I discovered the Knowledge Project today and I'm aware that I'm quite late on this one — better late than never. The Knowledge Project is essentially space for experts to explain their lifestyles, mental models, paths to success ,and whatever else shapes them into who they've become. It's a brilliant hub of insights and it's a shame I haven't listened to the podcast earlier.
Since quarantine has added quite a few pounds and bad habits, I decided to go on a very long walk a couple of times today. A desperate attempt to recover from three months of food sin in one day, and also an excuse to start binging podcasts. After one episode, I realized how inefficient listening to a podcast at 1x speed can be.
As a super fan of Ali Abdaal, I could recall his frequent mention of listening to podcasts at 1.5x or 2x speed, so I gave it a shot. Let me tell you, the man isn't lying. I will never listen to anything at 1x speed ever again. I like casual podcasts. I like long pauses, laughter, and small tangents — it makes the experience more natural like I'm part of an intimate conversation (I'm aware this makes me sound very lonely but who isn't these days?).
However, for podcasts like the Knowledge Project, I want to get right to the juicy insights and 1.5x speed is the key.
The Other Side Of The Argument
I found this article written over at The Verge that provides a counter-argument to the 1.5x speed listening trend.
A conversation between two hosts is riddled with pregnant pauses and interruptions designed to head off miscommunications. We’re used to these patterns, and a good podcast is paced to play into them. Why, then, should we mess with that balance in the name of efficiency?
This is a valid argument. Like I mention above, the casualness of the radio/podcast host, the natural conversation, the art of timing, the art of hosting, the art of relaying information ... it is valuable, but the speed is entirely dependent on the type of podcast. If I intend to hang out with a couple of comedians sifting through a week of funny moments, I'll keep the speed at 1x.
If I want a rundown of yesterday's news headlines or listen to an interview with a successful CEO, I'm not interested in the art of delivery so much.
As For Efficiency ...
I have a love-hate relationship with efficiency. As a society, we have been a bit too obsessed with the perfect time-management system that achieves the maximum output capacity. I fall for this efficiency affection as well, however, I try to remind myself that completing a task is more important than rushing for a deadline. Of course, this kind of efficiency is in regards to an output strategy.
What the Verge writer is disagreeing with is the obsession with creating an efficient input system. I have to disagree. As long as I have created a mental model or note-taking system that encourages long-term retention, I want to be able to fit as much knowledge in my head as I can and in the most efficient manner.
My Favorite Episode From The Knowledge Project
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