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Try a 90-Day Focus Experiment

Hello Reader,

Improving focus seems to be a major theme around here. 90 days ago, I lost my AirPod case and thought it was the end of the world. 🫨

I’m the kind of guy who loves filling every possible second with interesting information. My AirPods gave me a way to always learn with audiobooks or YouTube videos playing in my ear.

When I couldn’t find the case, I immediately searched for a replacement so that I could charge my Airpods.

And then, for some reason, I didn’t order the case. My Airpods have sat in a bowl on my desk for 90 days, completely unused.

🧑‍🏫 HERE'S WHAT I'VE LEARNED:

1. By not having information constantly pumped into my brain, I can mentally rest so that when I do important work, I have a full battery in my brain.
2. I’ve learned to embrace boredom. Allowing myself to be bored is a valuable skill. It lets the self-conscious take charge which is when the real mental magic happens. Need proof? Do you ever get great ideas in the shower? I know I do.
3. Because I’m not constantly consuming information, I’m doing less multi-tasking. I’ve become more present with each task. As Michel de Montaigne would say, “I dance when I dance; I sleep when I sleep.” Although, I’m not much of a dancer.
4. Without my AirPods at the gym, I’ve been forced to talk to my gym buddy and now we’re better friends. Imagine that!

All I’m saying is that my identity is tied up in being a lifelong learner. I’ve used that identity as an excuse to flood my mental space with more information than it can handle. It feels good to have my brain back. I think I’ll leave the AirPods in the bowl.

Until next week, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.

-Eddy

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New This Week: ​

Book Recommendation Euthyphro by Plato Listen to the Podcast Why Flowers for Algernon Was My Favorite Book of 2024 | EP 83 Watch the Show Do I Read Multiple Books at the Same Time??? What's New at Edgewater Bookstore Discover my curated reading selection for January 2025

Book Recommendation

Euthyphro by Plato

Here's the good news! You can get this one for free. Plato lived a long time ago, so all of his work is on the Internet, free of charge.

🔥Euthyprho Rocks. In just 20 pages, Plato tackles the question: What is pious and what is impious? The goal is to determine what the relationship between morality and God is, assuming there is a God.

Here's the main concept: Pretend that God ( he/she/it ) stood in front of a buffet of human actions to determine which ones are good and which ones are bad. According to Plato, there are two ways this could go:

1. God picked the actions He favored which made those actions holy. Why? Because God picked them, and what he says, goes.
2. Actions are good or bad independent of God's choice, and he picked the good ones because they are good.

This is a lot of pontificating, I know. But it's fun - so stick with me. Euthephro is a pretty self-righteous guy. He's at the courthouse prosecuting his father for allowing a murderer to die. Socrates is also at the courthouse because he is being prosecuted for "corrupting" the youth.

The whole point of the dialogue is that it's hard to define what is good and what is bad, and we shouldn't be so trigger-happy to condemn each other or to claim religious authority over each other.

Note: Plato lived in a polytheistic culture (Belief in multiple Gods like Zeus, Hera, Apollo, etc.) This dialogue also works for a monotheistic (single God) culture, but that discussion is larger than a newsletter can accommodate. I'm currently making a YouTube video that will deep dive into Euthyphro and will cover this aspect.

Give it a read and let me know what you think.
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Read Euthyphro for FREE →

View Previous Week's Recommendations

Listen to The Podcast

Why Flowers for Algernon Was My Favorite Book of 2024 | EP 83

Flowers for Algernon is a book I believe everyone should read. In this episode, I discuss the major themes of the novel and why it became my favorite read of 2024. With Dr. Martin Jacobsen’s help, we examine the ethical and emotional questions the book raises and offer strategies for navigating its deeper ideas. If you're looking for a meaningful story that will leave a lasting impression, this episode is for you.

Listen Here →

Watch the Show

Do I Read Multiple Books at the Same Time???

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📚 - Ever wondered if you can read multiple books at once without losing focus? In this video, I share my personal reading routine and answer a community question about balancing books for study, enjoyment, and discussion. Learn how to follow your curiosity, understand your limits as a reader, and build habits that keep you engaged in every book you pick up.
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Watch the Video

January's Theme: Focus This month, I'm focusing on focus. From a new custom notebook inspired by Deep Work to tasty brews and teas, check out the curated selection for January. Get Focused in January

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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​ ​ Got Questions? ​

Reply to this email with your questions. I respond to each and sometimes make a podcast or video to answer your bookish questions.

​ See you next week! ​

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