What is the issue? Seems like a great list - Read a lot of them myself. Close to finishing Dune at the moment. Any suggestions for faster reading? 1-2 hours for a novel seems crazy fast, if retention is expected :D I'm a slow reader at around 2 minutes per page.
Dear Lex. I have been watching you for what seems like a long time now and, like you, I have read almost all the books on this list. They have also been my friends and have corresponded as well as intersected with major moments in my life. Sometimes I found them on my own, other times at the behest of mentors and producers I have had the amazing opportunity to work with, some were indeed part of my english curriculum as far back as high school here in Canada. One of the most compelling things about you is your attempt o braid in spiritual concepts with scientific ones. Dying of a neurological disease, as I happen to be, having such a bright light as your to be attracted to is a great comfort to me as I brace for the great adventure. Perhaps it is the final one in human form but we don't know about that yet. I tell a lot of people I know and meet about you because I have such a sense of being in the midst of knowledge to the way you fashion your curiosities regarding your guests. I have been an artist/writer my whole life and it feels like i've waited a long time to "meet" someone who shares my proclivities with respect to the constant state of inquiry I have found my self in perpetually it would seem. Thank you for your passionate pursuits and I hope that you accept my humble appreciation of your being and spirit.
As of writing this: 38.9 MILLION people saw your reading list tweet. How will the world change when ~1% of those individuals read a book from your list and confront a set of new ideas? How many people will discover a new love of books? How many will find a new sense of purpose? How many will be inspired to love, to have courage to push back against darkness, or to simply try something new? If these books are valuable (which I think they are), then it is difficult to estimate the positive impact of your tweet and its rippling effect into the future. It's not a stretch to imagine that your tweet saved lives. How many human souls does it take to balance the weight of embarrassment you feel? I'm sorry some fools came after you, Lex, but I am thankful for your tweet. Keep up the good work
I, for one, have rediscovered my joy of reading by challenging myself to this reading list. I’ve already finished 1 and eager to finish the rest! Sucks to see Lex upset over this.
@@regularguy1140 You realy dont have to have an 'informed opinion' if you read a lot of fiction......... I mean yeah they're great books but I've not read nearly any of them and I'd like to think I'm quite well informed and keep myself sharp by reading NON fiction... Besides the point, Lex is a well informed and thoughtfull person I don't see any reason for any hate.
Don't let people drag you down, these are unhappy people who want you to be miserable. You make good content and people like you. I understand wanting to address this but people were not kind towards you. you did nothing wrong, they did. .
He’s definitely gonna need to toughen up, the criticism was just petty basic Twitter crap the way he went on I assumed there was serious personal attacks or something If he really intends to stay his coarse with his podcast (which is amazing) he’s just going to get further enemies on both the left and right that want to bring him down. Hopefully he doesn’t just decide to shelter on one side and bubble himself from this criticism like Rogan did Don’t let these people bring you down Lex 😊
@@ronmexico7256 some people were actually throwing personal attacks on him so yeah it was kinda and I don't understand why people are so mad like it's his personal choice why does it even bother them?
@@EarlofChucklechester There’s no point trying to understand the motivations of random people on Twitter, it’s a place where negativity dominates. Best to just ignore those people and move on
I am a 70 year old grey-haired lady who shed a bit of an end-of year tear when you posted your thoughtful reading list. Guess it's no country for old folks. Never could have imagined the reaction of unkindness. Keep up what you are doing, dear. You move many.
Tempests in teapots are integral to today’s media and economy and shouldn’t be taken seriously. I found his list too basic and unadventurous myself, but he could have done much much worse. It’s mostly like what you’d find on a high school ‘Honors’ and/or ‘Literature 101’ syllabus from 1970. But that’s not a bad thing. If his list gets more people familiarizing themselves with accessible “idea” classics, or gets others to re-examine them-or at least gets more people reading, period-then that is a truly wonderful thing.
The negative reaction was so weird. You posted a nice reading list and the world went insane. You’re a good guy and I hope you’ve inspired people to read more.
I just don't understand his meltdown. I haven't seen the actual reactions, but the two he described here seem pretty banal, nobody who isn't new on the internet should be offended / touched by that
I have a phrase for those folks, "Uneducated literate". They may have "read" a lot of stuffs but they are not "educated" enough to know it's not the right thing to do.
If it's any consolation, hearing about this 'drama' about your reading list has inspired me to read your full reading list with you this year. Thank you for publishing it.
