How does long thinking differ from deep work?

While they overlap, long thinking focuses on creating new insights and understanding, which can be professional or personal. Deep work specifically refers to focused, distraction-free professional activities, which can include deliberate practice but not necessarily the creation of new thoughts.

What are the main benefits of long thinking?

Long thinking fosters a more nuanced understanding of oneself, enables the creation of valuable things that impact the world, and helps individuals avoid falling into tribalism by encouraging independent thought and clarity.

Why has our ability to do long thinking declined?

Modern technology has undermined long thinking by fragmenting sustained attention with hyper-palatable content and creating a 'hyperactive hive mind.' Additionally, technology provides readily refined information, reducing the necessity for individuals to process less refined information themselves.

What is the 'notebook method' for long thinking?

The notebook method involves buying a notebook and good pen, going to a scenic, distraction-free place, spending 1-3 hours working out thoughts on paper, and then summarizing the results in the last 20 minutes.

How can I improve my reading ability if it has declined?

Increase 'minutes of eyes on page' by reading whatever excites you most. Crucially, reduce phone usage and distractions to rebuild comfort with sustained attention, which is essential for reading and long thinking.

Can I do creative writing without a computer?

Yes, you can use typewriters, dedicated e-ink drafting devices like Freewrite, or an old laptop with no internet. The key is to isolate the writing process from digital distractions.

Are single-purpose notebooks useful for long thinking?

Yes, single-purpose notebooks act as extensions of working memory and repositories for evolving thoughts, aiding in focused long thinking. Using them on 'thinking walks' is a purified form of the practice.

What are the 'deep life' principles Cal Newport discusses?

The 'deep life' is about being systematic about what your life is about, reducing unwanted activities, amplifying enjoyable ones, and creating immediate satisfaction on your own terms. It's the bigger offer that makes shallow digital distractions unappealing.

How can I apply long thinking while hiking the Continental Divide Trail?

Your hike is a perfect environment for long thinking. Choose specific sessions for focused thought, use pocket notebooks for notes and sketches, and raise your ambitions for the creative output you aim to achieve.

What books did Cal Newport review from his October reading list?

Cal Newport reviewed 'The Gift of the Jews' by Thomas Cahill, a biography of Lin Manuel Miranda, a book on the Hebrew Bible, 'The Future of Tutoring' by Liz Cohen, and 'Society of the Spectacle' by Guy Debord.

Regain Your Ability to Think (in 60 Minutes a Week) | Cal Newport

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Cal Newport on "long thinking": why we're losing it and how to regain it with a simple notebook method.

Key Insights

Long thinking is the persistent, intentional application of thought to create substantial new insights, distinct from "deep work" but often overlapping.

Modern technology, through hyper-palatable content and hyperactive hive mind collaboration, erodes sustained attention, crucial for long thinking.

Technological replacements for self-reflection and information processing have reduced the necessity for long thinking.

The benefits of long thinking include self-understanding, the creation of valuable work, and avoidance of tribalism.

The "notebook method" – dedicating 1-3 hours weekly to focused thought in a secluded, non-distracting environment, followed by a summary – is a key strategy for regaining long thinking ability.

The notebook method works by forcing clarity, eliminating digital distractions, and utilizing paper's suitability for creative visualization and connection-making.

DEFINING LONG THINKING AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Cal Newport introduces "long thinking" as the persistent and intentional application of thought toward a specific issue, problem, or idea with the goal of creating substantial and useful new insights. This is distinct from, but related to, "deep work." Long thinking is crucial for individual flourishing, contributing to self-understanding, the creation of valuable work, and the ability to resist easy tribalism. Historically, it has driven societal advancements in technology, science, and philosophy, distinguishing humans from earlier societal structures.

THE EROSION OF LONG THINKING BY MODERN TECHNOLOGY

Our modern technological environment significantly undermines our capacity for long thinking. Firstly, the prevalence of hyper-palatable, algorithmically curated content and the constant demands of hyperactive hive mind collaboration, such as endless Slack and email notifications, fragment our attention spans. This digital bombardment makes sustained attention feel uncomfortable and increasingly difficult, a necessary component for deep, persistent thought. We are training our brains to seek constant, easy rewards, making it harder to engage with complex ideas.

