Why I Only Read Physical Books Instead Of Digital Ebooks

I got tired of reading ebooks about two years ago. Partly due to concerns about Digital Amnesia, partly because I wasn't achieving my memory improvement goals.

And since my goals is in always learning more about how to learn faster and remember more, I make sure that I can one:

1. Index the material better in my mind

2. Reference and re-reference while reading

3. Keep the books visible

4. Use reading to practice Digital Fasting

5. Remember page numbers and details

6. Assimilate reading into my life

7. Demonstrate the values and virtues of reading from real books and remembering as much as possible from them

Of course, all of these steps work best when used in combination with a Memory Palace. Learn how by getting my FREE Memory Improvement Kit here:

To learn more about Digital Amnesia in the context of the Memory Palace technique, visit:

If you’d like some tips on memorizing a textbook using a modified version of the method of loci, check this out:

For more on Barbara Oakley and Learning How To Learn, go to:

Here is my video book review of Learning How to Learn:

Check out Phil Chambers on the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast talking about How to Train Your Memory and use Memory Palaces together with Mind Mapping:

And check out Olly Richards here:

You may also want to start from the beginning of this Memory Improving Books Playlist:

And of course:

Sincerely,

Anthony

P.S. Want more of the Magnetic Memory Method around the Internet?

Start by getting some Magnetic Swag from our store so you never forget your commitment to improving your memory. Everyone who submits a pic with this gear receives a free and exclusive memory training video:

Then get subscribed to the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast Audio Edition:

iTunes:

Android:

Stitcher:

Google Podcasts:

Spotify:

If you just want to get started with the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass, go here:

For Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass Reviews and Testimonial Videos, visit:

Finally, if you've got any questions, you can always contact Anthony Metivier for questions about memory improvement here:

[AnthonyMetivierMMM]

How about you? Do you prefer physical books or digital and why?

[garfieldnate]

I love physical books. I feel like they are more interactive and help me focus on a single activity. They don't mess up your circadian rhythm the way staring at a screen will. It's also fun to have a library of books to discuss with visitors or friends. And lending or borrowing of a physical book is much more likely to lead to reading it. Honestly I have some trouble with collecting lots of physical books, but I think I waste more time chasing down every ebook I could read without actually reading them.

[cazgerald]

Physical books because AI won't be able to go back and edit them to Newspeak conformity.

[katieegeland]

Yes! I tried digital books for a few years but have also exclusively gone back to physical. One big reason that you discuss is comprehension. Being able to visualize where specific information is in the book is so helpful. Sometimes I take notes in the margins (which just isn't possible in ebooks). Another reason is that it is too easy to acquire huge numbers of ebooks, and then forget about them before reading! My "to read" shelf of physical books is a constant reminder of all the books I have and helps me stay motivated to actually read them.

[brendanward]

Ebooks. Paper books take up too much space. I usually end up dropping them off at the nearest charity shop. Also, it takes seconds to search through an ebook for a particular word, which is a powerful research tool.

[PamelaWhitehouse]

Kindle works for me. I use the notes tool so that I can note down everything I can remember from reading a chapter before starting the next, if it's that type of book. I use tags to help me find things in the book that I want to find again. I use the bookmark tool to save special sections. If you want to read with no interruptions, turn the messages off! You may want to revisit the updated Kindle if you have not used it for two years. There are a lot of new features, including correct page numbers. I like having my notes, my bookmarks and links in one place that is available anytime, anywhere.

[sharkiealami]

I read ebooks due to convenience when travelling but yes it feels harder to actually memorise on my iPad than actual books. Thanks for your elaboration I can see why

[Renee-Heal-The-Eagle]

I only buy the ebook if the real one isn't available or if its expensive.

[berksteraydo]

The semester is near the corner, and I have to get some books. Before this, I was a little concerned about the price of it, I do not live in the US, Canada, or any other English speaking country. The prices get really big because of transportation, especially with low demand books. But I really need the physical ones as I am away from university and can not get substitute books - you can get the one used in the lecture but demand is high, and one added benefit that I can not get people to believe is that you're actually learning from an alternative book, while many are just getting the problem solutions verbatim, and parroting them in the exam. Interesting to see you associating a piece of your content with J.B. Peterson, that takes courage.

[Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

I read Nelson Dellis’ book first Digitally then I ordered it physical. I enjoyed his book while reading it but I knew I was going to purchase it. I also listened to the audiobook. I will always “Remember it!”

[ayanamartins]

I wonder to what extent this may be different for people who have been exposed to digital devices early in life. I also learn much better from physical books, however, that is how all did ALL my reading-based learning until I was a young adult. Nowadays, I use both the digital and printed versions of a book if I care deeply about learning from it. The possibility of searching through an e-book can a be used as a powerful tool to aid learning.

[NickDorogavtsev]

I prefer digital books. So much easier to read, also I can read across devices. Some of your tips still can be used on eBooks, cover, content and etc.

[weeboo]

This video is great, tho tbf as many people in the comment section have also said, some “tips” for ease can also be used in digital books. I don’t speak for kindle but pdf books I speak for as it’s basically an exact copy of the hardcover book but in a digital format.

For me, however, I’d definitely prefer physical books over digital books anyday. Not only is it MUCH easier to comprehend but also faster to read. Also, I’ve always wanted a library in my room full of books. If I owned such a room, I’d call the books my “little friends” and personify them as my friends as knowledge unlike people, never leaves you.

However, there’s one thing I’d like to say, especially from the point you made in 11:43. And that is, whenever someone comes to my room, I want to show them I do indeed read x and y books and have superior knowledge of them, and they can prove this by picking up the book and testing me. This can make things even sweeter than they could even borrow the book and gain the power of knowledge as well.

One last thing I’ll say, however, and this includes using used books. Physical copy of books are darn expensive, and since I prefer purchasing hardcover, that doesn’t make my life any easier. You could say I could just go to the library and read books there, however as you made the point in 11:43, I’d very much prefer to prove to people that I’m a somewhat of an expert in a field of subject without them having to waste time trying to find the pdf of a book or even kindle. Also, because I’d love to have a library in my room, even if it means paying for an arm or a leg over.

Speaking of books, congrats on the Victorious Mind being on Nelson Dellis’s video!!

[vancourverite]

i prefer physical i just love handling and touching the book its more tangible than just reading an ebook. However, it makes travelling and moving so much harder. I have so many books and many i had to donate after i moved. I cannot imagine how many books i will need to take with me when i physically relocate to another country one day. So i think having kindle will be be more helpful. But i cannot justify how expensive ebooks are.. i have seen ebooks still be over $10 -$15+ thats almost the same price as a brand new paperback. And you already paid $140 just to buy a device to store ebooks..

[maricelagriffith]

Hi Anthony Metivier! I like physical books because at the same time I am doing notes in my notebook about what I am reading. For example vocabulary, comments, questions, resumes, investigations. I like to read the covers, index, the vocabulary, see the photos, the graphs before I read it. I bought ebooks because I need that information for example: "Vision 20/20", Bill Campbell, "Plenitud magazine" "Dr. Mercola and Health" ... Sometimes, I receive ebooks as a gift for subscriptions. I like to see the book in a space and put a bookmark where I left the page, the last time I was reading it. Maricela G. from Mcallen, TX

[currangill]

I'm about to switch back over to physical books. I've found that I get distracted quite a bit even reading on my ereader. This video made sense to me now. Thanks :)

[MaricaAmbrosius]

I like both. The scrolling function gives a better sense of where in the book it is. I don't really memorize page numbers. Should probably work on my peg system.

[Justin-baxe]

Fantastic video! I totally agree with your points especially about the digital fasting. When i read ebooks on my phone i found myself drifting off when i got a email or youtube notification plus eyes strain my eyes.

[JohnnyRivera]

By using a physical book, I can see that, as the method of loci demonstrates, a REAL physical location and path can be taken. Carrying the book, flipping pages, magnetically dropping important, to you, information to pages by page number, as well as a path. Because you also have kinesthetic memory as well, by the thickness of the book, where the information that you want to recall can come from your fingers doing the walking. If I'm not clear, yes, I am in agreement that you can get the most out of retention of information, the acquiring of knowledge that you can recall easily by applying memory techniques using physical books. The transition from knowledge to discernment and wisdom is another thing entirely.

[JeffTheHokie]

It's hard to say. I get eye-strain headaches when I stare at a digital screen too long, but I can also minimize eye-strain by turning the font size up.