Why Reading Still Matters in the Age of AI: Insights and Book Recommendations

Introduction

In an era where AI and search engines make knowledge cheap, the author asks whether reading still has value and provides a reflection on the purpose of reading.

Cognition vs Knowledge

Knowledge can become inexpensive, but cognition—understanding and applying knowledge—remains valuable. The author distinguishes cognition as directional, principle‑based understanding that can reinterpret outdated knowledge, using examples such as Elon Musk’s “first‑principles” thinking and the Moravec paradox.

Reading as Cognition Upgrade

Good books should offer high‑level perspectives that upgrade the reader’s cognition, while “bad” books merely list information. The author proposes criteria for evaluating books based on their ability to provide new viewpoints.

Reading Methods

The author shares two personal methods: “Steady Stream” (read a little every day to build habit) and “Two‑Pass Reading” (first pass for deep reading and annotation, second pass to create a mind map). The author also discusses note‑taking challenges and a refined two‑pass approach.

2022 Book Summary

Recommendations are grouped into categories:

Communication

Crucial Conversations – emphasizes safety before expressing viewpoints.

Impromptu Speaking – outlines a “hook + points + structure + call‑to‑action” framework for short talks.

The Art of Communication – a psychology‑rich, rigorous text that balances effectiveness and appropriateness.

Thinking

Deep Thinking – introduces various thinking methods such as systems thinking and six‑thinking‑hats.

The System of Life – classic work on system dynamics applied to social problems.

Am I Making You Stupid? – a humorous introduction to brain science.

Time Management

Getting Things Done (3 volumes) – presents the GTD framework for designing one’s life.

Technical

Designing Data‑Intensive Applications – offers a high‑level view of distributed systems and event‑driven architecture.

Domain‑Driven Design – explains DDD concepts and recent developments.

Programming and Type Systems – introduces type systems using TypeScript.

Database Internals – surveys storage structures and data distribution in databases.

Other

Card‑Based Note‑Writing – discusses Luhmann’s method, though the book is theory‑heavy.

OKR Work Method – critiques the book’s lack of depth compared to GTD.

Never Eat Alone – a memoir with limited practical advice.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts – motivational but lacks concrete guidance.