ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Calvin C. Newport is an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University. Newport earned his PhD from MIT. He is a nonfiction writer whose books focus on deep work and digital minimalism.
His books have sold over two million copies worldwide. The author has a blog named Study Hacks, where he talks about producing value in the distracted world. He writes articles for both academic and general audiences. Newport also hosts a podcast, Deep Questions.
SYNOPSIS
Newport introduces the central thesis of Deep Work by categorizing people into three groups; he divides the people who can survive in this information economy into three classes:
- Highly skilled labor: people who can use complex machines with some algorithm to produce tremendous results that cannot be automated.
- Superstars: people who are the best in their field.
- Owners: people who have the money to invest in the latest technology.
Cal Newport further elaborates on the abilities needed to belong to the first two categories. These abilities are developed through deep work, the eponymous subject matter. He explains the science behind deep work in detail.
The author has split the book into two sections. In the first section, he explains the idea of deep work and the different factors that disrupt it in modern businesses. The second part briefs readers on how they can incorporate this philosophy into their lives.
WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT DEEP WORK: RULES FOR FOCUSED SUCCESS IN A DISTRACTED WORLD
Newport has used various live, practical examples to drive home the importance of deep work. The way Deep Work is structured helps us understand these complex concepts and theories rather easily.
The author demonstrates the adverse effects of network tools on the output of working professionals. He also explains the upcoming business trends that might make deep work even harder, while showing how readers can deal with those challenges. All in all, Deep Work is a unique book meant to help individuals minimize the distractions in their lives and be more productive.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER DEEP WORK: RULES FOR FOCUSED SUCCESS IN A DISTRACTED WORLD
For the most part, Deep Work focuses on authors and academicians. The book could have done with some student-specific examples. Newport could have also shared more insights for beginners and freshers.
Furthermore, some of the author’s theories felt overlapping and even confusing. Some distinction between the theories and their application would have made for a better reading experience.
QUOTES
If you give your mind something meaningful to do throughout all your waking hours, you’ll end the day more fulfilled, and begin the next one more relaxed, than if you instead allow your mind to bathe for hours in semiconscious and unstructured web surfing.
To learn hard things quickly, you must focus intensely without distraction. To learn, in other words, is an act of deep work. If you’re comfortable going deep, you’ll be comfortable mastering the increasingly complex systems and skills needed to thrive in our economy.
A commitment to deep work is not a moral stance and it’s not a philosophical statement—it is instead a pragmatic recognition that the ability to concentrate is a skill that gets valuable things done.
CONCLUSION
Deep Work can be helpful in eliminating distractions from our lives. It also helps us understand the difference between deep work and shallow work. The book is especially relevant for working professionals looking to enhance their productivity.
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A creative prodigy, Pooja sees writing as the best way of expressing herself.