PLEASE remain public with your reading list! When you posted it I decided to try and keep up with the list this year. Would be gutted if you decide to not post your amendments to the schedule, you are an absolute legend and things like this are the reason you're so popular and inspirational. You make people want to get off their arse and do stuff
Lots of those books in the list where book that help me during difficult times, so when I saw the list I decided to visit them again. I think what bother him was that people he knew and respect where making fun of them. So who did it? I find it silly to be making fun of books, there’s so many other things to make fun of, but books 🫤😒
@@zingara76 Nassim Nicholas Taleb was one of them and he sounded literally like a bully. the dude talks about "anti fragility" and gets triggered by a book list. it's safe to say I wouldn't be reading any of his books when I can clearly see the author doesn't at least try to live by his own words and have no class 🤷♀
This is the embodiment of “don’t cast your pearls before swine”. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing the list but also showing awareness and caution that maybe sharing the things that bring us joy sometimes should not be shared. That saddens me though. Again for the record I love seeing this list. As someone who would like to read more this is inspiring.
The Yellow Wallpaper made my skin crawl when I read it many years ago. Never ever forgot it, and brilliant to see you might be visiting with that one. Thank you for the reminder of such a visceral reading experience. Your list is great too, especially given your impetus for developing it. I’m currently taking in Dostoevsky for the first time beginning with a collection of his short stories. White Nights was a favorite so far.
This is ridiculous… I got so excited about this list that I immediately followed along and have been reading the exact same list with you because it is great to go back and revisit many of these books
I read about 30 books in my life, and 2/3 of them are on that list... and I'm 19. The guy is a scientist how the fuck did he not read those already? they are all basic that's what the fuss was about, these are the normie books everyone heard about
@@JAKE-ng8yr He spent nearly the entire time talking about two things: 1. How these books are like old friends that give him something new every time he re-reads them. 2. The fools (like you) who suck and obviously don’t listen, so they thoughtlessly criticize just for the sake of publicly tearing down people.
@@JAKE-ng8yr I can't tell if you are trolling or have hearing problems, he has already read most of them. He explained how he takes away something different each time he rereads a book as do most people, unless you're saying that you're perfect and can understand the genius of dostoyevsky or camus all in one read-through, because after all they are "basic" lmao hearing about a book is not the same as enjoying classic literature and lastly, reading all classic literature is not a prerequisite to becoming an ai researcher or a computer scientist
When I saw your reading list, I thought, that’s a great reading list. I almost wish I could forget having read those books so I could experience them again for the first time. At the same time, re-reading a book at a differently point in life is a unique experience. I’m re-reading Lord of Rings right now, but this time as a bedtime story to my children. It’s way different this time around- a very unique and special experience. You’re too pure for the mean people of the internet Lex. They took your book list as a chance to feel smarter than the guy who makes robots, if for just a moment. That’s their reward. You, on the other hand, get to hang out with and learn from your “old friends” again.
Exactly. I remember a guy on his Instagram saying something like “this is a list of books for people who don’t read books. You should have read all these by the time you’ve left school.” (As if a high schooler would find any value in Dostoyevsky.) I just thought what a wanker. Lex has stated before that he wants to lock himself in a room and re-read Dostoyevsky and some other Russian authors. This was clearly a list of old friends he wished to be reacquainted with.
I SO appreciate knowing which books you have loved and re-read, because I think all of that reading has made you a much better interviewer, and I always enjoy your podcasts, because of your thoughtful handling of such interesting and wide ranging topics. (Nowhere else can I find conversations on everything I’m curious about.)❤️
Hey Lex I personally love your list! Those are the types of masterpieces that are worth reading multiple times through life. I'm definitely going to read the ones I haven't yet, there's more than a couple and I already know they're going to be great! My suggestion is Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami.
Lex. It hurts me to see you get upset. Please don’t let other people’s opinions effect you. I am sure they are not doing for society what you are doing. Your podcast helped me through the worst 2 years of my life. I have been in bed for 2 years with anxiety and depression and now fibromyalgia. You kept me company, you are educated me, you made me laugh, you made me fall asleep. I am now on the road to recovery and doing better. You are so important in this world right now. I tell every one to subscribe and listen. Thank you for every thing you do. Please never change.
I was excited to see your list! I set a goal to read only classic fiction last year and ended up reading many of the books on your list (including Dostoevsky’s big 3). It was an enlightening experience and it was validating to see that someone as cool as Lex was pulling from the same library.
There are gatekeepers everywhere at every level of humanity. People love to show they are better than everyone else and the only way in their mind to do this is to show that they are doing things different than everyone else. Reading different books, watching different movies finding the "hidden gems" that no one else knows about. When you share your list of amazing books that you love that's their moment to "shine" and say "oh yeah you basic piece of sh**t, everyone knows these books are good duuh". Just ignore the haters, you are doing great, I love your interviews as much as your book analyses. Please do not stop being public with your reading, goddamn... Do not let the gatekeepers win and let you feel like you are basic. Shed the imposter syndrome, you are one of the great minds of our time...
