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sydneyqamar's review against another edition
5.0
Transformative! Newport's argument for a philosophy of digital minimalism is so convincing that it compels you to finish the book. The second half is replete with tips, advice and success stories. One of the most captivating and quick reads in a long time!
jennyluwho's review
5.0
Over the past couple of years I’ve had various moments of ‘what did I do with this time before I had a smart phone?’ and then I’d consider that simpler time with nostalgia while simultaneously opening FB on my phone to start mindlessly swiping and liking. Now, I don’t hate good ol’ FB and I never will...but reading this book forced me to notice that this social media site that I’ve often considered ‘tabloids for my friends’ was sucking up many more minutes than those I dedicate to the covers of actual tabloids in the check out line.
And that’s just FB. Much of the nonsense on our phones meant to streamline our lives is needlessly taking away from the full enjoyment of life. What Cal has done here is given me the data I needed to see truth in these statements and then step-by-step recommendations on how I might change things to better suit my life. And so far I really dig it.
And that’s just FB. Much of the nonsense on our phones meant to streamline our lives is needlessly taking away from the full enjoyment of life. What Cal has done here is given me the data I needed to see truth in these statements and then step-by-step recommendations on how I might change things to better suit my life. And so far I really dig it.
thenovelbook's review against another edition
5.0
Kind of mind-blowing.
This book is part philosophy, part how-to, and it is a strong wake-up call for the way we use technology. I mean, most of us would vaguely say, "Yeah, I think I spend too much time on my phone." But this book helps to clarify why we spend too much time on our phones. It lifts the veil on an astoundingly obvious truth that had never crossed my mind: We tell ourselves that we use "tools" like social media for the potential benefits that they offer-- but we should first define what those benefits are and then extract them. And we don't. And since they are designed to be irresistible, therefore the amount of time we invest in such tools leads to a diminishingly small return of benefit.
It was a pretty inspiring read, leaving me only with the question, "Can I do the stuff in the book? Actually?" It's a tricky proposition when your job requires a certain amount of social media interaction. But if there's anything I've realized from this read, it's that you can navigate the balance as long as you do it deliberately, and be ruthless with the things that you need to be.
I like that this author is not anti-technology, and he is not even anti-social media. He recognizes the value that's possible in both. But he lays bare the fact that to GET that value, you're going to have to plunge into a sort of David vs. Goliath fight to use technology only in the ways that make your life a lot better, which goes against the way they are often designed.
I'm making some of these changes right away.
This book is part philosophy, part how-to, and it is a strong wake-up call for the way we use technology. I mean, most of us would vaguely say, "Yeah, I think I spend too much time on my phone." But this book helps to clarify why we spend too much time on our phones. It lifts the veil on an astoundingly obvious truth that had never crossed my mind: We tell ourselves that we use "tools" like social media for the potential benefits that they offer-- but we should first define what those benefits are and then extract them. And we don't. And since they are designed to be irresistible, therefore the amount of time we invest in such tools leads to a diminishingly small return of benefit.
It was a pretty inspiring read, leaving me only with the question, "Can I do the stuff in the book? Actually?" It's a tricky proposition when your job requires a certain amount of social media interaction. But if there's anything I've realized from this read, it's that you can navigate the balance as long as you do it deliberately, and be ruthless with the things that you need to be.
I like that this author is not anti-technology, and he is not even anti-social media. He recognizes the value that's possible in both. But he lays bare the fact that to GET that value, you're going to have to plunge into a sort of David vs. Goliath fight to use technology only in the ways that make your life a lot better, which goes against the way they are often designed.
I'm making some of these changes right away.
scifibabe88's review against another edition
Individual solutions for systemic problems. Too neoliberal
aeclark12's review
5.0
Cal Newport challenges us to analyze our relationship with technology, and asks us to consider the cost/benefit ratio associated with our use of social media. As a computer scientist himself, he is in a strong position to lead this important conversation.
brisingr's review against another edition
1.0
DNF @35%
Look, I was sleep deprived as hell when I decided I should ready this. Me!!! A decade-old internet addicted individual!! Who was I kidding? I like my world noisy and I am already doing like at least 40% of what he is suggesting and I am reading even more than what he's predicting for his successful cases, so I will keep my social media habits as they are, thanks (yes, very defensive review, just thinking of this book makes my skin crawl) y'all stay safe though
Look, I was sleep deprived as hell when I decided I should ready this. Me!!! A decade-old internet addicted individual!! Who was I kidding? I like my world noisy and I am already doing like at least 40% of what he is suggesting and I am reading even more than what he's predicting for his successful cases, so I will keep my social media habits as they are, thanks (yes, very defensive review, just thinking of this book makes my skin crawl) y'all stay safe though
anjalisudarsan's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this book up as I was already on a path to not consuming content much, just creating my own. Cal gave some great anecdotes, of an artist doing the same thing as I do (post, don't scroll).
Digital minimalism seems like an obvious concept, but I love that Cal Newport explores ways to make the most of your time without really making like a radical change (like fully cutting your phone out). My favourite quotes:
- "all of humanity's problems stems from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone" (Blaise Pascal)
- "Only thoughts reached by walking have value"
- The more time you use on social media, the less time you tend to devote to offline interactions
- The ability for social media to make us feel ostracised, inadequate, as well as to stroke exhausting outrage, inflame our worst tribal instincts, and perhaps even degrade the democratic process, itself.
- A life well lived requires activities that serve no other purpose other than the satisfaction that the activity itself generates
- High quality leisure is essential to a life well lived.
So, yes, I'll be living life noise free more often.
Digital minimalism seems like an obvious concept, but I love that Cal Newport explores ways to make the most of your time without really making like a radical change (like fully cutting your phone out). My favourite quotes:
- "all of humanity's problems stems from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone" (Blaise Pascal)
- "Only thoughts reached by walking have value"
- The more time you use on social media, the less time you tend to devote to offline interactions
- The ability for social media to make us feel ostracised, inadequate, as well as to stroke exhausting outrage, inflame our worst tribal instincts, and perhaps even degrade the democratic process, itself.
- A life well lived requires activities that serve no other purpose other than the satisfaction that the activity itself generates
- High quality leisure is essential to a life well lived.
So, yes, I'll be living life noise free more often.