What’s the Opposite of a Kindle?

Probably a … I'll tell you at the end of this 23 minute video.

I love the warmth. And I love me some sauna and steam-bath.

On a recent visit to the spa, strolling past guests wrapped in bathrobes, stretching out on loungers, I spotted plenty of e-reader devices, mostly Kindles – and about as many physical books. I was reminded of someone recently posting about their love for the Kindle, as an all-time favorite device.

Then I thought, the Kindle is often praised for its single-function nature: You can read and only read. Compared to a smartphone or tablet, there are no other apps and social media to distract, or even tempt you away from reading.

The reason why it’s also perfect for a visit to the spa is that smartphones are not allowed there.

But: I don’t want to spend more time reading. My focus is on increasing output, not enabling myself to consume more (input.) So I asked myself what is the opposite device of a Kindle? The first idea that came up was a recording device, like a dictaphone. But that is a bit tricky and intrusive in public. It also doesn’t even have to be digital necessarily.

And so I rediscovered: the notebook.

– Seriously, I have to chuckle to myself as I type this. So stupidly obvious. But I kid you not, this is how I got back to even thinking about getting a notebook. –

I have not used any stationary in years. I was kind of proud that I had moved on. And while I am not spending nearly enough time in the spa as I’d like to, or as would be necessary to buy some dedicated gear for the occasion, the seed was planted. I eventually grabbed myself a simply little notebook.

Today my fancy pencil arrived.

I already began to jot a few things down, and scribbled a bit, too. Then I used a one-line note over the past weekend and developed into an article, actually, a full series of articles around the core thesis. I intend to document the process in more detail here soon.