SLOW DOWN | The Mental Benefits of Reading Slowly

Merphy Napier | Manga
10 Mar 202321:10
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker reflects on their dual reading mentality, oscillating between immersing themselves in a book's world and the eagerness to rapidly consume stories. They discuss the joy of reading and the discussions it sparks, as well as the trade-offs between speed reading and slow, immersive reading. The speaker also touches on the social aspect of reading and the pitfalls of comparison, advocating for appreciating the art of reading at one's own pace.

Takeaways
  • πŸ“š The speaker enjoys the dual experience of immersing themselves in books and the excitement of rapidly consuming stories.
  • πŸ“ˆ Despite reading a lot, the stack of books never shrinks as new titles are constantly added.
  • πŸ€” The speaker loves discussing books and engaging in deep conversations about themes and literary works.
  • πŸ“– Reading slowly allows for better immersion and comprehension, but speed reading can lead to a loss of these details.
  • 🧠 Research suggests that reading slowly can be more beneficial for stress relief and information retention than speed reading.
  • πŸ“š The speaker's reading pace varies depending on the book and their personal connection to the story.
  • πŸ“ˆ Reading consistently, even at a slow pace, can lead to significant progress over time.
  • πŸ“š The quality and enjoyment of reading are not determined by the speed or the number of pages read.
  • 🌟 Each reader's experience is unique, influenced by their personal background and emotional connection to the text.
  • 🚫 The speaker discourages comparison in reading habits, emphasizing that there is no 'right' way to read.
  • 🌿 The value of slowing down and taking time to appreciate the art of reading is highlighted in a fast-paced world.
Q & A
  • What is the dual mentality the speaker has about reading?

    -The speaker has a dual mentality where they love to immerse themselves in a book and visualize everything, being taken to a new world, while also feeling excited to read so much that they can't slow down, leading to a constant desire to read more books.

  • Why does the speaker's stack of books never shrink despite constant reading?

    -The stack never shrinks because the speaker is always adding new books to it, fueled by their excitement and love for reading.

  • What is the speaker's stance on speed reading?

    -The speaker acknowledges speed reading but prefers a more immersive and slower reading pace, as they believe that speed reading can hinder comprehension and the depth of experiencing the story.

  • How does the speaker engage with books beyond just reading them?

    -The speaker engages with books by having discussions, creating videos on reading, and digging deep into themes and topics with friends, which they find to be one of their favorite aspects of reading.

  • What is the significance of the book 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' by Jennette McCurdy in the speaker's experience?

    -The book 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' is significant because the speaker is reading it slowly and taking in every detail, unlike their usual fast-paced reading habit, and plans to have a discussion about it with a friend.

  • What is the speaker's perspective on the importance of reading slowly?

    -The speaker believes that reading slowly enhances the reading experience by allowing for better immersion, comprehension, and retention of details, and can also serve as a stress reliever.

  • How does the speaker feel about the idea of comparing reading speeds and quantities?

    -The speaker is against comparing reading speeds and quantities, emphasizing that each person's reading experience is unique and should not be measured against others.

  • What does the speaker suggest is the biggest factor in reading a lot of books?

    -The speaker suggests that consistency in reading, such as making time to read every day, is the biggest factor in reading a lot of books, rather than the speed at which one reads.

  • How does the speaker's personal reading habit reflect their dual mentality?

    -The speaker's dual mentality is reflected in their reading habits by sometimes reading ferociously to consume a captivating book quickly and at other times reading slowly to savor and deeply discuss the content with friends.

  • What is the speaker's advice for those who feel pressured to read a certain way?

    -The speaker advises against feeling pressured to read a certain way, emphasizing that there is no wrong way to read as long as one is enjoying the experience and getting something out of it.

  • What is the speaker's final message about reading in our fast-paced world?

    -The speaker's final message is to encourage readers to appreciate the art of reading slowly in our fast-paced world, as it offers a unique and valuable experience that shouldn't be rushed or compared to others.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“š The Joys and Dilemmas of Reading

The speaker reflects on their love for reading and the dual mentality they experience. They enjoy immersing themselves in books and visualizing the stories, yet they also find themselves reading quickly due to excitement and the desire to consume all the stories. Despite the large number of books they're eager to read, they acknowledge the issue of reading too fast and potentially missing finer details. The speaker values discussions that books inspire, mentioning specific examples of deep literary conversations they've had with friends.

05:01
πŸ€” Balancing Speed and Immersion in Reading

The speaker discusses the tug-of-war between reading quickly and savoring the immersive experience a book provides. They acknowledge that speed reading can compromise comprehension and the depth of the reading experience. The speaker has researched studies suggesting that slower reading can decrease stress more effectively and improve information retention. They share their personal preference for a measured reading pace, which aligns with their understanding of how the brain processes information.

10:01
πŸ“ˆ The Numbers Game of Reading

The speaker talks about the social aspect of reading and how sharing reading statistics can sometimes lead to unhealthy comparisons. They emphasize that reading slowly and consistently can lead to a significant number of pages read over time, regardless of the pace. The speaker also addresses the variability in reading speeds due to personal preferences, the complexity of the material, and individual capabilities, asserting that there is no 'right' way to read.

