Too Much Reading Can Destroy Your Life
August 26, 2008 · Print This Article
“To know and not do is not to know.” - Lao Tzu
I’m a huge advocate of regular reading. I’ve written on some of the benefits: it can make you a better writer, it can expand your understanding of the world, and it can foster self-discipline.
But, too much reading can prevent you from achieving your goals and enjoying your life.
The quote above from Lao Tzu came to my attention via a comment Melani Ward left on a Copyblogger post awhile back. Melani expanded on it by saying:
“This is so true for entrepreneurs that get caught in information overload but then do nothing with what they learn. Knowledge is not power, it’s the implementation of the knowledge that can create power.”
I think many of us know people like this (perhaps it’s us?): people with their heads in the clouds, always reading but never learning, always researching but never applying, afraid to actually work and perhaps fail. Or succeed.
Is This You?
For example, people who want to get into shape and be healthier. They constantly read about nutrition and fitness, but never eat healthy or work out…
For example, people who want to improve their lives. They constantly read about how to set and achieve their goals, but never take the time to clearly define and write down their goals or spend any real time working towards them…
For example, people who want to know God better. They constantly read theology but never go to church or fellowship with other believers…
For example, people who want to write better. They constantly read “how to write better” books and blogs, but spend very little time actually writing themselves…
For example, people who want to get out of debt and improve their financial situation. They constantly read personal finance blogs and magazines, but won’t make the hard choices to restrain their daily spending and pay extra on their loans…
For example, people who want to create a successful freelance career. They constantly read freelancing books and blogs, learning all the tips and tricks, but spend far less time actually putting that advice to work…
All of the above types of people are afraid to do the hard work required to attain what they (think) they want. Thus, they read and read and read, day after day, and rarely put in the time and effort to accomplish what they (think) they want. True success is hard work. Reading is vital in the beginning so you know what you have to do, but if you never do it, you’re wasting your time with all that reading.
Meanwhile, time marches on and you grow more dissatisfied with your situation. All of this reading without acting has indeed begun to destroy your life.
The irony here is that both the people who never or rarely read but just “do” and those who are always reading but never “doing” are both lazy and irresponsible.
You’ve got to read to learn how to improve whatever it is you’re trying to do, but you’ve also got to realize that once you’ve gotten the necessary information, it’s time to quit reading and start hustling and accomplishing your mission.
True Writers Read, Yes, But they Also Write
In my last post, I referred to J.K. Rowling’s advice to would-be writers that regular reading is crucial to developing good writing skills. Very true. But, there’s a flip side.
John Irving, an Academy Award-winning screen writer and novelist, as quoted in George Beahm’s Muggles and Magic: An Unofficial Guide to J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter Phenomenon, says:
“I certainly support reading. If you’re lucky enough to be a writer, as you get older, you find that you’d rather write than read” (page 289).
Beahm, in his notes to Irving’s quote, says:
“For pro writers, the pressing urge to write, to tell the stories, becomes increasingly important as the years go by. By the time a writer has built a career, and is in his fifties or sixties, time is of the essence: Barring a major medical malady…time is better spent writing than reading” (page 294). [Emphasis mine]
I’ll add that even if you’re in your twenties or thirties, time is better spent writing than reading–if you want to make a career of it. You only get paid for what you write (produce) not what you read (consume).
Albert Einstein Says Reading Can Make You Lazy
There’s another way too much reading can screw you up. Take in this quote from Albert Einstein, one of the world’s greatest scientists (I found it in The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss):
“Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking” (page 82). [Emphasis mine]
If you’re constantly reading others, forever trying to get some more information…you’re neglecting the benefits derived from learning from your own efforts, from thinking about things yourself, from trying things out and seeing what works and what doesn’t.
Also, if you read too much, you’re depriving yourself of your own creativity. You may start to sound like the people you read and reflect their ideas too frequently. You’ve lost your individuality and have become too dependent on others to do your thinking for you.
That’s not a good place to be.
Harry from Men With Pens said something similar earlier this year in an interview with Dave Navarro at Rock Your Day:
“These days, though, I find myself not reading blogs as often as I used to. Call it an experiment. I felt that everyone wrote about the same topics. The blogs that really stood out were ones where the writers posted on ideas no one else had thought of.
While I still read, I don’t read as much. I don’t want to be influenced by other people’s posts. It forces me to think, and I mean, really think. It’s a personal challenge to see if I can produce the one topic everyone talks about – and blogs about.”
The Right Way to Read
I’ve written strongly in favor of regular reading, extolling its benefits, and fighting against the narcissism that says, “I rarely read because no one can really teach me anything worthwhile. I can figure out everything on my own. I know all I need to know.”
