Dirk Langer
asked:
Dear All, Should I read Cal Newport's previous "Deep Work" as well, Maybe first? Or start with "Digital Minimalism" straight away because he is juste expanding on ideas expressed in his earlier books? Thanks for your recommendation, Dirk
To answer questions about
Digital Minimalism: On Living Better with Less Technology,
please sign up.
Kate
Having read both, I would say Deep Work is a much stronger book overall - if you had to pick just one to read, pick Deep Work over Digital Minimalism. Deep Work is a core philosophy; Digital Minimalism is a supplemental tool that might help you implement that philosophy. But they are technically stand-alone books.
Eric Stevens
I've read both, they can be read in either order. Cal does refer to some concepts in Deep Work when making his value proposition for Digital Minimalism, but I think most would intuitively understand that some new technologies can disrupt our focus. That understanding is all that is needed to support his Digitial Minimalism argument.
Stig Brautaset
I read Digital Minimalims (DM) first, and sort-of reviewed it here: https://www.brautaset.org/articles/20.... I'm about 80% through with Deep Work (DW), and I think is a weaker book than DM. There's a couple references to DW in DM, but both work well stand-alone.
Which you should read first I think depends on what you need help with: do you want to reclaim your free time (go for DM!), or accomplish more at work? (Maybe try DW, though DM will help with this too if you're like me and checking social media during the work day.)
Which you should read first I think depends on what you need help with: do you want to reclaim your free time (go for DM!), or accomplish more at work? (Maybe try DW, though DM will help with this too if you're like me and checking social media during the work day.)
Dirk Langer
Thanks again for your recommendations and your advice. I've read "Deep Work" and I certainly recommend it. And may skim through "Digital Minimalism" if I find it in a book shop. Fortunately, I'm not obliged to check my Inbox every 10 minutes and to be on social media...
Kaustubh
I don't think he is merely expanding on previous ideas in this book. I would suggest reading Deep Work first, although it is not a requirement.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more