Can you enlighten me on what the criticism was about? Why would a book be taught in schools if it is not generally accepted to be a "good, thought provoking book". I think comments in the vein of "everyone reads these at school" are a direct product of gatekeeping mentality. Yeah these are in school reading lists because they are great books...
@@91Ferhat exactly I went to a state school and our reading material was of mice and men.... I got into a selective school for sixth form (16-18) and I got to read Kafka, Gabriel Marquez and Naguib Mahfouz ect and I loved them and they expanded my worldview and kick-started my insatiable desire to read. It wasn't until I got to university that people thought of those books as juvenile, basic or whatever other denigrating descriptor my private school educated classmates designated for them...
@@sudhirmeghwal7258 what I think is most amazing is that you came along and proved his point in the most elegant way imaginable. You truly are a genius!
These days, it feels more and more like my inner child’s head is being forced under the water by the expectations of the world around me. It’s refreshing to see someone like yourself, with a deep intellectual side, still indulging in the things that make you truly happy. It’s rare to keep both sides of yourself alive. Thank you for being the man that embraces beauty, and work, and comfort, and struggle, all at the same time. Don’t let those bastards get you down.
This video is 100% true. About 6 months ago I began reading or rereading classics and frankly as an adult the things you take away from a book is much different than you did as a kid if you took anything away from them in the first place. Most people don’t read a single book cover to cover after they complete whatever schooling they take.
I think that’s part of the why of the negative reaction. It’s a commitment to read a thought provoking book, and it can involve confronting oneself as well as empathizing somewhat with its writer. It’s far less effort to shit on someone else generating an idea than to come up with it or participate.
You're a gift to social media. Thanks for your book suggestions and all of the content you produce for us all. I've learned so much and really appreciate your intellect and genuine character.
"The world is not driven by greed, it is driven by envy." My experience reading most of those reactions on twitter only reiterated this. Keep on sharing love and positivity Lex!
We love you, Lex. You don’t need to justify your love of anything to anyone. The kind of person who would mock you or try to bring you down over something like this is no more than a schoolyard bully. They only bring down, they never bring up, and those kinds of people aren’t worth a second thought. Personally, when I saw your list it inspired me to either make my own or try to match yours. No doubt many more have had the same reaction to your list that I have. Keep being yourself, Lex!
Please continue to publish and talk about your reading. This list was so valuable to me, because I read half the books on it and liked or even loved all, so the other titles are a great recommendation!
Lex, not sure if you're reading this but the list gave me new books to add and inspired me to read. Having followed you for more than 2 years, one can safely say you're the only person who is willing to see a human on the other side of the table rather than his/her opinions. That's something that many of my fellow lex listeners appreciate the profound impact you are having on this world. Love from India ♥️
I was extremely disturbed when I saw this. What is wrong with people, that they would troll someone about a reading list. I feel you taking your time to share your reading list with others was a great idea. It, you, inspired me to buy and read a book that I’ve never read before, The Brothers Karamazov. I want you to continue to give reviews and personal revelations about the books on your list. Who cares what people think about the few books that they don’t agree on, politically or what not. If you can inspire someone to read, instead of staring at their phone, you’ve won the battle. Please, keep moving forward. Leave the trolls behind.
Don’t be discouraged. Twitter is an example of people feeling they need to have an opinion on everything even when they have nothing of value to say. It’s a shame to see people you respect fall into the pit of vanity and take themselves too seriously but I always think back to who I care about the most and what they think of me and it’s never the random morons in Twitter.
@@karnazacss threre are very ouchy books for so called pseudo-leftists in the Lex's list. They feel in their guts that books are revealing pseudo-leftists shameful skinny little testicles.
Not sure why this is politicized to these nonsense left right crap But to the op, I haven't really ever used Twitter except for posts shared by friends.... and recently I choose to follow Elon musk and then that lead me down other culture issues in trending ... my good Twitter is like where the most maladjusted, argumentative, dramatic people ever. I couldn't do it and deleted it lol
How weird to be critical of a reading list! Screw the weird small people who do that, and thanks for the list Lex, there are many books on it I hadn’t encountered. Looking forward to reading them
Dude you are one of my biggest inspirations because of your heart, your intellect, your curiosity, generosity, patience, openness, transparency, and work ethic. But most of all how much effort you put into injecting love into the world, whether or not they accept it. I hope I never see the day where you've become jaded and bitter towards the world. This world is dark and you show me that there's a shimmer of hope in the void. A hope of a more loving and compassionate world. I wish to meet you one day and share a conversation.
@@marcodominguez1374 People said the books were too basic (“I read that in high school lol”) or that he was reading too fast. Too many white male authors. On and on.
