Ask HN: Are books worth it?

Article summary

The author questions the value of reading books, having read less than 50 in their life and relying on online content instead. They wonder if they are missing out on valuable knowledge and insights that can only be found in books. The author is hesitant due to the time investment required to read books and the abundance of information available online. They are unsure which books to start with, given the numerous recommendations and large reading list.

Main themes

• value of reading books
• online content vs books
• self-help and personal development
• philosophy and literature
• accessibility of knowledge
• personal growth and learning

What commenters say

• Reading books provides a unique and valuable learning experience that cannot be replicated by online content.
• Some concepts and ideas require more than a blog post or online article to fully understand and appreciate.
• Self-help books can be beneficial and provide practical advice for people struggling with personal issues, despite some being criticized as 'snake oil'.
• Philosophy, literature, and science can be more effective in addressing personal problems and providing meaningful insights than self-help books.
• The value of a book lies not in its genre, but in its ability to provide useful information and perspectives, regardless of whether it is a self-help book or a work of philosophy.
• People struggling with personal issues may not have the luxury of engaging with high culture or complex philosophical ideas, and may benefit more from accessible self-help resources.
• The effectiveness of a book in providing benefits depends on the individual reader and their circumstances, and what works for one person may not work for another.