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eawsumms's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
This was an interesting read for my “last book of the year”… A 100+ year old ‘self help’, outlining suggestions for how best to spend the 24 hours of time we get each day. The best advise I can take from this book, which is even relevant almost 115 years later, and on the eve of a new year, when folks tend to re-evaluate their lives anew: “Beware of undertaking too much at the start. Be content with quite a little. Allow for accidents. Allow for human nature, especially your own…. A glorious failure leads to nothing; a petty success may lead to a success that is not petty.”
davemmett's review against another edition
4.0
Bennett argues people need to spend more time cultivating their lives, instead of just going through the motions. He lays out one approach (learn a lot about one specific topic, spend time reflecting on how you live, read poetry), but the spirit of the book is more interesting than the specifics. I think this is a worthwhile read for anyone, made all the better because it was written 100 years ago yet still feels relevant.
al13ex's review against another edition
3.0
Well, this was quite helpful, despite its short length and kind of scarce advice. I'm not sure how to approach it, so I'm writing some of the ideas that I liked and intend to follow.
- when you have to get from A to B, thinking about a certain subject helps you, in time, concentrate better
- for example, if you read a short chapter of classical literature in the evening, the next morning you can think about that while going to work
- the subjects you are interested in can be the focus of the evenings, when you read about them (or learn in any other way), for at least 90 minutes
- although novels are great, a better practice for mind is poetry; the advice is to start with some narrative poetry and see where it gets you
- we all have 24 hours, every single day, but we tend to waste most of our time; it's not important to do something for a very long time in a single attempt, but to know exactly what you like, what you aspire to become and work on that, regularly, for short periods; I suppose the key factor here is perseverance and patience.
- when you have to get from A to B, thinking about a certain subject helps you, in time, concentrate better
- for example, if you read a short chapter of classical literature in the evening, the next morning you can think about that while going to work
- the subjects you are interested in can be the focus of the evenings, when you read about them (or learn in any other way), for at least 90 minutes
- although novels are great, a better practice for mind is poetry; the advice is to start with some narrative poetry and see where it gets you
- we all have 24 hours, every single day, but we tend to waste most of our time; it's not important to do something for a very long time in a single attempt, but to know exactly what you like, what you aspire to become and work on that, regularly, for short periods; I suppose the key factor here is perseverance and patience.
liana_bakradze's review
3.0
The book was published in 1908. Rather fascinating how useful it still is.
Funny bit: apparently, marrying for love is the English way, marrying for money is the French way.
Funny bit: apparently, marrying for love is the English way, marrying for money is the French way.
ticcing_along's review against another edition
2.0
Quite a bit sexist but puts forth some interesting ideas to think on.
adwen's review against another edition
4.0
reading this book was like having an honest conversation with a good friend who wants you to be more productive.make a plan and strategy to achieve what you know will fulfill you. utilize down time to develop your mind. strain your mind.practice concentrating on something interesting everyday.ask questions. learn how to listen to good music. learn how to read good poetry.
dootmen's review against another edition
4.0
Fabulous. Really entertaining but poignant message that's applicable to people today
wind_hunter's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0