How can a non-academic write effectively for academic or research journals?

To write for academic journals, focus on clearly conveying information and demonstrating a deep understanding of existing literature. It's crucial to deconstruct papers in your target venue, talk to established authors, or find experienced co-authors. The emphasis is on the rigor of the research and integration into the field, rather than narrative craft.

What is the best way to prepare for standardized tests like the GMAT?

The most effective preparation involves taking sample tests under real-time conditions to accurately gauge your score. Supplement this with books to learn specific techniques for different sections. Afterward, meticulously deconstruct any incorrect answers to understand mistakes and refine your approach before the actual test.

Why does Cal Newport dislike the terms 'content' and 'content creator'?

Newport finds these terms sterile and overly focused on business optimization and algorithms, rather than the craft of creating valuable work. He prefers to emphasize the artistic endeavor of producing meaningful books, articles, or podcasts, aligning with the 'be so good they can't ignore you' philosophy.

What is the 'bucket system' for the deep life, and how does it relate to keystone habits?

The deep life bucket system involves identifying key areas of your life (e.g., craft, community) and establishing a daily 'keystone habit' for each. This is a preparatory step to build the muscle of intentionality and alignment, often followed by dedicated periods of overhauling each bucket to refine your life's focus.

How should one practice for corporate job interviews, especially for elite companies?

Corporate interviews require highly specific practice, similar to standardized tests. This involves working through case questions, brainstorming exercises, and technical puzzles (like coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode). Doing numerous practice rounds builds confidence and familiarity with the expected methods.

What advice do you have for someone trying to get a book deal as a young author?

You need to understand the requirements through expert advice. This often involves building publication credits by writing articles, conducting thorough research in advance, and preparing detailed outlines and sample chapters. Agents and publishers value demonstrated experience and a solid proposal over just a raw idea.

Key Moments

Full Length Episode | #158 | December 23, 2021

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

People & Blogs4 min read55 min video

Mar 10, 2022|411 views|17

Cal Newport Deep Work Deep Life Deep Questions TimblockPlanner Deep Questions Podcast

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Cal Newport clarifies Tesla's deep work, academic writing, deep life vs. deep work, and GMAT/job hunt prep.

Key Insights

Tesla exemplified deep work through intense focus on inventions, though arguments exist about his status as the "greatest" inventor due to commercialization differences compared to Edison.

Writing for academic journals requires understanding specific conventions and demonstrating expertise, differing significantly from the craft-intensive nature of general audience writing.

The 'Deep Life' philosophy centers on radically aligning one's life with core values, involving preparation and potentially significant life changes, while 'Deep Work' is a specific type of cognitively demanding professional activity without distractions.

The 'buckets' system (e.g., Craft, Community, Constitution, Contemplation) serves as a preparatory phase for achieving a Deep Life by identifying values and implementing keystone habits.

The terms 'content' and 'content creator' are criticized for their sterile, business-focused connotations, contrasting with a focus on the craft and artistry of creation emphasized by Newport.

Effective preparation for standardized tests like the GMAT involves rigorous practice under timed conditions, simulating the actual test environment, and deconstructing errors, rather than relying solely on online courses.

TESLA AS THE ULTIMATE DEEP THINKER

Cal Newport addresses the question of whether Nikola Tesla was the ultimate deep thinker and greatest inventor. While acknowledging Tesla's significant contributions and effectiveness in deep work due to intense focus and social phobias, Newport posits that defining the "greatest" inventor is complex. He contrasts Tesla with Thomas Edison, highlighting Edison's superior commercialization ability – turning ideas into mass-produced products, a focus Tesla lacked. Newport also notes the growing mythology around Tesla, suggesting an exaggeration of his inventions. Despite these nuances, Tesla remains a strong example of deep work principles, particularly in making alternating current practical.

NAVIGATING ACADEMIC WRITING FOR NON-ACADEMICS

Responding to a virtual CFO who wants to write for academic journals, Newport explains the significant differences between general audience and academic writing. General audience writing demands high craft in clarity, structure, and narrative momentum to engage readers with complex ideas. Academic writing, while requiring clarity, prioritizes the novelty and rigor of the information itself. Newport advises against winging academic writing, stressing the need to understand specific venue requirements, know the relevant literature landscape, and potentially collaborate with experienced academics or co-authors.

THE STRATEGY BEHIND WRITING FOR THE DEEP LIFE

Newport discusses his process for developing his upcoming book on the 'Deep Life.' After struggling with overly complex outline structures, he has simplified the book to a minimalist form, relying on concise, one-word chapter titles (like 'Move,' 'Quit,' 'Serve,' 'Train,' 'Wonder'). This approach, inspired by auteur theory in film and authors like Ryan Holiday, allows the writing itself to convey philosophical depth. The structure aims for clarity and impact, with a prologue setting the context and a simple preparation chapter, followed by chapters that explore core elements of building a deep life through personal narrative.

