How I Became a Founder: Omneky's Hikari Senju - How to Read a Book: The Ultimate Guide by Mortimer Adler

How I Became a Founder: Omneky's Hikari Senju - How to Read a Book: The Ultimate Guide by Mortimer Adler

In the world of technology, innovation is key. The constant change, independence, and comradery that comes with being at the forefront of societal change is exhilarating. This is exactly what drew Hikari Senju, the founder of Omneky, to the field. Hikari studied computer science and found himself regularly attending events organized by Peter, where he met like-minded students who would later become a vital part of his network of founders.

Luck was on Hikari's side when he left his job at Yup and received his first investment from Village Global just days later. Village Global played a crucial role in incubating Omneky for the first six months of its existence. They not only provided financial support but also hosted weekly dinners with other portfolio companies, allowing Hikari and his peers to discuss challenges and share their learnings. This sense of community proved to be instrumental in getting Omneky off the ground.

One key aspect of Hikari's journey as a founder is his voracious reading habit. He believes that reading is essential for personal growth and development. In fact, he has even shared his reading list, which includes books on various subjects related to entrepreneurship and technology. Hikari understands that knowledge is power, and reading helps him stay ahead of the curve.

Reading is not just about gathering information; it's about understanding and internalizing the knowledge. Mortimer Adler's guide on how to read a book provides valuable insights into different reading techniques. Adler distinguishes between reading for understanding and reading for information. Reading for information is akin to skimming through a book, only grasping the surface-level details. On the other hand, reading for understanding involves a more analytical approach, where the reader engages with the text and forms their own opinions.

Adler suggests that marking a book is a sign of respect for the author. By highlighting and annotating, the reader actively engages with the ideas presented in the text. This process allows for a deeper understanding and critical analysis of the material. It's not about simply regurgitating information but rather forming one's own unique perspective.

Adler further breaks down reading into four stages: inspectional reading, analytical reading, syntopical reading, and elementary reading. Inspectional reading involves quickly skimming through a book to determine if it's worth investing more time and attention. This initial evaluation helps the reader decide whether to delve deeper into the text or move on to something else.

Analytical reading is a more thorough process that involves active engagement with the text. Hikari highly recommends using marginalia, or notes in the margins, to have a conversation with the author. This allows for a deeper exploration of the author's ideas and fosters a more meaningful reading experience.

Syntopical reading takes reading to another level by comparing and contrasting ideas from multiple books on the same subject. This approach helps develop a deeper fluency in the subject matter and allows for a broader understanding of different perspectives. Hikari believes that reading should be about asking the right questions and seeking answers.

In conclusion, Hikari Senju's journey as a founder and his passion for reading intertwine to create a unique perspective on entrepreneurship and personal growth. His dedication to staying informed and continuously learning sets him apart. Three actionable advice that we can take away from his story are:

1. Embrace the power of community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can support and inspire you on your entrepreneurial journey. Seek out events, networking opportunities, and incubators to build a strong network.

2. Make reading a priority: Develop a habit of reading regularly to expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Engage with the material by taking notes and actively thinking about the ideas presented.

3. Ask the right questions: Approach reading with a curious mindset. Ask yourself meaningful questions about the material and seek answers that challenge your understanding. This will foster deeper learning and critical thinking.

By combining the experiences of Hikari Senju and the insights from Mortimer Adler's guide, we can gain a better understanding of what it takes to become a successful founder and the importance of continuous learning and personal development in the entrepreneurial world. Remember, the journey of a founder is not just about starting a company but also about embracing the process of growth and innovation.