Broski I recently started watching you because of a friend and this video not just came as a form of just ur combats to these comments, but the way u describe books as a helpful and life long companion makes me want to also describe them like that and read books
I love the way you talk about books with the way you talk about them as companions and friends. The video has definitely gave me the urge to reintroduce reading to my life. I will definitely start with some of the books on your list.
Lex you bring so much value to humans and love for others. Don’t let those who want to ruin your inner child make you shrink. You being so vulnerable helped me learn to be more human, and opened up my world with enthusiasm to learn from others. Much love to you, happy new year.
@@p.stephens He's obligated to platform both sides otherwise the argument is skewed to one sides agenda over the other. Hearing both sides then forming your own opinion (while abstaining from trying to force others to have your opinion) is always the right move 👍Just because he has someone on his show does not mean he is their friend or shares their same opinions.
Lex, the first thing I thought when I saw your list was “Man, this is a great list. Maybe I’ll read along with him”. Except for 1984, because I actually just finished reading it for the first time, and what a wonderful book it was. I’m 23. Always remember, for every hater, there are 1000 more who are inspired by you. Please don’t stop sharing your reading journey. I think it’s helpful to more people than you will ever know.
A true friend is there to support and lift you up. Anyone dragging you down or openly humiliating you is not a friend. My friends rib me in private but don't publicly criticize me, since that is just a backstabber. Times like this, take count of who your true friends are. Respect and love...
Your reading list inspired me to read again. Reading hasn't been a priority for me and I've struggled to change that. When you shared your reading list I knew immediately that I had to join in. A book a week will be a real challenge that I need in my life and your list is very different from one that I would have created on my own (which I view as a good thing). I thoroughly enjoyed reading 1984 last week and can't wait to get started on Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy when it arrives in the mail today! Regardless of whether or not you decide to continue revising the list and sharing your thoughts publicly, I am very intent on completing this goal alongside you. Thank you, Lex!
Good luck with hitchhiker's guide it's my favourite book Douglas Adams is a genius. I am sure it is partly to responsible for Elon being the worlds richest man. He takes the central lesson of the book that the most important thing is asking the correct question and turned that into business model. He asked why we weren't going to mars and realised it was payload cost to orbit primarily so setup spaceX to fix that, same with Tesla, same with PayPal in a lot of respects.
Seeing your reading list, ambitious as it may be, has inspired me to read more this year. I might not be reading along with your reading list, as there are still a lot of unread books in my bookcase, but I'll definitely be adding some to my list for this year. I hope you won't stop sharing. It'd be wonderful to hear your thoughts on them.
What a beautiful person & soul Lexis. We need more of you. You hang out with people like you and they also spread light. Grateful for your generosity & Kindness 🙏
We love you Lex, but it doesn't make sense to allow bullies to stop you from being you. If you feel like sharing another reading list again with people, you should totally do it! Not everyone is going to like your content, but that does not mean that you should stop creating that content. You have already created a large fan base that values your input on many things, and to allow a couple of outsider bullies who don't even know you effect the way you process that input you put out for us would be sad! Love you man, and love how vulnerable, transparent and so damn authentic you are. Take care. Much love from Saudi Arabia.
This is really sad. I've only recently been introduced to your podcast, which seems amazing, and I was excited about this reading list. There are so many books that I've loved on there and a lot that I'm very interested to look into. To me this list is a mix of reading for fun, for insight, for exploration, and I don't understand why that should be a cause for critique from anyone. The old addage of "if you have nothing good to say don't say it at all" really seems to have been lost on Twitter and the current internet. Instead of finding a book they love on the list and saying "this book is amazing", these people look for a book they hate and say "I can't believe you want to read that". I'm glad you shared this list, and will have a great time checking out Camus or Gogol, or finally reading the tome that is Godel, Escher, Bach (which I'm sure tons of people read in high school...).
Please continue to share! There’s hateful people out there that need an outlet for their hate so they do it anonymously to strangers on the internet thinking it won’t affect anyone. The people that have kind and open hearts like myself that feel no need to spread hate, keep to ourselves and listen and watch happily silently. I love knowing what people are reading, I will never feel like I need to voice that though.
Your reading list rocks! Twitter is just a big hall with millions of people shouting at each other, close the door and disengage with negativity. Think how many people are going to be inspired by all those amazing books you posted & be proud ❤️
This is by far the most effective reaction to drama I ever seen Lex, major props. It’s stupid that you had to make it but you might’ve inadvertently taught a master class in doing so lol appreciate everything you do my guy
How can anyone be mad at someone either reading or setting ambitious goals? Negative reactions to that say more about them than you, which isn't consolation. Rather, it indicates necessity that more positive lights outshine them.