TECHNOLOGICAL REPLACEMENTS DISCOURAGE LONG THINKING

Secondly, our technology has reduced the necessity for sustained, independent thought. Activities once requiring long thinking, like self-reflection after significant life events or wrestling with complex information, are now easily outsourced to smartphones and social media. Instead of processing raw information, we receive pre-digested, partisan takes that allow us to feel informed without deep engagement. This creates a reliance on external validation and quick answers, bypassing the internal cognitive work that long thinking entails.

BENEFITS OF LONG THINKING FOR INDIVIDUALS

Long thinking offers profound benefits for personal growth and societal contribution. Firstly, it cultivates a more nuanced and grounded understanding of oneself, preventing individuals from being buffeted by conflicting emotions. Secondly, it is the engine for creating valuable innovations and ideas that can have significant economic and personal impact, leading to a clearer sense of purpose. Thirdly, it provides the clarity needed to avoid the trap of easy tribalism, allowing for the development of independent beliefs and a genuine desire to make a difference.

THE NOTEBOOK METHOD: A PRACTICAL SOLUTION

To combat the decline of long thinking, Newport proposes the "notebook method," a strategy he has practiced since 2009. This involves dedicating one to three hours weekly to focused thought in a relaxing, non-distracting environment. Equipped with a sturdy notebook and a good pen, individuals should work through a specific problem or idea. The final 20 minutes should be spent summarizing the results on a clean page, dated and titled. This structured approach provides a concrete way to rebuild the muscle for sustained, independent thought, making one less susceptible to digital distractions.

THE MECHANICS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NOTEBOOK METHOD

The notebook method's power lies in several key truths. Writing down thoughts forces clarification and confronts inconsistencies, thereby improving thinking clarity. The absence of digital devices in this setting naturally reduces distracting pulls, allowing for deeper focus. Furthermore, using paper facilitates creative thinking through drawing, connecting ideas, and structuring thoughts in ways that a digital interface often hinders. This method serves as crucial mental "calisthenics" for producing original and complex thoughts, making one more resilient to the information age's challenges.

INTEGRATING LONG THINKING INTO A DEEPER LIFE

The practice of long thinking, and specifically the notebook method, is presented as a vital step towards cultivating a "deep life." While other practices like "deep work" help gain control over one's time and attention, long thinking guides what one *does* with that control. It's about building meaningful internal structures that allow individuals to shape their world rather than being shaped by algorithmic forces. By embracing long thinking, individuals can create a more meaningful and satisfying existence, offering a powerful antidote to the chaos and superficiality of the modern technological landscape.

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Cultivating Long Thinking: Dos and Don'ts

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Buy a sturdy notebook dedicated to your problem or area of interest.

Invest in a good pen (e.g., black Uniball Micro.5mm).

Find a relaxing, meditative, non-distracting place (library stacks, woods, beach).

Spend 1-3 hours working out your thoughts on paper.

Dedicate the last 20 minutes to summarizing your results on a clean, dated page.

Implement the notebook method at least once a week.

Mix heavy reading with lighter books to avoid burnout.

Practice sustained attention by reducing phone usage and distractions.

Embrace boredom and periods of quiet reflection.

Use notebooks as extensions of working memory and repositories of evolving thought.

Be ambitious with the scope of your thinking during these sessions.

Avoid This

Don't rely solely on digital devices for deep thinking; embrace pen and paper.

Don't be discouraged by initial resistance to writing down thoughts; persevere.

Don't expect to check email or social media while using your notebook.

Avoid fragmented attention caused by hyper-palatable, algorithmically curated content.

Don't fall into easy tribalism by consuming short summaries; grapple with complex issues.

Avoid excessive reliance on smartphones as constant companions.

Don't let technology numbyour thoughts or distract you from self-reflection.

Don't stop at gaining control of your life; cultivate a deep life with intentionality.

Common Questions

Long thinking is the persistent and intentional application of thought toward a specific issue, problem, or idea with the goal of creating substantial and useful new insights. It involves recombining existing ideas and finding new associations.