Hey now, those spy novels have a purpose. I find that I need something low-key and unchallenging at night to wind down before I go to sleep - otherwise I'm up half the night thinking about stuff that I picked up from the heavier texts.
Great post! I was just thinking today about how easy it is to get lost in the weeds of the tools or process of thinking rather than in the ideas themselves. My favorite version of this is thinking more about the notebook than about the ideas I actually want to work out inside of it.
“We sat a coffee shop on campus for two, perhaps three, hours and went over every detail. He’d underline a word and simply ask you what it meant.”
I’d advise this level of discipline and diligence when it comes to editing your articles, too. I noticed a few sloppy errors, as in the above sentence, where you left out an “in”. Deep line-editing is especially important for philosophical writing, with readers themselves usually reading more deeply, perhaps, than they normally do. So when they come upon a slip of the pen, grammatically or by way of a careless omission, it’s more noticeable.
I'm sad I won't get to see you muse about Hegel this year, but it sounds like you're making room for even better things! And, hey, now I have more time and motivation to finally get around to Plotinus
There is absolutely no reason you can’t sip a whiskey with your research materials and a notepad in hand.
I agree with others that the more relaxed reading may be needed at times to break your mind free from the book work. When I’m working on a large painting there is usually a smaller side work that I will go to and get out the built up tension and creative blocks that inevitably happen. Then I return ti the main piece refreshed and ready to proceed.
Lionel sounds like an incredible mentor. This post speaks to me in a lot of ways, most particularly with regard to slow, detailed exploration and consideration for how even a single word or phrase could be perceived. I've been meaning to take my projects more seriously, so this post provided much needed perspective.
But, even more touching, is the remark on attention. I've been managing better, more quality time with friends as of late, while producing what I'd argue to my highest quality of literary work. Of course, the output doesn't reflect that the best, but all the journals certainly do. This post is a good reminder to remember what you cherish, and understanding that those many things don't have to conflict with your goals or purpose.
I struggle sometimes with starting too many things. I had to cut out learning guitar and a language from current goals since I just could give enough time to them to see progress. I settled on two creative projects: my substack and fiction writing. Those both naturally require a lot of reading to reach the level of quality I seek, so it's a nice synergy right now.
You're right, though, having a family really does not allow for a consistent workflow. It's a painful to realize you can't do everything, but it's worth it in the end. I also know that my podcast will be my main thing for over a decade, so I will surely be able to pick music back up when I finish my book or need a break
Great post Jared, so true and such powerful, grounding advice for those of us who feel at the mercy of distractions and interruptions and the constant chase of the ever-better hack.
Hey now, those spy novels have a purpose. I find that I need something low-key and unchallenging at night to wind down before I go to sleep - otherwise I'm up half the night thinking about stuff that I picked up from the heavier texts.
Great post! I was just thinking today about how easy it is to get lost in the weeds of the tools or process of thinking rather than in the ideas themselves. My favorite version of this is thinking more about the notebook than about the ideas I actually want to work out inside of it.
Very timely, especially in a world where our attention is pulled in so many directions often leading to nothing. Thank you!🙏🏻
Content-wise I think you’re mostly on track, although I felt you ramble a bit in places.
“We sat a coffee shop on campus for two, perhaps three, hours and went over every detail. He’d underline a word and simply ask you what it meant.”
I’d advise this level of discipline and diligence when it comes to editing your articles, too. I noticed a few sloppy errors, as in the above sentence, where you left out an “in”. Deep line-editing is especially important for philosophical writing, with readers themselves usually reading more deeply, perhaps, than they normally do. So when they come upon a slip of the pen, grammatically or by way of a careless omission, it’s more noticeable.
I'm sad I won't get to see you muse about Hegel this year, but it sounds like you're making room for even better things! And, hey, now I have more time and motivation to finally get around to Plotinus
Your reflection on intellectual projects was truly insightful. Jared Henderson’s approach to focusing on specific projects resonates deeply.
Having a structured method like Lionel’s can help minimize overstimulation and distraction.
Balancing family life and intellectual pursuits is commendable, highlighting your priorities.
I found your mentor’s methodology interesting and intriguing. I might try to do it once I am out of college.
But yes, it's not okay to put too much on a plate. I hope your sacrifices pay off. I look forward to your first book!
There is absolutely no reason you can’t sip a whiskey with your research materials and a notepad in hand.
I agree with others that the more relaxed reading may be needed at times to break your mind free from the book work. When I’m working on a large painting there is usually a smaller side work that I will go to and get out the built up tension and creative blocks that inevitably happen. Then I return ti the main piece refreshed and ready to proceed.
Lionel sounds like an incredible mentor. This post speaks to me in a lot of ways, most particularly with regard to slow, detailed exploration and consideration for how even a single word or phrase could be perceived. I've been meaning to take my projects more seriously, so this post provided much needed perspective.
But, even more touching, is the remark on attention. I've been managing better, more quality time with friends as of late, while producing what I'd argue to my highest quality of literary work. Of course, the output doesn't reflect that the best, but all the journals certainly do. This post is a good reminder to remember what you cherish, and understanding that those many things don't have to conflict with your goals or purpose.
I struggle sometimes with starting too many things. I had to cut out learning guitar and a language from current goals since I just could give enough time to them to see progress. I settled on two creative projects: my substack and fiction writing. Those both naturally require a lot of reading to reach the level of quality I seek, so it's a nice synergy right now.
You're right, though, having a family really does not allow for a consistent workflow. It's a painful to realize you can't do everything, but it's worth it in the end. I also know that my podcast will be my main thing for over a decade, so I will surely be able to pick music back up when I finish my book or need a break
Great post Jared, so true and such powerful, grounding advice for those of us who feel at the mercy of distractions and interruptions and the constant chase of the ever-better hack.