Лекс, мне больно видеть, как ты грустишь :c Пожалуйста, не позволяй мнениям других влиять на тебя подобным образом! Я уверен, что они, как минимум, не привносят свой положительный вклад в общество, как ты. Твой подкаст стал для меня поддерживающим другом в самые сложные моменты моей жизни. Ты дарил мне знания, радость и мудрость, благодаря тебе я задавался вопросами по самым разным темам. Твоя роль в мире очень важна. В моем мире уж точно🖤 I urge everyone to subscribe and listen to this podcast! Спасибо за все, что ты делаешь, и, пожалуйста, всегда оставайся собой!🖤✨
Your reading list inspired me. I picked up 2001: A Space Odyssey from my local library 3 days ago and I’m surprised at how fast I’m already moving through it. I expect to read more books in 2023 than I have in the past decade combined. Appreciate you Lex, don’t let the haters get you down.
I finally started reading 1984 for the first time this year. I’m 22 (23 in March) years old. My goal is to read 1-2 books a month rather than a week just to rekindle my old love of reading. I’ve stagnated in reading new literature ever since I finished high school, and I want to be better about it. I commend your courage to share your thoughts on these works/authors, since many of them can be seen as controversial. I believe any book can be useful (even the controversial ones) in educating and encouraging people of all ages about the thoughts of the past and present, and I want to do my due diligence in my own education. I hope everyone finds something new they can challenge themselves with this year. Thank you Lex!
If you haven't started one yet, keep a reading list of everything you read. Not only does it create motivation to read more, but it also becomes pretty useful one day when you're trying to keep track of what you've read.
I think you just convinced me to start listening to audio books while being outside again. I used to do that a lot during the time when i lost a lot of weight (not running, just walking, but >1h each day). And you just triggered something which makes me miss that habbit!
Lex! I have been using RU-vid for maybe 15 years and have never left a comment before ever. I just want to say that you are an inspirational man, you should be very proud of everything you have achieved. You have achieved more already that most of us could possibly ever dream of. I get that you value constructive criticism, but I am telling you now people leaving comments are not where you want to be looking for constructive criticism. I'm sure you have many close people to you that will reach out to you privately to give you opinions and constructive criticism. Your a humble man but seeing you have to make this video pains me. You don't owe anyone anything, you don't have to explain your self. You have become a part of everyone of your viewers and listeners lives, and I must say that it is a positive part of my life. I would say if not every day, every second day if I am not listening to a podcast I able watching some of your clips. I truly hope that you don't read comments anymore or let peoples opinions influence you in anyway. With saying that I hope you don't see my first ever RU-vid comment. If you do just know that you are doing an amazing job at life. You are an inspiration to anyone who sees or hears you. Post your reading list when ever you want! Don't read comments!
Wonderfully put, however we do need Lex to read some comments, otherwise he would miss yours 🙂 It must hurt to put something as personal as a favourite book list up and have people dump on it. Many people seemed to miss the point that Lex was re-reading personal classics and jumped to the conclusion that he had never read or even seen a book before. Others wanted to grind their personal axe against Lex's whetstone (wtf, bringing gender into it? should have seen that one coming) I can't wait for April, Player of Games is my favourite book by my favourite author.
As a literature graduate, I loved the list you put out, there's a few books on there I haven't read and I have a degree in English Literature, so those criticising for the books being ones you read in school can do one! Please continue! I just watched your thoughts on 1984, which I thought was great. Keep sharing the love!
Your honesty just made the world a bit of a better place mate! I wish u lots of love, fun, laughter, tears and emotion on that journey! It did inspired me to have one of my own, so thabk you from my heart to taht! If you still have a week to spare, Haruki Murakami - Norwegian Woods. One of my closest travel companions and best reads I ever had. Lots of love!
You have a big heart Lex. Know that you are valued deeply by many, if not most people. Even though we've never met, even though you don't know me, your podcasts have made me feel like you're a friend at heart. So often you ask the questions I would've asked or made sure to point out things that I missed. You value life, love and trying to bring a positive look into the world instead of criticizing everything as so many do. People that criticize something like your booklist are doing so because they don't allow themselves to simply enjoy doing something for the sake of enjoying it. Continue to enjoy life, continue your quest for bringing hope, love and understanding into the world. Don't let people who are sad in life make you sad as well.
@@p.stephens What "bullies" are you referring to? Furthermore do you not think it better that people with differing opinions are given a platform, one in which any individual can make up their own mind on that persons ideas? Aside from actual hateful and malicious speech, and I'm talking past offending someone, but threatening or promoting violence it seems to me people should be given the benefit of the doubt on the matter of making up their own mind. I've not seen one example in which Lex hasn't challenged an idea that seemed unfounded or malicious. He values diversity of thought, and tries to understand not only the positions of others but why they hold those positions in the first place. As do I and most probably many more. If you view Lexs' situation with such apathy who do you care if he platforms bullies in the first place? Are his feelings less valid than anyone elses?
