In this article, the author discusses their personal reading choices and why they prefer history over fiction. They argue that history contains more surprises than fiction because it encompasses real events and human experiences that may seem implausible but are actually true. The author also highlights how our everyday lives and limited experiences shape our understanding of what is plausible, leading us to overlook the complexities and contingencies of the real world. They express their preference for reading news sources that focus on longer-term trends rather than transient and depressing events, with the Economist being their go-to publication. The author also emphasizes the importance of diversifying reading material to challenge one’s thinking and to avoid confirmation bias. Lastly, they mention their job-related reading habits, including non-academic programming articles and blogs, as well as skimming academic papers to increase their knowledge breadth. The author concludes by emphasizing the value of knowing one’s preferences and reasons for reading, as it can enhance the reading experience and promote personal growth.
https://tratt.net/laurie/blog/2024/choosing_what_to_read.html