The Art of Reading: Embracing Exploration Over TL;DR Mentality
Ever since high school, there has been a prevalent instinct to reach for the Cliffs Notes. The internet took this concept, added a gratuitous semicolon, and perfected the art of Too Long; Didn’t Read (TL;DR). This mindset proudly proclaims that we are too busy and important to read the entire piece, opting instead for a skimmed summary.
Initially, it may seem that AI excels in this area. Why read four pages when you can glance at a few bullet points? Or why endure the entirety of “Waiting for Godot” when a summary reveals the plot in a few sentences?
TL;DR is not just a time-saving tactic; it acts as a shield against change and lived experiences. A joke’s humor does not solely lie in its punchline but evolves through the unfolding narrative. The same applies to other experiences where the culmination is significant due to the journey undertaken.
When we choose exploration over shortcuts, we are more likely to stumble upon meaningful discoveries because we put in the effort.
It’s easy to miss the point. In a world of instant gratification and dopamine culture, creators and consumers often gravitate towards quick fixes and shallow content. However, just because something is easily quantifiable doesn’t mean it holds intrinsic value.
The individuals who dare to look beyond the surface, who resist the allure of instant gratification, have the potential to create lasting impact.