🌲 Literature Reviews: The Value of Gestalt Reflection

It's worth summarizing an entire work not just "in your own words" but with an emphasis on reframing it and focusing on what matters to you.

Once upon a time I would sit down with a book and read it cover to cover, internalize the parts that mattered to me, and then be on my way.

Two things changed:

1. I realized I could read “academic” books for enjoyment—thanks to Matt Lakeman’s longform review of Fifth Sun by Camilla Townsend, which ultimately led to me discovering Scott Alexander’s book revie…