I saw some of this on Instagram and was so convinced that you were joking that I literally just kind of passed by it. It's inconceivable to me that people would find a way to be cruel about somebody's reading list.
I’m not going to just say keep your head up. I ask that you keep sharing despite what they say because I have many times thought to read or reread many of these and others. But have encountered much of what you have privately. It felt isolating. Having someone like you that faces the same helps me tremendously. You have no idea. Be YOU! It helps us be us. Thank u.
Lex, your hobbies aren’t silly. Your hobbies are very healthy. You are extremely influential and I know you constantly influence my life in a positive way. As soon as you posted that list I say many old friends that I have also revised many time. I also saw some potentially new friends. You have me very excited to finish the book I’ve been reading so I could start a new one off your list. Your ambitious goal has gotten me to read much more this past week and set a more ambitious reading goal for myself. I completely understand if you want to keep your reading off of Twitter because of this incident but please don’t keep it completely private. I’d love to know what you’re reading as well as your thoughts on some of the greatest words ever written. Thank you for everything.
Love your reading list - have wanted to read many of them - have trouble getting started - your motivation is extremely helpful. So glad you added an estimate of the amount of time it will take to read each book. Looking forward to reading as many as I can with you this year thru adult eyes instead of forced reading as a teenager.
I would be very interested in recommended or suggested reading lists in AI, robotics etc and other technical areas that you are into, both getting started, learning or expanding your knowledge into.
You just listed all my favorite classics. The stranger changed my life as a 15 year old, and was the book that made me fall in love with reading. The plague became my favorite of his. The rebel was life changing for me in my late teens-early 20s too. The idiot has been my favorite book for long periods of my life. Gambler is also one of my favorites
I for one was inspired by your list. I did comment on it and I certainly hope it wasnt taken out of context but we did book reports on a few of these books in school and my only regret is not actually reading the books but using spark notes instead. With that being said I was in the excellerated class(for god knows why) and most of my peers never even touched these books in school. I was however, so inspired by your list that I have started one of my own. I have dedicated a small bookshelf to all of the books I intend to read and I am currently reading herodotus the histories. Thank you for sharing this wonderful idea and I hope you will continue with updates!
Of course genuinely putting yourself "out there" is a sacrifice. People start criticizing you, mocking you and finding flaws; no matter how small they may be. However, on the flip side when people see someone who is genuine, they start listening with an open heart and it can really change people's lives and give them a sense of direction. I know that listening to his podcasts really helped me in many ways... Lex is a very genuine person and it just sucks to see people trying to ridicule him for his openness.
People mocked his reading list because Lex has cultivated an image of a “genius scientist” by exaggerating his resume, chasing after the right co-signs, and wearing a suit, and yet he’s apparently going to spend all of his free time this year reading highschool level books. People have finally begun to see this guy for what he really is: a less controversial Joe Rogan.
@@nd_otd Here's some constructive criticism for Lex: Stop clinging to this "genius" image when he clearly isn't one. He should just embrace being a calmer, less controversial Joe Rogan.
Man's Search for Meaning is the book I give to someone if they're going through a really difficult time -- break-up, loss in the family, etc. It helped me immensely and I keep a couple copies on hand in case I need to give one to a friend in need. A life changing book.
Hey man I want to hear about your reading. I’m in the situation that some people wrongfully mock you for (I love reading but I haven’t read much yet). Having you share your reading is really nice for me and it makes it easier to return to good habits that I love. I understand that it sucks to be vulnerable like that, and having people go after you (wrongfully or not). I’m with you either way my dude. But I just want to add to the voice telling you that it’s better to do good to many than to be silenced by the few, and that I regard your sharing of reading as a good❤️
I’m following along with your list this year. All throughout high school I hated reading, now I’m in college and some of these books have sparked my love for reading thanks to you. Keep being you Lex. Love your podcast.
Your deep empathy and sensitivity touches me more than you could ever know my brother and I feel so grateful that you exist. So thank you for being you 🕊
I have several of those books in my reading list too and knowing so many people are joining in and reading as well gives me a lot of motivation. Brothers Karamazov alone might take me whole year as I intend to read it in Russian but let's go! I haven't read 1984 and hoped for more reviews on books I have, it would be very interesting to hear your take on them. It still perplexes me - when did classics become "basic"... No one should ever be shamed about book choices, any reading should be encouraged which is what your list did and not just the list, I have read several books that were mentioned in podcast. Thank you for this and everything else you do ❤
Your reading list was an inspiration for me to refocus and do more reading. Some on the list I had read some I have always wanted to read. Try to focus on the positive people offering suggestions and positve comments!
