Advice for Success: Leveraging the Internet, Going Deep, and Building an Antilibrary

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Jul 14, 2023

4 min read

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Advice for Success: Leveraging the Internet, Going Deep, and Building an Antilibrary

In today's digital age, there are countless opportunities for personal growth and success. With the internet at our fingertips, connecting with like-minded individuals and expanding our knowledge has never been easier. In this article, we will explore three key pieces of advice for achieving success: making friends over the internet, going deep on your interests, and building an antilibrary.

The internet has revolutionized the way we interact and learn. It provides a platform to connect with people from all walks of life who share our passions and interests. One valuable piece of advice from Patrick Collison is to make friends over the internet with people who are great at things you're interested in. By doing so, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can propel your own growth.

But how do you go about making friends online? Start by joining online communities and forums related to your interests. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute your own insights. Over time, you will naturally form connections with individuals who share your enthusiasm. These virtual friendships can be just as impactful and valuable as those formed in person.

Another crucial aspect of success is going deep on your interests. Becoming an expert in a particular field or skill can open doors and create opportunities. While it's essential to have a broad understanding of various subjects, focusing on a few areas where you can truly excel is key. As Collison advises, "Go deep on things. Become an expert. Try to go deep on multiple things."

By immersing yourself in your chosen areas of interest, you develop a deep understanding and proficiency that sets you apart. This expertise can lead to unique insights, innovative ideas, and valuable contributions to your chosen field. Don't be afraid to dedicate time and effort to honing your skills and acquiring in-depth knowledge.

Additionally, Collison emphasizes the importance of reading. He suggests aiming to read a lot and not judging your success based on your current peer group. Reading exposes you to new perspectives, ideas, and information. It broadens your horizons and helps you develop a well-rounded worldview.

Building an antilibrary, as coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, is a powerful tool for personal growth and discovery. An antilibrary is a collection of unread books that represents the unknown and unexplored realms of knowledge. Taleb argues that unread books can be as valuable as the ones we have read, as they serve as a reminder of the vastness of human knowledge and the endless opportunities for learning and growth.

Embracing the unknown is essential for personal and intellectual development. Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell once said, "Thoroughly conscious ignorance is the prelude to every real advance in science." By acknowledging what we don't know and actively seeking to expand our knowledge, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and discoveries.

To effectively build an antilibrary, start by curating a collection of books that align with your curiosity and interests. These unread books should represent themes and topics that you are eager to explore. Treat your antilibrary as a research tool, a source of inspiration and motivation for continuous learning.

Take notes of all relevant references mentioned in the books you read. By doing so, you create a valuable resource for future exploration. When an author recommends another book or source, make a note of it. This way, you will have a list of relevant sources to delve into once you finish reading a particular book.

Additionally, don't be afraid to seek recommendations from fellow readers. Engage in conversations, join book clubs, and participate in online communities dedicated to literature and knowledge sharing. By tapping into the collective wisdom of others, you can expand your antilibrary and gain new perspectives on various subjects.

In conclusion, achieving success in today's world requires leveraging the internet, going deep on your interests, and building an antilibrary. By making friends over the internet with people who excel in your areas of interest, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and broaden your horizons. Going deep on your passions allows you to become an expert and make valuable contributions to your field. Lastly, building an antilibrary cultivates a humble relationship with knowledge and opens doors to new discoveries.

Three actionable pieces of advice to take away from this article are:

  • 1. Leverage the internet to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your knowledge.
  • 2. Focus on a few areas of interest and go deep to develop expertise and unique insights.
  • 3. Build an antilibrary of unread books to embrace the unknown and foster continuous learning.

By following these guidelines, you can set yourself on a path towards personal growth, success, and a lifelong love for learning.

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