The Book Basement Bulletin #9
On today's issue: How to actually be a good listener, dang teenagers are becoming millionaires without the S&P 500, and problematic lack of change
Opening thoughts
Hello! I hope you’re having the best morning ever. I read quite a bit this week, having finished one book and started two others. Currently, I am enjoying Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday and Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. They’re both great reads so far, and you’ll hear all about them next week. For now, here are three things I thought were share-worthy this week.
Three Things I Wanted To Share
This week I read How To Listen With Intention by Patrick King. Have you ever felt bored in a conversation? Not heard? Has someone forced their opinion down your throat on how you should be dealing with your problems? We all like to think we’re great, attentive listeners, yet there’s not much we’ve done to prove such a claim. King shares his insights into the word of conversational frames, validation, types of speaking, levels of listening, making the speaker feel like they’re being heard, and much more. He’s a conversation coach and has written a variety of books about it (How To Listen With Intention is the seventh). By reading this book, I have realized much of what he frowns upon is common practice in my conversations. It is a very information-orientated book; it reads like a guide. However, if you’re willing to look past the preachy nature of it, you’ll walk away with everything you need to become a good listener, and therefore, have more meaningful and fulfilling talks with your friends, family, and acquaintances.
In today’s episode of me being interested in the creator economy, I listened to a great Colin and Samir interview with YouTube star Tommyinnit. Being so successful at an incredibly young age can bring more trouble than joy into someone’s life. Tommy, a YouTuber who got his start playing Minecraft shared some captivating thoughts on the YouTube platform as well as the why’s and how’s of his career. Whether you’re a teenager who knows all about him, or an older person still wondering how these dang teen folks are making millions off of little internet videos, you’ll definitely learn something from hearing Tom share his experience.
Speaking of the dang teen folks, check out this Jubilee video where they anonymously interview teenage girls and ask them questions about societal issues, norms, and constraints. The therapy-like environment and hearing randomly selected people share the same problems provides a catalyst for discussion regarding the deeper, more taboo topics we tend to shy away from. If you’re interested in hearing the mental and generational predicaments facing today’s youth and aren’t afraid to openly discuss these aspects of life, then this video will be an eye-opening watch.
Quote of the Week
“Be present. And if you’ve had problems with this in the past? That’s okay. That’s the nice thing about the present. It keeeps showing up to give you a second chance”
Ryan Holiday, Stillness is the Key
Every day is a chance to rid yourself of your past mistakes and start over. Being present—not living in constant fear of the future or in resentment for the past is critical to staying on track. Instead of waking up and regretting that text you sent (or didn’t send), or hating yourself for relapsing on a bad habit, get out of bed with the intention to change; to do better. Focus on being the best you can be in the given moment. Are you studying for a final? Make that the best studying session you’ve ever had. Are you baking bread? Make it the best loaf you’ve ever tasted. By focusing our energy on the present, we cultivate a better future. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is uncertain. Focus on the present.
Basement Boxes
A new section I’m trying where I share smaller things that aren’t quite enough to make the big three.
Want to learn about money and philosophy at the same time? Check out this episode of The Daily Stoic with Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money.
Are you laugh-deprived? Check out this clip of Jordan Peterson explaining the nature of rats, it had me cackling.
Weekly Roundup
My favorite episode this week was:
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed reading this issue and found some value in it. I have resumed posting daily book content on Instagram (@bookbasementpod). Not only that, but I’m excited about next week’s episodes, there are some good ones. I loosened up the format, giving a little more “rambly” commentary in the quote episodes because I like it more, it’s more fun, and it makes the episodes a little more personal. I hope you like listening to them! As always, have a great week; make it count.