How Bill Gates Reads Books

Reading a book until the very last page can sometimes feel like an arduous task. It requires concentration, dedication, and a willingness to invest your time in something that may or may not align with your beliefs. But why is it so important to push through and finish a book, even when it feels frustrating or overwhelming?

Taking Notes and Challenging Ideas

When reading a non-fiction book, it's crucial to actively engage with the material. Simply skimming through the pages won't result in a deep understanding or retention of the knowledge presented. Taking notes while reading ensures that you're actively thinking about the concepts and ideas being discussed. This process allows you to attach new knowledge to what you already know, leading to a deeper understanding and the potential for new insights.

Furthermore, if you come across ideas that you disagree with, it's even more important to push through and finish the book. Engaging with differing viewpoints broadens your perspective and challenges your preconceived notions. Writing extensively in the margins may be frustrating, but it signals an active dialogue between the book and your own thoughts. Who knows, perhaps the author will surprise you with a point that resonates and makes the journey worthwhile.

The Infinite Jest Conundrum

Sometimes, the decision to finish a book becomes more complicated when it comes to fiction. Take, for example, "Infinite Jest" by David Foster Wallace. After watching the movie "The End of the Tour," which portrayed Wallace as an intriguing and intellectual figure, the urge to dive into his acclaimed novel is strong. However, with its length and complexity, hesitations arise.

The internal debate rages on. Would I start and finish this book as I do with others, or is it an exception to my rule? The desire to fully engage with the book clashes with my preference for shorter reads. Late-night reading sessions, accompanied by a paper magazine or a familiar novel, have become ingrained in my routine. The idea of embarking on an extensive and intellectually demanding journey feels daunting.

The Value of Time and Commitment

Reading novels like "Infinite Jest" demands a dedicated time commitment. It requires hours of uninterrupted focus to truly grasp the intricacies and allow the narrative to unfold. This type of reading cannot be squeezed into fleeting moments of five or ten minutes. Instead, it beckons for an hour or more of undivided attention.

However, it's worth recognizing the value of allocating time for a book of substance. Yes, magazine articles and short YouTube videos may fit nicely into those smaller time slots, but they often provide only a glimpse into a topic. Engaging with a book that demands hours of your time offers a chance to immerse yourself fully, to explore ideas deeply, and to form a lasting connection with the author and their words.

The Ever-Growing Book Bag

Despite the challenges and the overwhelming weight of my ever-growing book bag, I am determined to make the switch. The allure of "Infinite Jest" and the profound impact it could have on my perspective outweigh the inconveniences. It's time to embrace the voluminous and antiquated book, knowing that in doing so, I am opening myself up to the transformative power of literature.

Every night, I set aside a little over an hour to read, ensuring that progress is made. By pushing through and finishing the current book, I am taking small steps towards embarking on this new, daunting journey. It is a commitment to not only complete the books I start but also to discover uncharted territories of knowledge and immerse myself in the vast world of human thought and imagination.

Conclusion

In a world filled with distractions and bite-sized content, the act of finishing a book becomes a triumph of commitment and intellectual exploration. It allows us to delve into new ideas, engage with opposing viewpoints, and expand our understanding of the world. Whether it's a non-fiction book that challenges our beliefs or a complex work of fiction that demands our time, the act of completion opens doors to new possibilities and transformative experiences. So, next time you find yourself tempted to abandon a book midway, remember the value of perseverance and the potential rewards that come with reaching the final page.