A Philosophy of Self-Education
The power of a curated personal reading program
Exploring Life and Literature
Dear friends,
About ten years ago, I realized that my reading was fairly haphazard. I read a lot of fiction intermixed with the occasional non-fiction. There wasn’t any structure to what I was reading, and it was determined mainly by what was close at hand or the moment’s mood. I was also reading much less than I thought I could. I decided to become more intentional about my reading process. After a couple of years, I was reading 100+ books a year, which was great, but there was still little synchronicity in my reading. I set about studying how to curate for myself a long-term reading plan that focused on my goals and interests, allowed for flexibility, and would build on and continue the formal education I received through schooling. Come along with me today as we go beyond the bookshelf to explore my philosophy of self-education through the curation of a personalized reading program.
In an age characterized by rapid technological advancement and a constant deluge of information, it is essential to emphasize the value of lifelong learning. While formal education should, but doesn’t always, equip individuals with foundational knowledge and skills, proper intellectual growth extends beyond the classroom. Lifelong learning through self-education is a means of keeping pace with a changing world and cultivating a deeper understanding of the human experience. At the heart of this endeavor lies literature, a repository of wisdom and insight that serves as a cornerstone for self-guided intellectual exploration. A curated personal reading program offers structure and purpose to this journey, transforming scattered reading into a deliberate act of self-cultivation.
Literature stands out as the foundation for lifelong learning. Unlike technical manuals or contemporary self-help books, literature provides access to universal truths and profound questions transcending time and place. Whether through the meditations of Marcus Aurelius, the epics of Homer, or the novels of Virginia Woolf, literature invites readers to grapple with the complexities of human existence. It nurtures empathy, sharpens critical thinking, and broadens one’s perspective. Each work read is a dialogue between the author and the reader, a dynamic exchange fostering intellectual growth.
Literature offers a sense of continuity and historical awareness. When the literature we read spans centuries, patterns of thought, cultural evolution, and recurring themes emerge. By engaging with texts that have stood the test of time, the self-educating individual participates in the great conversation of humanity, learning not only from contemporary voices but also from the wisdom of the ages.
The challenge of self-education lies in its lack of inherent structure. A curated personal reading program addresses this by offering a roadmap. Instead of reading haphazardly, individuals can select books that build on one another, deepening understanding and fostering connections between ideas. The program might include classic literature, philosophy, history, and modern works, creating a balanced and enriching intellectual diet.
For instance, a reading program could begin with foundational texts like Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey and Dante’s Divine Comedy before progressing to Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire or Rousseau. Modern classics like James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun could serve as contemporary counterparts, allowing readers to explore timeless themes through diverse lenses. Thoughtful pairings and thematic groupings enhance comprehension and create a sense of accomplishment, as each completed text becomes a stepping stone to the next.
Today's digital age highlights the significance of literature as a tool for lifelong learning. While the internet offers unparalleled access to information, it often encourages superficial engagement rather than deep understanding. Social media posts and news snippets cannot replace the immersive, reflective experience of reading a well-crafted book. Literature's demand for sustained attention and critical engagement is an antidote to the fragmented nature of modern information consumption.
A curated reading program allows for adaptation to individual interests and goals. The program can adapt to a person's changing intellectual interests, whether they are drawn to ancient philosophy, contemporary fiction, or political theory. This flexibility ensures that self-education remains relevant and fulfilling, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Through literature, the self-educating individual gains more than knowledge—they develop wisdom. Reading teaches not only about the world but also about oneself, encouraging introspection and self-awareness. It reveals common threads of humanity, bridging gaps between cultures, eras, and perspectives.
Ultimately, lifelong learning is not merely a means of staying intellectually active; it is a way of embracing the richness and complexity of life itself. A curated reading program grounded in literature serves as both a compass and a companion on this journey, guiding individuals toward greater understanding, empathy, and self-fulfillment.
In a world where productivity pressures often overshadow the pursuit of knowledge, literature reminds us that learning is a profoundly human endeavor. Through self-education, each reader can become both student and teacher, architect and explorer, shaping their intellectual path with purpose and passion.
Starting a personalized, curated reading program for lifelong learning involves thoughtful planning, a clear sense of your goals, and an openness to exploring diverse topics and genres. I am providing the step-by-step process I used to create my reading program here. If you go into this project with a plan, sustaining it over the long term will be easier.
