Sanjay Shukla

I still remember the moment I learned to read. I was six years old (I guess). The first word was “Apple”

From that moment on, I read everything I could get my hands on. I devoured biscuit box descriptions, every billboard on the roads & streets, the newspaper, and grocery store leaflets. I read Amar Chitra Katha, which gave me ancient wisdom; Adventures of Tintin whisked me on globe-trotting escapades; Archie’s gang made me fantasize about life in this wonderland, and The Hardy Boys ignited my inner sleuth.

Soon, I graduated to Enid Blyton’s adventure series, Agatha Christie’s thrilling whodunits, and Fredrick Forsyth’s heart-stopping spy novels. Robert Ludlum and Jeffrey Archer inspired and brought the writer out of me. Even classics like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen found a welcome spot in my heart.

My reading spree lasted until my teenage years and late 20s. Then – and (I think) you can relate to this – I started being interested in other things. Drinks, Smoking, Video games and Hanging out with friends in Irani cafes.

By the time I graduated, I had barely read anything.

To this day, I wish I could go back to that time—those first, unburdened years of reading. Life was easy, and I had all the time in the world.

However, my early employment days showed me a new perspective on reading: People read non-fiction too. They read to learn, to advance their careers, and to build a better life.

The new purpose of reading was exciting, but now, I felt doubly bad for not doing it: Not only did I lack time to read for leisure, but I also wasn’t doing my future self any favours. Ugh.

While I was working as a news reporter, I finally managed to carve out some time. I built a regular reading habit again, and for a while, I read one non-fiction book every week. I was so proud, but then…

One day, I picked up the next book, and I realized: “I don’t want to read this!” Do you know why? It wasn’t because the book was not interesting.

It was because I had neither processed nor implemented what I had read the week earlier. I felt overwhelmed with information and was not satisfied with action.

That’s when I finally stopped envying Warren Buffett who famously claims his only job is to read 8 hours a day (8 hours of reading a day? Clearly, the man doesn’t do his own laundry). I’d learned two crucial lessons:

1. Reading for pleasure is a precious privilege, not a competition. Sometimes life pulls you away, and that’s okay. Put the book down and go have an adventure!
2. Reading to learn is only half the battle. The real prize is taking action on your newfound knowledge. Reading 500 books without implementing a single lesson is like building a library in your brain… and then living in a tent.

I still wanted to make reading a regular part of my life, but now, I could finally approach the habit with a long-term mindset rather than out of nostalgia or because “we’re supposed to.”

The best way to learn more in less time is to try every new idea you pick up.

Don’t read to boast. Don’t read to distract yourself. Don’t just collect knowledge. Make it your superpower!

My 2023 reads, specifically, left a profound impact:

1. India Turns East – Frederic Grare: This insightful analysis of India’s foreign policy shift towards the East opened my eyes to the geopolitical landscape and its potential implications for my country. It prompted me to research further and participate in discussions about India’s role in the evolving global order.

1. Algorithms To Live By – Brian Christian and Tom Grifiths: This gem taught me the power of thinking through systems, using logic to tackle everyday problems. I started applying its frameworks to decision-making, from finances to personal projects, with tangible results.

1. India, that is, Bharath – J Sai Deepak: This alternate narrative helped me to understand the deep impact of colonization on the Indian mind. It forced me to confront India’s vulnerabilities and strengths. It sparked conversations and introspection, prompting me to actively engage in discussions about my nation’s future.

1. Bad Science – Ben Goldacre: This exposé on pseudoscience made me a more critical thinker, wary of quick fixes and sensational claims. I now approach information with a healthy dose of skepticism, researching before embracing new ideas.

1. The Reluctant Fundamentalist – Mohsin Hamid: This poignant tale challenged my own biases and assumptions about the world. It pushed me to empathize with diverse perspectives and consider the complexities of cultural clashes.

1. Valmiki Ramayana (original): Immersing myself in the epic directly, not through retellings, was transformative. It deepened my understanding of our past, including the Indian thoughts, traditions, culture, and values, giving me a fresh perspective on my own heritage.

These are just a few examples. Every book offers a chance to learn, grow, and act. Here are some practical tips to apply knowledge gained from reading:

1. Keep a “to-try” list: Jot down actionable insights from each book. Review the list regularly and experiment with the ideas that resonate with you.
2. Find an accountability buddy: Discuss your reading with a friend or mentor, holding each other accountable for implementing what you learn.
3. Start small: Don’t feel overwhelmed. Pick one manageable action from each book and focus on integrating it into your life.
4. Share your learnings: Write blog posts, create videos, or simply have conversations about what you’ve learned. Helping others understand can solidify your own understanding.

Try those new tips. Use those strategies you just discovered. Keep what works for you; abandon what doesn’t. Adjust as you go, and only learn the next thing when you feel ready.

That’s how you’ll truly learn more than ever, faster than ever.

Remember that PDF you downloaded? Did you read it? Did you take action on one of the lessons? If not, now would be a great time.

Remember, the greatest stories aren’t just on the page, they’re waiting to be written in your own life.

Happy reading,

— Sanjay Shukla