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passive_fist comments on Open thread, September 9-15, 2013 - Less Wrong Discussion
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Comments (126)
'Non-fiction' is a pretty big category. What type of stuff are you reading?
Right now I'm reading "The Black Swan." Next, I plan to read "Surfaces and Essences." So I would say popular science recently.
I know textbooks are designed to do the work of drawing out main ideas, explicitly define main ideas, etc., but I would still be interested in learning how people approach textbooks.
I've already read about how to read scientific papers, which seemed like a great resource: http://violentmetaphors.com/2013/08/25/how-to-read-and-understand-a-scientific-paper-2/
Popular science books are often heavily padded. I recommend skipping any sections that are just rehashing the main idea. For some books (maybe even most books) this can mean reading the first few chapters and skipping the rest.
I'd actually go even further and recommend to avoid pop science books altogether, and replace them with introductory books, lecture notes from reputable lecturers, and video lectures on subjects.
I know there are lists of the best texts on this site, so I guess I could use that to find reputable materials.
I guess ideally I'd like to use pop science books to introduce me to topics in a light and entertaining way, but I think you make a good point that if I'm going for efficiency the ways you've suggested are better.
I've noticed that they can be pretty repetitive, but honestly I think it's good for me to hear it over and over, so I remember it and integrate it.
I guess what I'm looking for is a way to integrate/remember faster or better so the rehashing isn't necessary.