The Secret Habit of the Elite: Studying Classical Canons

Introduction

• Meta announcement: Company rebranding to Meta
• Focus of the presentation: Secret habit of the elite
  • Importance of studying classical canons

Importance of Reading

• CEOs and leaders read ~4-5 books per month
• Average person reads ~2-3 books per year
• Reading is known to be important but not the sole factor for elite status

The Secret of The Elite: Classical Canons

• Definition: Works representative of a period/genre
• Prof. Jordan Peterson: Canonical books have influenced many others
  • Essential for understanding yourself and guiding through life
• Western Canon: High value literature, music, philosophy, and art

Examples of Classical Canons

• Philosophy: Socrates, Immanuel Kant
• Literature: Homer, Charles Dickens

Connection Between Classics and the Elite

• Mark Zuckerberg: Skilled in ancient languages, valued Greek literature
• Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great
• Steve Jobs valued philosophy, especially Plato
• Einstein educated by Max Talmey: Crucial books in geometry and philosophy
• Winston Churchill's self-education in classics

Impact on The Brain

• Written by geniuses who read works of other geniuses
• Rewire your brain to think like authors
• Deep reading and understanding transform the mind

Prof. Jordan Peterson on Humanities Education

• Organizes psyche, grounds you, makes you formidable
• Importance of reading right authors from history
• Reading transforms and rebuilds the psyche

Conclusion

• Charlie Munger quote: Connection between wisdom and reading
• Emphasis on continuous reading and self-education
• Encouragement to subscribe and leave feedback
• Ending quote: "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."