But, now I’m writing against the irresponsibility of too much reading–reading so much that one, you don’t have enough time left to accomplish important things, or two, constantly reading how to do certain things even though you never put what you read into practice.
Both the narcissism of never reading and the irresponsibility of too much reading should be avoided.
I think the best way to do this is to establish a daily reading plan. Commit yourself to reading for 30 minutes to an hour a day and no more.
Read and be done with it. Get your information and then get out there and make things happen. Reading is vital to gaining knowledge, but it’s worthless if you never put that knowledge to work.
In my next post, I’ll share a powerful method you can implement immediately that will enable you to discern how beneficial and enjoyable the information you consume truly is. It will help you to cut out the unnecessary and focus more on the high quality information.
You have to be brave to actually try it, though. It requires a lot of self-discipline, but trust me, this exercise can dramatically change your life for the better.
Hey! Thanks for the link.
Never thought I’d be quoted alongside such greats as Einstein and Rowling.
I still skim my feed reader, checking in and keeping up with the blogosphere so I don’t end up in a vacuum. There’s a balance to everything under the sun, no matter what it is.
Harrison McLeod’s last blog post..How to Feel Consistently Confident About Your Writing
As with anything, moderation is the key. Too much of a good thing can still kill you.
People who over-read are like TV-watchers. They’re looking for quick thrills. The excitement of new information. And no, they don’t apply it — they just want more information! Better tips! Tricks for getting there faster!
We’re all looking for short cuts — except they are usually more bad than good. People who seem to make real, sustaining progress usually have been laying groundwork for it behind the scenes.
We need to let reading provide us with inspirations. Not indulgence.
ari
Ari Koinuma’s last blog post..Why You Can’t Do What You Love (Digest)
Much to think about here..
I used to be proud of myself because I wasn’t a person who had to turn on the tv as soon as I woke up and keep it going all day for company, but then I realized I do the same things with books–just about.
I know that I read to a fault and appreciate the advice about the plan–I assume it’s for people who aren’t students because in that case you’ve got to read tons and tons of stuff for hours and hours usually.
Ecclesiastes says that “of making of many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. ..fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecc. 12:12-13
Your article lines up with this very well!
Who woulda thunk reading could be bad for you? But you certainly proved your point…
As for you first point, where you talk about people reading about writing rather than actually doing it — I think a lot of people fall in love with the idea of being a writer (or being thin, or being a better person, etc.) I think this is a normal human condition. Inertia sets in with some of us, and following through on that idea seems tough to do sometimes.
It helps to commit to something, like “I’m going to write 1,000 words before noon”. There will be those who still will find away not to do it, of course. But for those who truly want to make it, setting ever-growing goals is a great way to jumpstart the process, in my experience.
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post..Find and Replace - Update!
I can see the problem of reading too much. Particularly if all you’re reading is fiction.
That being said - there are many people who watch 2 to 3 hours of television a night. Sometimes even more. So, I wouldn’t see a problem with someone reading 2 hours a day. It’s an education.
But reading should create results. If it isn’t - then the reader really has to start asking why they are reading in the first place. Reading won’t make things happen for you. It will give you good strategy. But the one to implement that strategy, has got to be you.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..Why Having to Say Hello Twice can Be So Awkward
Reading makes you a better writer.
Reading too much puts you at risk for copying other’s ideas instead of thinking up of your own.
Isn’t that how everything in life is? About finding balance… a compromise that works. I better stop reading and start writing!
Meryl K. Evans’s last blog post..Six Easy Ways to Keep Your Clients Happy
Harry,
You’re welcome. I read that statement of yours awhile ago and it’s stuck with me ever since.
“There’s a balance to everything under the sun, no matter what it is.”
Definitely. I love reading, but I realize that sometimes I’m doing too much of it and too little of other equally or more important things.
Ari,
Moderation. Absolutely.
I love your statement:
“We need to let reading provide us with inspirations. Not indulgence.”
That just about says it all. It’s like the Twitter version of this post.
Chris,
I’m with you–I’ve often looked down upon people who watch hours of TV every day, but then I began to realize that I sometimes do the same thing with books or magazines or blogs.
Overconsumption of information is a problem regardless of the source.
I love the book of Ecclesiastes. That’s cool that you found a connection with my post and that book.
Graham,
“It helps to commit to something, like ‘I’m going to write 1,000 words before noon.’ There will be those who still will find away not to do it, of course. But for those who truly want to make it, setting ever-growing goals is a great way to jumpstart the process, in my experience.”
Great point. Those who truly want it will usually find a way to do it, and those who’d like to do it but don’t deeply want it, will usually find a way not to do it.
Bamboo,
I’ll say, though, that reading good fiction (like the classics) is a great way to relax and it brings all the benefits of good reading (expanding your mind, improving your writing skills, etc.) that any other type of reading produces.