Lex Fridman, I am proud of you like a father for your integrity, grateful to you as a student for sharing your interviewing/teaching skills, and happy for you and your success as a friend (anonymously on the Internet lol). Really, I’m so damned happy this world includes Lex!
Man, you're such a wonderful human being and a great source of inspiration for me and many others. It does hurt when you're being mocked for what's valuable for you, especially by people you consider close to you, but deciding to stay true to what your values are it's the most important thing. I truly appreciate your work and your clips and you're the reason why I'm trying to become a better human, more kind and understanding with others.
Lex just doesn't realize the coldness of the internet, he likes to show love to everyone and when people don't do that back it hurts him a bit. I think he needs to realize if he was say even if he was the most liked person on earth he would still have those people trying to hate on him, especially if he is showing attention to it like this. Thats my theory atleast xD
Lex, This has been my experience in life; many people you meet in life will be jealous of your personal success. These people will knock down people around them in attempt to escalate themselves. They are so insecure of themselves, this is all they have to cope with their inability to measure up to someone such as yourself. Hold your head up with pride. So many people here enjoy your candor and openness. Please don’t let the haters change who you are or change what makes YOU happy. Know this, your channel inspires and teaches us more than you will ever know.
Oh dude, i have watched several of your interviews, but haven't delve deeper into your content. Now i will. I worked in a bookshop, and now my job is predominantly with book and distribution. Long story short, i am everything but indifferent to books. When i saw your list, a can agree that those titles are the stepping stones, and the foundation, and most of them, if not all are quite the deep, and thought provoking works of fiction, and non-fiction. And if reading novels can teach some peoples something, well a sure hope that its empathy. Everyone reads whatever he sees fit for him, and the beautiful thing about books is that there are no wrong answers, read whatever your heart desire. And most of those books i have, but have pulled back on reading them for particular reason, but for sure i will read one of them this year, just because someone criticized your list. We'll meet between the pages, keep on reading!
As a philosophy prof, I have people read everything from the philosophy of the Taliban to recent feminist critical theory. No matter what I say, people insist I’m endorsing the messages contained therein. My point in having my students read canonical and influential texts (and controversial ones) is so a few more people actually have a sense of the content that they purport to know about/destroy/uphold. Lex, keep posting what you’re reading. A lot of people look up to you and you might encourage them to take up reading something they never thought of or even heard of before. (Or at least to look into what the works are about) Reading is a way to learn to think. We all need to learn to think better. Some of my students are modestly taking up some of your reading list. I didn’t make them. I mentioned it. They came to me and said they were doing it! I was thrilled. Also, you feeling hurt is actually lovely. You can still be hurt, which is different than embarrassed/etc.. If I believed in souls, I’d say that’s an indication you have a decent one. Much love.
That’s maddening. Which ‘people’ insist that you’re endorsing the messages (colleagues, students etc)? I don’t know what’s emboldened people to a point in which they feel they can make heavy accusations about one’s character so freely. It’s malicious, infantile and extremely unbecoming.
You got it. The “people” I meant include administration, students, colleagues… What’s fascinating to me, however, is that, mostly, it’s only those kinds of people in GROUPS that make such accusations. Privately, individuals are much more open and understanding… and critical in an engaged and non-aporetic sense. Privately, it’s amazing how many students and colleagues (and the business people funding the universities) will say, “I’m sorry I’m making the accusations/claims against you, but I ‘have’ to.” It’s not even enough lately to be silent. One must, it seems, assert (honestly or not) whatever the rule of the day is lest constraints be enforced or enablements removed. I don’t know. I’m not shutting up, though. If I wanted to be a preacher, I’d have at least gone to church. The only thing I’m willing to support is the original meaning of a liberal education - i.e., a space for the open play of ideas. If I go down for supporting that, that’s ok with me.
Feminist critical theory? Really? This is just trendy mediocre scholarship. But maybe that's a game professors have to play to not get sanctioned or canceled. Each person must decide for themself how much their time is worth. You won't get that time back. There are 1,000 books I would rather read. All of them are at least 50 years old.
@@abigailklassen7348 “I’m sorry I’m making those accusations/ claims against you, but I HAVE to…” sounds like something directly out of the writings of Solzhenitsyn. Is that where we’re heading?
Oh man Lex, it hurts to see you hurt like this. But you are one of my role models and it is only because of you and your approach to knowledge that I am now on the path of an academic career. To see that my role model has to fight the same painful battle against doubt as I always did, strengthens me even more. Maybe that, in turn, will give you something. The fact is that the one who sows doubt usually only wants to pass on the seed of his own weakness. Do not accept this seed and continue planting only with your intuition.
