Chapter 1: The Fresh Start

Time cannot be squandered in advance. Each moment—be it a year, a day, or an hour—awaits you, pristine and unblemished, as though no time had ever been wasted. You hold the power to begin anew at any time, should you choose.

This idea of spending thirty or forty uninterrupted minutes reading the newspaper often feels unappealing to many.

People frequently remark that thoughts are uncontrollable, yet this is a misconception. Mastery over one’s mind is indeed achievable. Since all experiences are processed in our minds—where pain and pleasure are felt—it becomes essential to manage what occurs within that enigmatic sphere.

Without the capability to steer our thoughts, a truly satisfying life remains out of reach. Mastery over the mind is vital for a rich and purposeful existence.

The initial endeavor of each day should focus on mental exercise. Allocate time to thoughtfully reflect on your reasoning, values, and actions.

Those imprisoned often feel discontent because their beliefs clash with their behaviors. If they sincerely embraced the ethics of crime, their imprisonment would merely translate into a few years of happiness.

Conversely, martyrs find peace because their actions resonate with their beliefs.

Believing that all events occur for a reason fosters open-mindedness and empathy. Losing a watch might seem unfortunate, yet one can understand that the thief’s motives arise from a mix of genetic and environmental influences—factors that are as fascinating as they are explainable.

Though purchasing a new watch may not be a joyous experience, this understanding transforms potential bitterness into acceptance. By reflecting on causation, one can discard the futile habit of being perpetually shocked by life’s oddities.

Many navigate through life as if human nature were an unfamiliar territory with strange customs.

Chapter 2: The Beauty of Literature

Nothing in existence is mundane. For instance, the longest straight road in London measures merely a yard and a half, while Paris boasts an uninterrupted stretch that goes on for miles—an intriguing outcome of cause and effect.

It is only the less engaging portions of novels that pose challenges. A well-crafted narrative sweeps you along like a boat on a river, leaving you breathless yet fulfilled at the end. The most exceptional novels demand the least effort from the reader.

Prioritize poetry above all else. It demands more cognitive engagement than any novel. Poetry embodies the pinnacle of literary expression, offering immense joy and profound insights.

Begin your journey by exploring Hazlitt's renowned essay on poetry. It is hard to fathom anyone reading Hazlitt and not feeling inspired to indulge in poetry immediately.

I know individuals who read extensively, yet their efforts yield little benefit, akin to slicing bread without purpose. Unless you dedicate at least forty-five minutes to thoughtful and rigorous contemplation of your readings, the time spent may largely go to waste.

Once you commit to a task, see it through regardless of how tedious it may seem. The surge in self-esteem that follows the successful completion of a challenging task is invaluable.

The first video, "How To Live On 24 Hours A Day (Like A High Performer)," delves into maximizing every moment of your day through effective time management techniques.

The second video, "Oliver Burkeman: Time Management for Mortals," offers insights on practical strategies for enhancing productivity while embracing the limitations of time.