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN DEEP LIFE AND DEEP WORK

Clarifying the relationship between the 'Deep Life' philosophy and 'Deep Work,' Newport defines the Deep Life as radically aligning one's existence with core values, potentially requiring significant changes. The 'buckets' system—identifying key life areas like Craft, Community, Constitution, and Contemplation—is presented as a preparatory phase. It helps individuals explore values through keystone habits and focused overhauls of each bucket over several weeks. Deep Work, conversely, is a specific type of cognitively demanding, distraction-free professional activity primarily related to the 'Craft' bucket.

THE STERILE NATURE OF 'CONTENT' AND 'CONTENT CREATOR'

Newport expresses his dislike for the terms 'content' and 'content creator.' He argues these terms are often used in a sterile, business-technique-driven context focused on metrics and optimization, like smashing subscribe buttons. He contrasts this with his approach, which emphasizes the 'craft' itself, citing Steve Martin's advice to 'be so good they can't ignore you.' Newport prefers to focus energy on creating high-quality, impactful work (like life-changing books or articles that shift understanding) rather than optimizing for algorithms or subscription numbers, which he views as a Faustian bargain.

PREPARING FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS AND JOB INTERVIEWS

For standardized tests like the GMAT, Newport's primary advice is relentless practice under timed, realistic conditions. He suggests using books to learn techniques and then applying them in full-length sample tests, followed by deconstructing any errors. Similarly, corporate job interviews, particularly for prestigious roles, require specific preparation. This involves practicing answers to case studies and behavioral questions, often through dedicated training tools and mock interviews, as the skills tested are highly specialized and unfamiliar to many.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Writing for Technical Audiences & Getting Published

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Understand the specific requirements and expectations of the venue you are writing for.

Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the existing literature in your field.

Deconstruct existing papers in target venues to understand their structure and content.

Talk to people already publishing in those venues about their work and what's required.

Consider getting an experienced co-author who frequently publishes in your target venue.

Do thorough research in advance to develop a detailed table of contents and sample chapters.

Build publication credits by writing articles in your desired genre.

Focus on the *craft* of writing and producing valuable work, rather than just optimizing metrics.

Avoid This

Do not wing it; understand the specific parameters for each publication venue.

Do not rely solely on general audience writing craft for academic papers; focus on information.

Do not overwhelm a lay audience with complicated ideas without providing context.

Do not use excessive rhetorical questions or simplistic phrasing in academic writing.

Do not fall into the trap of thinking that optimizing algorithms or schedules is the primary goal (as opposed to creating valuable work).

Common Questions

Deep work refers to cognitively demanding tasks performed without distraction, focusing on producing high-value output. The 'deep life' is a broader philosophy of radically aligning your life with your core values, which may involve making significant changes to your lifestyle and priorities.

Topics

Learning & Education Mindset & Self-Improvement Creativity & Media Deep Work Academic Publishing Career Development Writing Advice Standardized Testing Career & Skills Deep Life Philosophy Interview Preparation Productivity Techniques Author Advice

Mentioned in this video

People

Thomas Edison

Inventor whose ability to commercialize ideas is contrasted with Nikola Tesla's focus on the technology itself.

Terrence Malick

Filmmaker contrasted with auteur directors who work within genre constraints, symbolizing a 'blank slate' approach.

Nikola Tesla

Serbian scientist and inventor, discussed as an example of deep focus and invention, though his commercialization skills are contrasted with Edison's.

Clint Eastwood

Director of 'Unforgiven,' used as an example of working within genre constraints to create art.

Federico Fellini

An auteur director whose filmmaking style is used as an analogy for Cal Newport's approach to writing within genre constraints.

Steve Martin

Comedian whose advice 'be so good they can't ignore you' is cited as a counterpoint to the 'content creator' mentality.

Ryan Holiday

Friend of Cal Newport whose book structure with one-word chapter titles influenced Newport's approach.

Cal Newport

Host of the Deep Questions podcast, discussing his philosophies on deep work and the deep life.

Companies

Random House

Publisher of Cal Newport's first book deal.

Westinghouse

Company whose rise was influenced by Nikola Tesla's work on alternating current.

Software & Apps

Speakpipe

A service used for recording listener calls for the podcast.

LeetCode

A platform recommended for practicing coding puzzles for technical interviews.

Concepts

Musar

A medieval Jewish practice of virtue cultivation, which inspired Cal Newport's bucket system for personal development.

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