#5 - Deep Work by Cal Newport

A discussion of the book Deep Work by Cal Newport.Deep Work by Cal Newport is divided into two parts, the first part is titled "The Idea", and goes on to explain the difference between deep work and shallow work:"Deep Work: Professional activity performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit. These efforts create new value, improve your skill, and are hard to replicate." (pg. 3)As opposed to "Shallow Work: Noncognitively demanding, logistical-style tasks, often performed while distracted. These efforts tend to not create much new value in the world and are easy to replicate." (pg. 6)Part 1 looks at convincing the reader that deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful. Through doing this, Cal is building a case for the Deep Work Hypothesis, the hypothesis is: "The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. As a result, the few who cultivate this skill, and then make it the core of their working life, will thrive." (pg. 14)The second part of the book titled "The Rules", shifts it's focus to a set of four rules aimed at helping one develop the ability, habits, and mental strength to do deep work, those rules are Work Deeply, Embrace Boredom, Quit Social Media, and Drain the Shallows. Then for each of these rules, he discusses a set of strategies to help you stick to the rule. By cultivating the ability to do deep work, one is able to take advantage of the Deep Work Hypothesis, that is, those who cultivate the skill of deep work will thrive in the information economy.The ultimate goal of this book is to develop ones ability to go deep. pg. 71Hosted by Peter Banda & James de Klerk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindfulreading.substack.com