Hey!
I’ve never been into books that much, so I don’t have much experience, but last year I read through Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and while I did really like it, because it gave me some new perspectives, I didn’t really know how to apply what I read to my life in any meaningful way.
When I read the book, it was great, but I just forgot about it the day after.
I honestly can’t give you a single quote from that book, even though I used it in a book analysis assignments for school.
Now, I don’t want that to be the case because I think that there are valuable things in that book, and other philosophical writings.
So.. how should I proceed to make the most out of these things?
I’m currently reading The Art of War, but I don’t know how to make what I’m reading have an impact on me or my life.
It feels hollow in a way, because I can react in the moment to things I’m reading but then there’s nothing else.
What practices can I take to make these things tangible and concrete to me?
I understand this post is a bit vague but I don’t know how else to put it.
Thank you.
by plinkocraze
2 Comments
You have to take the “War” part out and focus on the “Art”
Behind everything that Sun writes there’s a philosophical way of thinking, the art of war was almost never about actually fighting wars, but more about the philosophy behind it, it’s about reading your opponent and being one step ahead. This can still be used in business, sports or tactics of any kind.
I have the same problem but imo the answer is that sometimes you can’t actively apply things that you have read or agreed on in your life. It comes subconciously. There will be books shows movies plays that will inspire us or will be an answer to our current state but not all.