Ep. 376: The Lincoln Protocol

Cal Newport discusses the "Lincoln Protocol," drawing lessons from Abraham Lincoln's life to navigate digital distractions. He argues that Lincoln faced similar challenges of distraction, danger, and darkness in his time and overcame them through purposeful reading and a focus on useful projects. Newport outlines a three-step protocol involving ambitious but tractable projects, dedicated learning, and reflection. He also addresses listener questions on reading habits, focus improvement, and balancing personal and professional life, and the use of technology like Apple Watches. Newport shares a case study illustrating the protocol's success and concludes by reading comments from a 2008 article on digital distraction, reflecting on how concerns have evolved.