15:02
🌟 Embracing the Emotional Journey of Reading

The speaker shares their emotional connection to reading, explaining how it transports them to different places and affects them deeply. They describe reading as a unique, personal experience where each reader builds the story in their mind based on their own life experiences. The speaker encourages embracing the slow pace of reading as a way to appreciate the art form and to slow down in a fast-paced world.

20:03
πŸ™Œ The Diversity of Reading Experiences

The speaker invites the audience to share their own reading experiences, whether they identify as fast or slow readers. They discuss the different emotions and experiences associated with reading at various paces and the personal satisfaction derived from both approaches. The speaker concludes by reinforcing that there is no wrong way to read as long as it brings enjoyment and value to the reader's life, and they express a desire to continue the conversation on reading habits.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Dual Mentality
The term 'Dual Mentality' refers to the speaker's experience of having two contrasting approaches to reading. On one hand, they love to immerse themselves in a book and visualize the story, while on the other, they are eager to read quickly to satisfy their curiosity. This concept is central to the video's theme as it sets the stage for the discussion on the different ways people engage with literature.
πŸ’‘Immersion
Immersion in the context of the video refers to the deep engagement and absorption in a book's world, where the reader visualizes every detail and feels as if they are part of the story. It is a key aspect of the reading experience that the speaker values, as it allows them to connect with the narrative on a profound level.
πŸ’‘Reading Pace
Reading pace refers to the speed at which a person reads text. In the video, the speaker discusses the personal tug-of-war between reading slowly to savor and comprehend every detail and reading quickly due to an intense desire to know what happens next in the story. This concept is integral to the speaker's exploration of the reading experience.
πŸ’‘Book Discussions
Book discussions are conversations about the content, themes, and interpretations of books. In the video, the speaker expresses their enjoyment of engaging in discussions, particularly those that delve deep into the themes and author's intentions, as a significant part of their reading experience.
πŸ’‘Information Retention
Information retention is the ability to remember and recall details of what one has read. The speaker in the video reflects on how their reading pace affects their retention, noting that reading too quickly may result in missing finer details or not remembering as effectively.
πŸ’‘Speed Reading
Speed reading is a technique aimed at increasing reading speed while maintaining comprehension. The video discusses the idea that speed reading may not be as effective for information retention and comprehension as slower, more thoughtful reading, and how it contradicts the natural way the brain processes information.
πŸ’‘Stress Relief
Stress relief refers to the reduction of stress through various activities. In the context of the video, reading is presented as a stress-relieving hobby, with further evidence suggesting that reading slowly can be even more effective in reducing stress.
πŸ’‘Reading Consistency
Reading consistency refers to the regular practice of reading, which is emphasized in the video as a key factor in reading a lot of books. It is about making reading a daily habit rather than focusing on the quantity of pages read at one go.
πŸ’‘Comparison
Comparison, in the context of the video, refers to the act of measuring one's reading habits against others, which can lead to dissatisfaction or a sense of competition. The speaker discourages this practice, advocating for individual reading experiences without comparison to others.
πŸ’‘Personal Reading Experience
Personal reading experience encompasses the unique way in which an individual engages with and derives value from reading. The video emphasizes the importance of respecting one's own reading preferences and experiences, whether that involves fast reading or slow savoring.
Highlights

The speaker reflects on their dual mentality of reading: loving to immerse themselves in a book and visualize the story while also feeling the urge to read quickly due to excitement.

Despite reading a lot, the speaker's stack of books never shrinks because they are constantly adding new books to it.

The speaker enjoys the discussions that come from reading, such as those on their Booktube channel and with friends like Philip Chase and Amber Elise.

The speaker is currently reading 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' by Jennette McCurdy and taking it slow to absorb every detail, unlike their fast-paced reading of the 'Wisdom of Crowds' trilogy.

The speaker acknowledges that reading quickly can lead to missing finer details and having a less immersive experience.

The speaker has researched studies that suggest reading more slowly can decrease stress more effectively and improve information retention.

The speaker discusses the social aspect of reading and how sharing reading statistics can sometimes lead to unhealthy comparisons.

Reading consistency is emphasized as more important than reading speed for covering more pages over time.

The speaker notes that different books naturally take different amounts of time to read due to factors like language, complexity, and genre.

The speaker shares their personal reading habits, spending 2-3 hours a day reading after putting their children to bed.

The speaker argues against the idea of 'better' or 'worse' reading based on speed or the number of books read, and instead values the individual experience.

The emotional impact of reading is highlighted as a significant aspect for the speaker, with the process likened to building a mental structure based on the author's floor plan.

The speaker advocates for the value of slowing down in life, including in reading, as a way to appreciate the experience more fully.

The video is not meant to criticize fast reading but to encourage appreciation for the art of reading slowly.

The speaker invites viewers to share their own reading experiences and preferences, whether they identify as fast or slow readers.

The speaker concludes by reiterating that there is no 'wrong' way to read as long as the reader is enjoying and getting something out of the experience.

Transcripts
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