I believe many people do not have time to read this book. So I am sharing some of my views and feelings about this book with you today; I hope we can progress together!
- Most of the students at Harvard, they don't cut classes or be absent easily.
- In class, they pay attention to the lecture, take notes, and ask the professor questions in real-time when they don't understand or even start a debate. They strive to understand the new knowledge before the end of class rather than holding the "it doesn't matter if you don't understand, anyway, after class can learn again" remedial mentality.
- Almost everyone will use Google Calendar and other tools to make a to-do list every day, and list the study tasks of the day in 1, 2, and 3. Some students will further prioritize and give themselves a deadline to complete an assignment (e.g., "Have 50 pages of reading done by 7 o 'clock for dinner").
- Work hard when you study; play hard when you play. Many of them will be drinking and partying the night before. The next day they will be completely isolated. They "lock themselves away" and focus on reading a book, completing a problem set, or writing a paper. You sometimes can't find them in study mode: their phones are turned off, and their Facebook messages and emails aren't responding. High intensity of seclusion often can help them in a short period of time to get the learning task.
After reading this book, the first thought that pops into my head is, "What was my purpose when I opened this book?" Because at the end of the book mentioned, one of the ways of thinking is "a clear sense of purpose, with a purpose to learn."
If you have a chance to read this book, please share your thoughts with me!
You are right, I don't have the time to read this book but your summary is greatly appreciated so I will share my thoughts on your summary :-)
ReplyDeleteFirst bullet = committed. There are always a few students -- regardless of age -- that can't even show up to the classroom on-time regularly.
Second bullet = purposeful and goal-oriented. A student can be committed but unfocused or ineffective in pursuing their learning goal.
Third bullet = organized and/or clear articulation of a goal -- a realistic goal! Often it may be difficult to set and achieve specific tactical goals if one's time and energy is constantly interrupted to answer obligations with higher priority than learning.
Fourth bullet = this point accentuates the three previous points. "Work hard, play hard!"
The four bullets you shared are no surprise but it is surprising how simple advice are often not implemented or not implemented well.
Your reading of this book and excellent execution of the four bullet points explain your ultra-high performance in your IT professional certification pursuits, not just with Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) ^_^
I entirely agree with your summary, which is straight to the point. I also appreciate your kind words about me. However, I know I need to do more! It's almost three o 'clock in the morning, and I know most people are already asleep. I had already started the CCIE online course. The course IS101 brought me not only seven MOS certificates, but more importantly, I learned how to plan to learn systematically. I know many people are smarter than me, but my diligence can shorten the gap between them and me. "Practice makes perfect; Diligence redeems stupidity."
DeleteThank you, Professor Wu!
Thank you for your take away notes! I am not much of a reader myself. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered what goes on in top schools like Harvard because the students have to maintain high GPAs, yet still have personal time to keep their sanity together. Of course, these types of people exist in every school, but the pressure must be harder because of one's status of being admitted to an Ivy League school and the actual school's requirements.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could just completely isolate myself from the world to study! Or even just to read in silence. Those days are long gone now with two kids.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds amazing. I’ve always wondered what differentiates Ivy League students from non-Ivy league students.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rui for sharing your viewpoint on the book. It sounds like a great read. I definitely don't have the time to read it and I only wish I had more time to read books like you do. You are a great inspiration to the class.
ReplyDeleteWhat is my purpose to learn?... Thank you Rui for asking this question now I to ruminate on it and find the answer out for myself.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their own way to measure success, whatever that may be that resonates with that person.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, purpose is created with intention, because without intention what was reason for that purpose. Usually results and outcomes are what is expected from intention, but some people confuse for purpose. Example, self education, have you ever thought of your purpose when educating yourself? What was the intention when the thought of self education came into mind? Was it for personal development? Was it for better finances? Was it to connect with other people? Though you may have a good purpose, but some people will ask you, what was your intention when creating that purpose?
I wish the publisher, published the book in English, so that I may have a better understanding. I attempted to look for it on Amazon, but I only saw the Chinese version. I would have bought the book if it was available in English.
Sounds like a great read. It's interesting to see how Harvard students balance their lives.
ReplyDeleteI am fairly certain I can fit a 20minute reading session of this book before I go to sleep. I have always wondered how the top college in the world students go about their daily lives.
ReplyDeleteRock star, You will be there soon. I know it and feel it.
ReplyDeleteWhen it was covid shut down I isolated myself and worked on my car for 2 months. I was able to take the engine, transmission, front and rear suspension out of one car and then install the front and rear suspension into a car that by watching YouTube.
ReplyDeleteI can tell from reading your reviews or summary of this book that this is how society thinks college students life should operate.
ReplyDeleteThose are some very useful tips! I'll consider turning my phone off during my next study session.
ReplyDelete