[churchill]

I needed to hear this: I have an ever-growing list of books I want to read, with topics ranging from the Mossad, to drug trafficking in Southeast Asia, to how to build better habits, to political theory, and some history.

A few days ago, I tried but failed to remember the name of a (main) character from Narcotopia.

When I'm reading, I'm so immersed in the story that I feel I'm living it. It brings me immense pleasure. But, to get the most out of it, I think I have to switch to studying them in detail, taking notes, etc.

Of course, I'll still read for pleasure, but my reading will have to slow down so I can squeeze more out of it. I hope some other people on HN see this comment and consider it too.

[Aditya_Garg]

Not everything in life needs to be squeezed for maximum gain. Remembering the names of characters is a lot less important than remembering the lessons learned from the story.

[vundercind]

We forget everything, eventually. A whole lot of it over time, and whatever’s left, all at once.

It’s all partial and temporary. A long-lived cathedral made of one’s knowledge is unachievable. It’s a scrap-book with pieces and pages always falling out and you can never collect them all because you’re late for the train and have to hurry on.

[dyauspitr]

Don’t bother studying most of them. The value is the fun you had along the way and being immersed in the world like you just mentioned.