I’m puzzled by an expert’s claim about the voracious intake of books he consumes and the lack of fresh intellectual output he exhibits. I’ve seen no evidence that his intake has affected his output. Instead, I see the same ideas (and granted they are good ideas) expressed differently. Maybe all the new ideas got stuck in his brain.
It makes me wonder why his reading hasn’t, seemingly, informed his writing.
I’m an avid reader and always have been. In recent years I’ve become a much more selective reader. Some things I read for entertainment, but most things I read for education (sometimes I get lucky and the same book provides both).
There is a purpose to my educational reading. I want to expose myself to ideas that will stimulate my thinking. My goal is to be a better leader, speaker and writer as a result of what I read.
The test for me and for my readers is whether I’m saying anything new as a result of the new things I’ve read. And I don’t mean regurgitating the same ideas using different words; my hope is that my ideas will be positively informed, influenced and shaped by my reading. Think of it as intellectual hybrid vigor.
I observe (and am aware of when I read and write) that quantity of input does not necessarily affect the quality of output.
Maybe it is time to challenge the prevailing “wisdom” that we should be reading lots and lots of different things, and the more the better. Certainly reading outside of category introduces one to new ideas, but you still have to evaluate the usefulness of those ideas. The good news is that you can save some time by accepting that you can’t read everything so why try?
The test–for quality and quantity of reading–is always in the results: is there evidence that you’re better at what you do and who you are because of what you’ve read?
If you want to read a great deal, do so. Unless you’re reading muck, it won’t hurt you. But if you’re in the business of creating content or just trying to become better at your craft, make sure your reading input informs the quality of your intellectual output.
I agree that input doesn’t always lead to great output. Additionally, I am puzzled how some author’s keep cranking out books, but can never equal the brilliance of their first book. Leads me to conclude that they are either a one-trick-pony, or they got lazy, or they signed a two book deal and are simply going through the motions to fulfill their obligation.
Mark, I appreciate your post. I love reading brand new ideas as much as the next person. They are sugar spikes for the brain. However, I have also been fed by many authors and bloggers who have taken an existing idea and communicated them in a fresh, more palatable or deeper way. Unless your friend is blatantly stealing ideas and calling them their own, I say we encourage your friend and their efforts. Even if their voice isn’t entirely original, there is probably a reader of their work who is getting fed in a meaningful way. As a fabulous creator of content, you know as well as anyone that entirely new ideas hide under piles of blood, sweat and tears and just because someone hasn’t uncovered them yet doesn’t mean they should stop digging (outputting).
Mark, you are so right in this assessment. It makes me wonder if this “expert” simply lacks a method for organizing the great insights; therefore, he doesn’t have the ability to synthesize, deposit, and withdraw the desired information at the necessary time. Our poor brains need help capturing and retrieving the ideas when needed. I’ve discovered even great “AHA!” moments may quickly be forgotten without the proper reminder systems.
To read, or not to read? Should we stop reading because what we read may spoil/influence our writing style?
I like Rhett’s comments.
To clarify: I made no comment on style but rather substance. The question: are you reading in vain? If it doesn’t positively affect your output (whether behavior or writing) then you might have enjoyed reading a bunch but it was an abstract rather than concrete outcome. The expert I referred to references all the reading he’s done but I don’t see it reflected in his work. He seems to be saying nothing new.
Thank you, Sir.
Have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the three books written by you. Looking forward eagerly to the next one….