9 secrets about our Reading Compound
In May 2019, we launched the CTQ Reading Compound, which helps smart individuals read wisely and widely each day. As we head into our 9th batch on 23rd May 2020, we revealed 9 behind-the-scenes things about our Compound:
The idea of the 'compound' was born on 1 Jan 2018 as a book summary reading group within CTQ. We are closing in on 900 days of uninterrupted reading.
The name 'Compound' is a nod to Warren Buffet's famous quote of how reading daily compounds your knowledge
Each batch of the (external) Reading Compound is named after a chemical element. Our 9th batch: 'Fluorine'
The habit-building system of the compound is built on ideas from the behavioural scientist B.J. Fogg, cartoonist Scott Adams, and from books like 'The Power of Habit'. (The book 'Atomic Habits' later validated the thinking behind many of our design choices.)
Each batch lasts six months. Some readers have stayed back for additional seasons. In fact, at the time of writing this, members of our very first batch just entered a third season.
In six months, a member reads the equivalent of 'War and Peace'!
Members are diverse in background and location. We have subscribers from Asia, Americas, Europe, and Oceania. There are CEOs, doctors, scientists, engineers, writers, podcasters, students, and knowledge professionals among others.
Everyone asks us how we curate our articles. We try to look for articles about unconventional topics and timeless ideas, and somewhat underrated sources. We avoid very recent articles, or topics which are in the news. Sometimes, a piece on a well-known topic but from an unusual angle also makes the cut.
We have internally experimented with compounds for daily writing, reflection, personal branding, and arts awareness. Some of these will make their way to the external world soon.
