Key Moments
Full Length Episode | #163 | January 11, 2022
Deep Questions with Cal NewportKey Moments
Cal Newport reviews December books, discusses 'slow productivity', and answers listener questions on deep work and deep life.
Key Insights
Cal Newport reviews his December 2021 reading list, including books on George Lucas, the 'slow movement', and historical fiction.
He contrasts 'slow productivity' with the four-day work week, arguing that reducing work volume is key to combating burnout in knowledge work.
Newport emphasizes the importance of focused effort for dissertation writing, suggesting de-emphasizing the 'writing' verb and prioritizing 'thinking'.
The 'phantom part-time job' concept is introduced as a way to systematically utilize extra work hours for personal growth or side projects.
Productive meditation, specifically thinking through problems while walking, is recommended for eye strain relief and enhanced clarity.
For managing long research projects, the 'two plus one' rule (two major projects in different stages plus one small, quick-shipping task) is proposed.
Handling academic paper rejections involves tuning processes, doing thorough work, and acknowledging the role of luck.
Fasting is discussed as potentially aiding focus and physical cut, with listeners encouraged to start with an eight-hour eating window.
Maintaining good posture involves not spending excessive time at the computer, utilizing walks for contemplation.
Habit formation requires daily metric tracking and starting with small, experimental steps rather than overwhelming oneself.
Finding interesting books is simple; digital minimalists should read widely without overthinking, treating reading as mental calisthenics.
DECEMBER READING RECAP
Cal Newport begins by reviewing his December 2021 reading list, which included 'How Star Wars Conquered the Universe' by Chris Taylor, a biography focused on George Lucas's directorial ambition and impact on the film industry. He also discusses 'In Praise of Slow' by Carl Honoré, a book that explores various 'slow movements' and served as research for his New Yorker article on 'slow productivity'. Additionally, he covered Wilbur Smith's debut novel, 'When the Lion Feeds,' read in honor of the author's passing, and 'Hero on a Mission' by Donald Miller, a self-help book focused on making life more meaningful. Finally, Newport shared his experience reading Wendell Berry's essays, particularly the piece 'Why I Didn't Buy a Computer,' highlighting Berry's philosophy on technology and home economics.
THE CHALLENGE OF KNOWLEDGE WORK AND SLOW PRODUCTIVITY
Newport elaborates on his 'slow productivity' concept, contrasting it with proposals for a four-day work week. He argues that for knowledge workers, the primary issue isn't excessive hours but an overwhelming volume of tasks and commitments. This high workload creates a stressful feedback spiral leading to burnout. Therefore, he advocates for reducing work volume rather than simply shortening the week, suggesting a fundamental rethinking of how work is structured to achieve this.
ADDRESSING ACADEMIC WRITING AND PRODUCTIVITY
Responding to a listener's dissertation struggles, Newport advises de-emphasizing writing as the sole metric of progress. He suggests that for academic work, particularly research-based dissertations, roughly 80% of the effort lies in thinking, experimenting, and formulating ideas, with the remaining 20% dedicated to clear expression. He encourages focusing on the conceptual and analytical work, with editors handling the clarity and grammar, thus alleviating pressure on the writing itself.
MAXIMIZING PRODUCTIVE TIME AND PERSONAL GROWTH
For individuals who find themselves with extra time after optimizing their work processes (as discussed in 'Deep Work' and 'Digital Minimalism'), Newport introduces the 'phantom part-time job' concept. This involves systematically dedicating the surplus time to a focused personal goal, whether it's advancing in one's current career by acquiring new skills, developing a side hustle, or deeply engaging with a personal interest, ensuring this time is used intentionally rather than haphazardly.
PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR WELL-BEING AND RESEARCH
Newport offers practical advice for maintaining well-being amidst demanding work. Productive meditation, defined as thinking through problems while walking, is recommended to combat eye strain and enhance focus. For managing long research projects, he proposes the 'two plus one' rule: work on two major projects at different stages and commit to one small, quickly completed task every few months to maintain momentum and reduce anxiety. He also touches on the competitive nature of academic publishing and strategies for coping with paper rejections.
