The story of Pinterest's journey teaches us the importance of sticking to our vision and being relentless in our pursuit of excellence. It's easy to succumb to the pressures of the market and pivot when things aren't going as planned. But sometimes, staying true to our original idea and putting in the hard work can lead to extraordinary results.

In conclusion, building an antilibrary and embracing unread books can expand our horizons and foster a deeper appreciation for knowledge. It challenges our biases and encourages us to approach new ideas with humility. Additionally, the journey of Pinterest reminds us of the power of perseverance and staying true to our vision. So let's cultivate our own antilibraries, explore the unknown, and never be afraid to stick to our original ideas.

Actionable advice:

1. Start building your antilibrary by making note of all relevant references that pique your interest.

2. Seek recommendations from fellow readers to discover new books and authors that you may have overlooked.

3. Embrace serendipity and allow for unexpected discoveries to expand your antilibrary organically.