Hi Jim. It's Jeremy Eve from Johannesburg, South Africa, here. I'm 66, and I am nuts about improving my brain, and have read a number of books on the subject, especially neuroplasticity. I thoroughly enjoyed the article. But two things bothered me. One, I read exclusively on my Kindle or the Kindle app on my phone. Does that mean I'll derive no benefit, cognitively speaking, from reading? I'm very conscious of dementia and Alzheimers, so I'd hate to think reading will do nothing to improve/rewire my brain. Secondly, I read non-fiction virtually exclusively. So, will I, again, be looking at zero improvement? That would be tragic. Regards, Jeremy.
I would say keep up with the non-fiction books if that's what you enjoy and feel drawn to. It's important that we also have autonomy over our lives, follow our interests, and don't just give our power away to "experts". I love most of Jim's content, especially his Youtube videos, I also know that some of these articles can be great for guidance - but keep in mind that other people don't always have the answers to our lives, we do. We live in a time of information overload, which can cause a lot of confusion. That's why I find getting connected to our own inner guidance and intuition more helpful than ever. You can always make subtle changes and refine your habits over time, but I find fearfulness can come when we overly trust "data" or another person's recommendations over our own innate needs and desires.
Hi all. I am Mr. Jackie. I primarily read nonfiction in both digital and print formats. Please use this newsletter to share your knowledge and understanding with someone who may not be like you, an avid reader. I embrace reading agility in my reading, so I read widely.
None of us is the same, and how we learn, in whatever format(s), will be just varied. So, don't stress about this newsletter, as it contains more distressing information about others, not about us. Read on, read widely, and enjoy your reading, fellow avid readers.
Thanks for Jim's sharing. However, it seems contradictory to me that when I was taught to read the materials loud to enhance retention in this newsletter, I was at the same time taught to avoid sub-vocalisation in the Kwik-Reading course. So in the end should I "read" what I am reading?
Not a fan of the fear mongering portion regarding non-fiction readers. Suggesting that non-fiction readers could have worse social skills does more harm than good. Self development books are technically non-fiction, yet they can still tell amazing stories, allow individuals to gain knowledge, and expand their minds. Learning is involved and this type of reading helps to broaden one's vocabulary, so I believe it is still absolutely beneficial for the brain. I also think this framing could create unnecessary confusion for people that enjoy this kind of reading material and aren't connected to themselves (blindly follow experts or what others say), and don't honour their own inner guidance or intuition.
« Just 100 hours of reading instruction (structured reading lessons, not casual reading) can improve your brain’s white matter quality to normal levels » Could you clarify the terms reading instruction and structured reading lessons?
I love this! JIM... It's so good to see you on here... this is Jaime Mintun. I now go by Amaya Dinesa. ;) We must reconnect! I'm going to shoot you a message.
Hi Jim. It's Jeremy Eve from Johannesburg, South Africa, here. I'm 66, and I am nuts about improving my brain, and have read a number of books on the subject, especially neuroplasticity. I thoroughly enjoyed the article. But two things bothered me. One, I read exclusively on my Kindle or the Kindle app on my phone. Does that mean I'll derive no benefit, cognitively speaking, from reading? I'm very conscious of dementia and Alzheimers, so I'd hate to think reading will do nothing to improve/rewire my brain. Secondly, I read non-fiction virtually exclusively. So, will I, again, be looking at zero improvement? That would be tragic. Regards, Jeremy.
I would say keep up with the non-fiction books if that's what you enjoy and feel drawn to. It's important that we also have autonomy over our lives, follow our interests, and don't just give our power away to "experts". I love most of Jim's content, especially his Youtube videos, I also know that some of these articles can be great for guidance - but keep in mind that other people don't always have the answers to our lives, we do. We live in a time of information overload, which can cause a lot of confusion. That's why I find getting connected to our own inner guidance and intuition more helpful than ever. You can always make subtle changes and refine your habits over time, but I find fearfulness can come when we overly trust "data" or another person's recommendations over our own innate needs and desires.
Hi all. I am Mr. Jackie. I primarily read nonfiction in both digital and print formats. Please use this newsletter to share your knowledge and understanding with someone who may not be like you, an avid reader. I embrace reading agility in my reading, so I read widely.
None of us is the same, and how we learn, in whatever format(s), will be just varied. So, don't stress about this newsletter, as it contains more distressing information about others, not about us. Read on, read widely, and enjoy your reading, fellow avid readers.
Thanks for Jim's sharing. However, it seems contradictory to me that when I was taught to read the materials loud to enhance retention in this newsletter, I was at the same time taught to avoid sub-vocalisation in the Kwik-Reading course. So in the end should I "read" what I am reading?
Not a fan of the fear mongering portion regarding non-fiction readers. Suggesting that non-fiction readers could have worse social skills does more harm than good. Self development books are technically non-fiction, yet they can still tell amazing stories, allow individuals to gain knowledge, and expand their minds. Learning is involved and this type of reading helps to broaden one's vocabulary, so I believe it is still absolutely beneficial for the brain. I also think this framing could create unnecessary confusion for people that enjoy this kind of reading material and aren't connected to themselves (blindly follow experts or what others say), and don't honour their own inner guidance or intuition.
« Just 100 hours of reading instruction (structured reading lessons, not casual reading) can improve your brain’s white matter quality to normal levels » Could you clarify the terms reading instruction and structured reading lessons?
I love this! JIM... It's so good to see you on here... this is Jaime Mintun. I now go by Amaya Dinesa. ;) We must reconnect! I'm going to shoot you a message.