DEEP LIFE PRACTICES: FASTING, POSTURE, AND HABIT FORMATION
The discussion shifts to lifestyle and habits. Newport and his producer explore intermittent fasting, noting its potential benefits for focus and physical conditioning, suggesting listeners start with an eight-hour eating window. Posture advice centers on avoiding prolonged sitting, emphasizing that regular movement breaks are more effective than specialized chairs. For those struggling to stick with new habits, Newport stresses the foundational importance of daily metric tracking, starting small, and experimenting to find what works consistently over time.
THE JOY AND SIMPLICITY OF READING
Finally, Newport addresses how digital minimalists can find interesting books. He encourages readers not to overthink their choices, advocating for a wide-ranging, exploratory approach. He likens reading to calisthenics for the mind, suggesting that simply engaging with books across various genres and topics, without excessive deliberation, is key to intellectual growth and enjoyment. He emphasizes that the act of reading itself is inherently valuable.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Software & Apps
●Organizations
●Books
●Concepts
●People Referenced
Common Questions
Cal Newport reviewed five books: 'How Star Wars Conquered the Universe' by Chris Taylor, 'In Praise of Slow' by Carl Honoré, 'When the Lion Feeds' by Wilbur Smith, 'Hero on a Mission' by Donald Miller, and essays by Wendell Berry, specifically 'The World-Ending Fire'.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Film mentioned as having held the number one box office spot, traded with Star Wars and E.T.
Film mentioned as having beaten Star Wars at the box office, highlighting the success of Spielberg and Lucas.
Film directed by Spielberg for Lucas when Lucas produced it.
A popular science fiction franchise discussed in the context of George Lucas's biography and its cultural impact.
Film mentioned as having held the number one box office spot.
Filmmaker discussed in relation to his biography, artistic vision, and the creation of Star Wars.
Filmmaker noted as having picked up the torch of technological innovation in filmmaking from George Lucas.
Novelist, poet, and essayist known for his writings on rural life, agriculture, and the environment, farmed with horses.
Guest on Tim Ferriss's podcast who recommended intermittent fasting.
The speaker and author of 'Deep Work', who also writes a newsletter and mentions his own work in the discussion.
Filmmaker and friend of George Lucas, discussed in the context of their career timelines and blockbuster success.
Mentioned as an example of someone who conducts large-scale economic growth analysis, relevant to long research projects.
Author of adventure novels, influential in the genre, who passed away in December 2021.
Athlete whose nutrition book "TB12" was revisited in the context of healthy eating.
Director mentioned as part of George Lucas's early filmmaking circle and considered for 'Apocalypse Now'.
Author and professor who explained the concept of amortizing research data into multiple papers.
Author of "In Praise of Slow."
Congressman proposing a bill for a four-day work week in the US.
Mentioned as a reference point for the potentially sensitive colonial themes in Wilbur Smith's novel.
Podcaster who featured Oliver Burkeman's book "4000 Weeks" on his show.
Mentioned for his coffee creamer, a high-fat additive used for mental clarity during fasting.
Author of the self-help book 'Hero on a Mission'.
Writer in the adventure and techno-thriller genres, influenced by Wilbur Smith.
Actor known for 'Parks and Recreation' who performed the intro/prologue for the audiobook of Wendell Berry's 'The World-Ending Fire'.
Author of "How Star Wars Conquered the Universe."
Director mentioned as being part of George Lucas's early filmmaking circle.
Author of '4000 Weeks', a book about time management and accepting life's limitations.
Director mentioned as being part of George Lucas's early filmmaking circle.
Mentioned as the originator of the 'New Yorker-style' self-help genre, which cites science and philosophy.
Associated with the 'bulletproof' coffee trend, mentioned as offering similar high-fat coffee additives.
Mentioned as an example of a writer whose craft and poetry are central to their work, contrasting with dissertation writing.
A self-help book by Donald Miller focused on making life more meaningful.
The concept of intentionally reducing work volume rather than just shortening the work week to combat burnout.
A book by Oliver Burkeman that emphasizes the finiteness of life and the need to accept that most goals won't be achieved.
A book by Carl Honoré discussing the rise of slow movements like slow food, slow cities, and slow parenting.
A collection of essays by Wendell Berry that reflects his views on technology, nature, and community.
A book mentioned in the context of wendell berry's essay 'Why I Didn't Buy a Computer', drawing parallels to its advice on technology.
A concept the listener is applying, leading to extra time in their workday.
The first book by Wilbur Smith, focusing on the generational saga of the Sean Courtney family in colonial Africa.
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