Lex, I’m relatively new to your content and really appreciate what you do. In terms of reading I am someone who used to love reading, but school had squashed the passion from me and more recently I’ve been rekindling this once burning passion of mine. I would really appreciate you making these videos as they help me on that journey.
I read the Brothers Karamazov in five days for the first time last year (as a high school student). I had a break from school and quite a bit of time. It's ridiculous that people think it would be impossible for somebody as educated as him to reread it in a week or two. It's also one of my absolute favorite books!
It’s funny at the end of your podcasts you sometimes ask your guests for book recommendations, 2 of your guests recommended Dune and at the time I was reading a lot of non-fiction and really struggling to get through the books, they wouldn’t hold my interest. I was looking for some sci-fi to start anyway so I read dune and it made me fall in love with reading again and became my favourite book. I wouldn’t have had that experience at that time if you hadn’t shared your interest in reading with the world. So thank you.
There’s always going to be negativity, even over the most innocuous topics. You’re a positive and inspiring person who puts out positivity and inspiration. Keep being yourself 💪
The whole reason he gets it is he sets himself up as some MIT prodigy, but his ties are very loose to say the least. He is also being pushed on millions of people who have no real interest in him but for some reason YT plays his videos in auto play for all of us so we hear it. Lex may be a great guy. But he is boring, monotone, asks unimaginative questions and doesn't seem to actually have the talent to draw his A list guest list. We reject the artificial elevation of this man.
Ikr who gives a shit what you wanna read, do what you want and ignore twitter hate. Imagine trying to critisize someone for wanting to read a book , absolute no lifers
@@DanSam48 If you don't want to see his videos you can click the three arrows next to the recommended video and click "i don't want to see this" rather than engaging in the comment section furthering his influence on your algorithm. But I assume you are just here to self ego boost and talk shit.
There are some books on your list that I haven't read. But we have some same old friends. Sometimes I feel that Eternal September only started with social media. And it has turned some people empty shells who seem to only get joy by ruining the joys (or lives) of other people.
Lex - one of the things i appreciate about you is no matter your success, you remain humble, thoughtful and are true to yourself. Please don't let this put you off being vulnerable and sharing your personal experience with the world. I for one enjoyed seeing the reading list, I even screenshot it so I could order the books in your list I haven't read myself. Take care brother, and happy new year.
I started reading Brothers Karamazov in late November and I am loving it thus far, I was introduced to Lex Fridman’s videos before Christmas through all the “Book Recommendations” videos he has with his guests and I have to say he has become a guy who’s opinions and insight I value a lot. I’m currently on page 577 of the Pevar/ Volokhonsky translation and seeing the ‘controversy’ on Twitter go down was really weird. I am deeply disappointed that Lex is choosing to keep his reading life private because of this but I will continue to support the guy in the short amount of time I’ve been watching his channel he has become a RU-vidr I deeply respect!
Every social context is a crab basket, too. Don't even be disappointed in the people doing it. They condition each other, so it happens naturally. An open reflection like this is a perfect antidote, mainly for them. Good on you. Keeping it positive.
If being more private helps you be a happier person, please do that! But if you change your mind some of us continue to want to hear about the things you enjoy.. Happy New Year Lex!
So glad to see this list! I was trying to put one together for the new year and this reminded me of several I needed to include. Please continue to do you. 💜
I was really glad that you posted a reading list. I want to collect and develop my own library but I didnt know where to start until you posted the list. I’ve got my hands on 1984 and I won’t be able to read it in a week but at least I have a small start on my library. So thank you Lex! Please keep updating the list for people who are eager to discover books!
Your reading discipline alone is overwhelmingly inspirational. I'm glad you shared your reading list because I'm only recently getting back into reading and the motivation is appreciated more than you might realize.
As a college student I love listening and hearing about your readings. It really pushes me to want to read more and tap into different genres. Keep it up Lex
I know what your feeling! The same feeling when an highly skilled data scientist I admired, saw as a role-model, and maybe even in love with said "data doesn't matter." It was soul-crushing. 😪💔
The fact that someone has to defend books like 1984, a brave new world, and the bothers Karamazov from ridicule is baffling to me. I'm willing to bet an arm and a leg that most of those hating have barely read anything to begin with.
I’ve been downloading your videos before deployments for a few years. They help me get through them. That’s my detachment that I enjoy. Appreciate all your content
Never write comments on your videos but man your list inspired me to re-read some of the books. You have encouraged so many of us. Dont worry about the haters, this is the mission of love. You give yourself out there and someone will trample you. But take it as a challenge I know you can embrace the suck and keep on doing the wonderful things you are doing. Inspiring millions in the process. When listening to your podcast it makes me glad i am alive in this age. Otherwise we would have to wait for the great minds you interview to die to make friends with them through the books. Keep on trucking 😉
