No Free Book
I've been using my Chicago Public Library card to rent Kindle Books recently. Compared to purchasing books from Amazon, this experience has been more enjoyable. The borrowed time constraint motivates me to read, and I'm more willing to skip sections or move on if I'm not engaged.
When I buy books, I fall into the "Sunk Cost Fallacy" - trying to extract maximum value by reading every line. With library books, I feel freer to engage more naturally with the material.
This pattern extends beyond books. I often try to "capture the total value of things" by constantly asking, "was this worth it?" While reflection is important, it shouldn't interrupt the actual experience. The paradox is that fully immersing myself will likely lead to more enjoyment and value.
I recognize this habit has been with me throughout my life, persisting even as I've accumulated more wealth. It stems from my desire to improve decision-making. While reflecting on decisions is crucial, I need to:
- Respect the cycle of decision → experience → reflection
- Avoid premature reflection
- Recognize that not everything requires deep optimization
Sometimes, it's better to simply move forward.