On reading books

When it comes to reading books, there are several rules I try to follow.

1. Follow your natural curiosity. Read whatever you want. Read whatever is interesting right now. Not whatever “might be useful someday.”
2. If you won’t read this book next, don’t buy it. The book is just as good on the store’s shelf as in your house. (A rule I never follow and constantly feel guilty about.)
3. There’s no such thing as “books you must read.” You’re not in school anymore. Chillax. Read for pleasure. (Also, see rule #1).
4. Don’t force yourself to finish books. Life is not a jail sentence. It’s also too short to spend reading uninteresting books to mark them off the list. There are many interesting books to read that are waiting for you to grab them. So stop living in a world of scarcity when great content is abundant.
5. Don’t force it. There’s a difference between wanting to read and wanting to want to read. I hated reading until 16 because my father locked me up in the room and let me out only when I finished a book. It’s OK if you don’t want to read. You’ll not suddenly become a retard. Sometimes you need a break. Trusting yourself and not pushing yourself is critical. Otherwise, reading will become a chore, and you’ll hate it.
6. Read one good fiction book at a time. Fiction is by far the best form of escapism that causes no harm to your mind and body. As Fran Lebowitz quipped, “I read in order not to be in life. Reading is better than life. Without reading, you’re stuck with…