Define Your Goals and Interests
What topics or areas of knowledge do I want to explore? Would I like to deepen my understanding of a specific period in history? Am I looking to learn a new language or skill?
Do I want to focus on a specific genre, period, or cultural tradition? Perhaps I would like to explore classic literature for its timeless insights. I may be interested in going deep into French literature.
Am I aiming for professional development, personal growth, or intellectual enrichment? Do I want to learn about science, philosophy, or cultural studies?
I recommend using a reflective tool like a journal or goal-setting app (e.g., Notion) to outline your learning priorities.
Select Core Texts
Choose foundational or classic texts within your areas of interest. These will serve as anchors for your learning. Some examples include:
Literature: The Iliad by Homer or Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky.
Philosophy: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius or The Republic by Plato.
Science: The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin or A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking.
There is a wide range of resources you can use as a starting point to get ideas. If you like some of these “pre-built” lists, feel free to use them, but you are under no obligation to do so. They may, however, provide a gateway to your own explorations.
Curate Supporting and Complementary Reads
Once you select core texts, look for complementary works contextualizing your primary text, such as biographies and historical studies. You will want to read alternative perspectives to hear multiple viewpoints. Additionally, seek out modern interpretations or connections to current events.
An example of this from my personal reading program is my study of The Odyssey by Homer. Once finished, I will read Ulysses by James Joyce and Circe by Madeline Miller, two modern, although very different, retellings of this classic tale.
Leverage Free and Accessible Resources
Not everyone will have the finances or space to purchase and keep every book they read. Many classic and educational works are available for free or at low cost:
Digital Libraries: Project Gutenberg, Open Library, Internet Archive.
Academic Resources: JSTOR’s free tier, Stanford Online, and edX offer open courses.
Local Libraries: Many now offer e-book lending and databases.
Create a Schedule and Reflect
Allocate time regularly for reading and reflection. You might dedicate time each week to writing about what you’ve learned or discussing it with others. I write in the books I own, annotating important passages and tabbing pages I want to come back to. I use a physical journal to record my notes and important quotes. Of course, I also write this publication, which helps me communicate my thoughts and ideas on what I read.
Join Communities and Discussion Groups
Learning is enriched by sharing ideas and engaging in discussions. If you are reading this, you are already taking part in some way. Join book clubs in your local area or online, such as the Deep Reads Book Club I host here. Many online forums are available across various platforms, where discussions are held on what people are reading.
Stay Open and Iterate
Your interests will evolve. Periodically revisit your goals and adjust your reading list. Curated reading is an ongoing, adaptable process. I revisit my plan annually and revise it according to my changing interests and mood.
Example Reading Plan for a Beginner in Lifelong Learning
Here, I am providing a very basic beginning reading plan as an example to help you develop one for yourself.
Goal: Explore foundational ideas in Western literature and philosophy.
First Selection: The Iliad by Homer + On Writing by Stephen King (to reflect on storytelling).
Second Selection: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius + a biography of Marcus Aurelius.
Third Selection: Walden by Henry David Thoreau + Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
And you build on it from there.
Finally, I thought I would share with you my personal reading plan for 2025. I have been doing this for a few years so I have a pretty good system in place for my reading. Yours won’t necessarily look like this right away, or ever, depending on your personal goals.
Beyond the Bookshelf is a reader-supported publication. If you are looking for ways to support Beyond the Bookshelf, please visit my support page and see the ways you can help continue the mission of exploring the connection between life and literature.
Until next time,
Your list is amazing! I am rarely intentional about reading, but a couple of years ago, Amor Towles’ Gentleman in Moscow led me into a very deep dive into all things Russian. I had a pretty limited humanities education, and as I’ve gotten older I feel the lack, but I’ve also let my self-discipline go to pot. Earlier this year Ted Gioia here on Substack published his own “Humanities Reading List” and it was the push I needed. I’m keeping a record of that reading here on Substack. Five weeks in I’ve read a bunch of Plato, the Odyssey, Confucius, and all of Aristotle’s Ethics and Poetics. I keep notes of what books I’d like to read based on each book. This week, back to Plato and also Herodotus. Already my attention and focus are changing for the better.
I respect you readers who plan but I remain firmly in chaos mode.
For 2025 I did come up with some loose goals:
- Read more books published by independent presses
- Read more poetry
- Read more works in translation.