How to Stay Interesting on Lockdown

Summary

The article provides tips on how to maintain personal interest and mental stimulation during lockdown by engaging in deep reading, attending online talks, joining special-interest community groups, and writing.

Abstract

The article "How to Stay Interesting on Lockdown" suggests that individuals can turn the solitude of lockdown into an opportunity for personal growth and intellectual development. It recommends delving into a special interest by reading extensively on the subject, setting a goal of reading around 20 books a year to keep the mind sharp. The article advises using Goodreads to track reading progress and share it with friends, while also suggesting a balanced approach to reading by not limiting oneself to a single genre or topic. Additionally, it encourages attending online talks and seminars, which many universities and organizations have made accessible due to the lockdown. The piece also highlights the value of participating in special-interest community groups that have transitioned to virtual meetings and emphasizes the importance of writing as a way to develop and express one's own ideas on a topic.

Opinions

The author believes that indulging in a special interest can make lockdown a fulfilling experience.
Reading is seen as a way to keep the mind sharp and diverse, with a recommendation to track and share reading progress on Goodreads.
Attending talks, now often available online, is considered a valuable way to stay engaged with academic and intellectual communities.
Joining online special-interest community groups is encouraged for maintaining social connections and shared interests.
Writing about a topic is viewed as a sign of having reached a certain level of understanding or having developed original ideas.

How to Stay Interesting on Lockdown

So, you’re at home. Maybe you have a lot of time just to yourself, with not so much to do. Here are a few tips to make the most of that.

Basically, indulge a special interest. Read about it and practice it in depth.

Genre reading. I try to read 20 books a year. It keeps my mind sharp and diversified. You might want to keep track of the books you’ve read and want to read on Goodreads, and share what you’re reading with your friends. Pick a genre or a topic and make some, but not all of your books in it. That gives you a good balance between focus and breadth.

Talks. Many university departments and other groups have moved their talks online and kept them open to the public. I loved to go in-person before the lockdown. COVID has not been an obstacle. You can sign up for their mailing lists.

Special-interest community groups. Many of these have moved online as well.

Writing. If you’re at the point of writing about a topic, that is a great sign. It means you have your own ideas or you’ve reached a certain level.