Rules for Reading

Ryan Holiday with some great advice on reading:

These 31 rules by no means make a complete list, but if you implement even a couple of them, I’m comfortable guaranteeing you’ll not only be a better reader for it, but a better person too.

It is not enough that you read. You have to read well. You have to read the right books. You have to figure out how to process and retain and of course apply what you read. As Epictetus said, “I cannot call somebody ‘hard-working’ knowing only that they read.” He said he needed to know what and how they read. He needed to know that their “efforts aim at improving the mind.” Because then and only then would he call you “hard-working.” Then and only then would he give you the title “reader.”

I didn’t read as many books as I wanted to this year. Other priorities ended up taking up my time. I read more from my RSS feeds than I think ever before but I need to make sure I bring book reading back into my daily routine.

Jason Tate
Jason Tate

December 1st and the ritual changing of the logo to the holiday logo is one of my favorite traditions.

I love November. 

Starting with our wedding anniversary and leading to Thanksgiving, a Turkey trot, lots of food, lots of family, and then decorating for Christmas. It went by too fast. And I’m still full. 

November 2025

Jason Tate
Jason Tate

It's becoming a trend: Another Diabolical Lies podcast episode that really spoke to me. This one focused on building a business, selling it, getting burnt out, and buying it back. Combined with the commentary about being subjected to constant "worldwide feedback" and this one had me nodding along throughout.

The Stats: 26 artists, 29 albums, 247 tracks (327 scrobbles)

Three albums tied in that last place. Of course it picked the worst one of the bunch to showcase.

Jason Tate
Jason Tate

The updates to the Trakt iOS app have been absolutely horrendous lately. Like “ruining the app” level bad. The star rating change, not being able to filter an actor’s films by watch history, and the overall look are so bad.