But, yes, too much of it and you’re just living in fantasy land.
“there are many people who watch 2 to 3 hours of television a night. Sometimes even more. So, I wouldn’t see a problem with someone reading 2 hours a day. It’s an education.”
Reading 2 hours a day is fine if that works for you; I’m more about setting clear limits (whatever amount of time you choose) so you can prioritize what reading projects are truly worth it and so that the time spent reading doesn’t end up going well beyond what is reasonable, thus taking you away from so many other valuable things in life.
Same thing with TV. I think TV and reading can be great, but it’s probably a wise idea to set limits as to how much time we’ll spend doing these things each day.
Meryl,
“Isn’t that how everything in life is? About finding balance… a compromise that works.”
Pretty much. Too little exercise is unhealthy and too much exercise is unhealthy…and so on with so many other things. Balance, moderation, reasonableness should rule the day.
“I’ll say, though, that reading good fiction (like the classics) is a great way to relax and it brings all the benefits of good reading (expanding your mind, improving your writing skills, etc.) that any other type of reading produces.”
I need to read more fiction. This is a glaring gap in my reading experience, no doubt about it. I too believe reading fiction can significantly improve ones writing skills and expand ones mind. I plan on reading a fiction book soon.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..Wikipedia: The Holy Grail
Dang man, you are all about some established reading plans. I actually have a predicament.
What are your suggestions for establishing a reading plan while traveling all the time? I’m in different cities each week.
I’m worn out, and I read the paper when I get a chance. I read some blogs, but generally I search for information I need.
Steady reading plans while on the road is difficult. Any ideas for me brotha?
Phillip Hines’s last blog post..My Personal Tour of Seattle, Washington
Another supporting quote for your story:
The multitude of books is making us ignorant.
Voltaire (1694 - 1778)
lower my bills’s last blog post..Don’t Call 411 for directory information..make your bill lower !
Reading about how to write more? Reading about how to writer better?
Guilty as charged. I’ve spent the past few months working to change that by giving myself a fixed daily writing plan. I wrote about it in my blog so that I feel that I’m held accountable.
Now you’ve brought the reading plan into the equation too!
Phillip,
Reading plan while traveling?
Just pick a book you think would interest you and set aside 15 minutes or so a day to read it. Get the 15 minutes in whenver you can; doesn’t have to be the same time every day. Just recognize when you have a few minutes and do it. 15 minutes shouldn’t be that hard to find.
lower my bills,
Good quote.
Zoe,
Fixed daily reading plan and fixed daily writing plan?
Sounds like a good combination for a writer.
Hello Jesse.
The question here is, if both ends of the spectrum are lazy, what are the people who do neither? LOL.
Seriously though, I probably don’t read enough. I just have so much to do each day and reading / commenting, etc. can consume so much of my time before I notice it, the better part of the day is gone.
I like how you fit reading in as a schedule - like working out. I suppose it’s time management. The problem with me is I tend to read slower and never skim. I haven’t figured out the trick to reading fast and soaking it all up yet.
John Hoff - eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Securing Your WordPress Blog: Post 5 - What To Do If Your Blog Is Cracked
“The problem with me is I tend to read slower and never skim. I haven’t figured out the trick to reading fast and soaking it all up yet.”
There is an ancient Chinese prover that says, “reading 10 pages slow and meditative is worth more than 100 pages rushed.”
Well, it’s actually a Bamboo Forest saying - but in terms of getting the benefits of reading it is probably a quality over quantity sort of thing.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..How to Make a Better Future for Yourself
Hey I like that!
John Hoff - eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Securing Your WordPress Blog: Post 5 - What To Do If Your Blog Is Cracked
John,
I know exactly what you’re saying right here:
“I just have so much to do each day and reading / commenting, etc. can consume so much of my time before I notice it, the better part of the day is gone.”
Engaging in the blogsophere effectively can be extremely time-consuming (with questionable ROI as compared to other marketing efforts like directly contacting prospective clients), but, like you mention, it’s really a time management thing.
Setting limits on the time you’ll spend reading, like say 15 minutes a day or an hour a day and sticking to it is probably the key.
If you read slower without skimming, then maybe just say you’ll read 5 pages a day and do it each day. Soon, it’ll be so natural that you don’t feel like it’s hard to find the time to do it.
And if you have to choose, I’d go with books over blogs.
Bamboo,
Your proverb nails it.
This was me a couple years ago. I read so many books, and accomplished nothing. The more I read, the less I want to actually sit down and write.
I love your title…It describes how I felt..Now, I still read, but I also write, and try to balance it out..
Thanks for a great post!
BC Doan’s last blog post..Positive Energy: It Takes Time to Change
BC,
Glad you enjoyed the post. It also describes where I’ve been at times.
It’s like anything else–balance.