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An Argument for Reading Better Books

👋 Hey Reader,

There’s a powerful line in Plato’s Protagoras about what happens when we learn something new.

Socrates, speaking to a young man named Hippocrates, says:

I love that line because it reminds us of a simple truth: once we learn something, we can’t unlearn it. Ideas change us. And not every idea changes us for the better.

Imagine reading a book that makes bold claims about your health—claims that are unfounded or inaccurate. You’ve still learned something, but now that “knowledge” may lead you to make harmful decisions.

Or maybe you read a book about a political ideology written by someone with an agenda. Without realizing it, their bias becomes your framework for thinking, regardless of how well-researched or balanced their arguments actually are.

Socrates’ point is worth remembering: learning is never neutral. Every idea we absorb shapes us—either for good or for harm.

That’s why choosing what we read matters so much.

What do I mean by better books?

I mean books written by people who know their subject well—authors who build careful arguments, acknowledge complexity, and support their claims with meaningful research.

Of course, even thoughtful books can be wrong. No book is infallible. But as readers, we can hold ourselves to a higher standard. We can seek out work that demonstrates intellectual honesty, balanced thinking, and evidence-based reasoning.

Because every time we open a book, we’re not just gathering information—we’re allowing ideas to shape who we become.

📚 Until next time, read slowly - take notes - apply the ideas.

-Eddy

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New This Week:

Book Recommendation The Protagoras by Plato Listen to the Podcast How I Rebuild a Reading Habit After Falling Off | EP 123 | EP 122 Watch the Show I Built My Dream Library (With a Secet Room) 📚😉

Book Recommendation

Protagoras by Plato

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to be educated—or whether virtue can actually be taught—Plato’s Protagoras is a good place to start.

Written as a conversation between Socrates and a famous Sophist (Protagoras), they cover a lot of ground, including: What makes someone wise? Who should we trust as teachers? And what happens to us when we absorb new ideas?

Socrates challenges us to think carefully about who we listen to and why. For readers who want to sharpen their thinking, slow down with a classic, and wrestle with questions that still matter today, this dialogue is an excellent read.

Get Your Copy at Edgewater→

Listen to The Podcast

How I Rebuild a Reading Habit After Falling Off | EP 123

When my reading habit falls apart, I don’t try to brute-force it back into existence. I take a slower, kinder approach—and it works. In this episode, I explain why life disrupts reading, the two reader mindsets I see most often, and the exact process I use to start reading again without pressure. This is a practical guide for thoughtful readers who want depth, not guilt.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify 🎧

Watch the Show

I Built My Dream Library (With a Hidden Room)📚

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Hi, I'm Eddy. How Can I Help? Feel free to respond to this email. Let me know how I can make your experience in our reading community better, or if you have questions, I'm all ears. As always, read slowly - take notes - apply the ideas. -Eddy

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