Revisiting 2023: Books and Podcasts

Much was read, even more forgotten?!

Few things shock me like my own forgetfulness.

As part of my new year exercise, I revisited my input of books and podcasts in 2023. It was depressing to realize how much had left my mind already. To a certain extent forgetting is the point. It’s the brain filtering and letting go of what is not important enough. But much seems to fall through the cracks when we rush or lack a ‘latticework’ to which to attach new ideas.

It was a painful but important reminder of what happens when we Crank The Learning Machine Up To 11. Charlie Munger reminded us of the importance of being “lifelong learners” and reading is key. While the general public may experience a reading recession, high performers in finance, technology, business, and science read more than ever. And in the age of social media, we risk becoming performative readers, rushing through content with a fear of missing out and falling behind.

Even Buffett once talked about the danger of rushing one’s reading: