[2OEH8eoCRo0]

>I realized that reading a book was really just like reading Reddit—both were consumptive activitives.

I disagree on this but I love and agree with the premise of the blog post. Comparing reddit to Moby Dick could not be further off. reddit (or any similar site) is a shill/bad actor/agitator/troll cesspool full of memes and clickbait.

It is important to learn to tell good shit from bad shit. Consume things produced by masters of their craft. Try not to settle for less, you have limited time here. Use this to create more.

[packetlost]

The quality of consumption is different for sure, but I would argue that certain areas of reddit are of high value to my job, hobbies, etc. and Moby Dick is of little value those areas and quality of life in general. You could perhaps make arguments about historical value, context, or benefits to reading comprehension, but at the end of the day, reading anything is about only as good as the information you're taking in.

[JackFr]

I would argue that reading Moby Dick is of value to your quality of life in general. Good fiction speaks to the human condition and can help us live our lives more fully.

[emodendroket]

And it makes things richer just in your daily life to have some familiarity with history and the literary canon instead of being deaf to its influence all around you.

[packetlost]

I will respectfully disagree that it leads to a more 'full life' for everyone. People have different perspectives, values, etc. and that type of experience is purely subjective. I personally think it's of some value, but not as much as some other content.

[alesua93]

Yeah, so? The same applies to most of everything. Different things resonate with and provide value to different people.

What 'other content' are you referring to that is exempt from this?

[JackFr]

> People have different perspectives

You make my point for me.

[BeetleB]

Comparing Reddit to one book is not a proper comparison. Instead, compare Reddit as a whole to books as a whole. Most books are not worth reading.

> It is important to learn to tell good shit from bad shit

That would apply within Reddit, as well. Find the good subreddits and the good comments.

[CRConrad]

> That would apply within Reddit, as well.

And HN.