Ep. 278: How to Think

This podcast episode focuses on improving thinking skills. Cal Newport introduces five practices: improving information consumption quality, increasing boredom tolerance, attention cultivation, working memory strengthening, and practicing intellectual engagement (using primary and secondary sources, maintaining idea documents). He suggests a multi-scale approach to news consumption (daily, monthly, seasonal) and the "phone foyer" method to increase boredom tolerance. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate these practices to enhance cognitive abilities and enrich daily life, leading to more valuable ideas and improved decision-making. The episode concludes with listener questions and answers, including advice on managing deep work during a workday and taking a "deep holiday."