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All 16 learnings · one per slide
Digital
Minimalism
Cal Newport, in bytes
16 key learnings on choosing a focused life in a noisy world of technology.
16 learnings · ~40 sec eachSwipe →
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Digital Minimalism, in bytes
16 key learnings from Cal Newport's philosophy of using technology intentionally, starting with a 30-day digital declutter. Each takes about 40 seconds to read. Swipe, use the arrows, or your keyboard.
Digital
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Learning 1 · Chapter 1
A Lopsided Arms Race
The idea
Tech companies design apps to capture attention, and people lose more time than they intend.
Example
Intermittent rewards, like likes and notifications, work like slot machines.
Takeaway
It's not a willpower failure; it's design.
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Learning 2 · Chapter 2
What Is Digital Minimalism?
The idea
Focus online time on a few carefully chosen activities that support what you value, and happily miss out on the rest.
Example
Using a few tools deliberately instead of all of them by default.
Takeaway
Less can be more.
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Learning 3 · Chapter 2
Three Principles
The idea
Clutter is costly; optimisation matters; intentionality is satisfying.
Example
Choosing exactly how and when to use a tool.
Takeaway
Be deliberate about tech.
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Learning 4 · Chapter 2
Thoreau's Economics
The idea
Thoreau measured the cost of things in the amount of life you trade for them.
Example
An app's cost is the time and attention it takes.
Ask yourself
How much life are you paying for this app?
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Learning 5 · Chapter 2
The Amish Approach
The idea
The Amish consider whether a technology supports their values before adopting it.
Example
Some allow phones in a shared booth but not at home.
Takeaway
Adopt tech selectively.
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Learning 6 · Chapter 3
The Digital Declutter
The process
Take a 30-day break from optional technologies, rediscover what matters, then reintroduce only those that help.
Example
Over 1,600 people tried Newport's experiment.
Try this
Plan your 30-day declutter.
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Learning 7 · Chapter 3
Rules for Reintroduction
The idea
Ask: does it support something I value, is it the best way, and how will I use it?
Example
Checking social media only on desktop, once a week.
Takeaway
Set clear rules.
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Learning 8 · Chapter 4
Spend Time Alone
The idea
Solitude, time alone with your thoughts, is vital and endangered by phones.
Example
Lincoln used his cottage retreat to think clearly during the Civil War.
Takeaway
Protect solitude.
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Learning 9 · Chapter 4
Leave Your Phone at Home
The practice
Go out without your phone sometimes.
Example
A walk or errand without it.
Try this
Leave it home for one outing this week.
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Learning 10 · Chapter 4
Take Long Walks
The practice
Walking alone gives space for thought.
Example
Many great thinkers relied on long walks.
Try this
Take a phone-free walk.
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Learning 11 · Chapter 5
Don't Click Like
The idea
Likes and comments replace real conversation with low-value connection.
Example
Commenting instead of calling a friend.
Takeaway
Choose conversation over connection.
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Learning 12 · Chapter 5
Conversation Office Hours
The practice
Set regular times when people know they can call or visit you.
Example
Phone calls during your daily commute.
Try this
Choose a weekly time for calls.
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Learning 13 · Chapter 6
Reclaim Leisure
The idea
Choose demanding, active leisure over passive consumption.
Example
Fixing things, crafts or sports.
Takeaway
High-quality leisure crowds out screens.
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Learning 14 · Chapter 6
Fix or Build Something
The practice
Use your hands to make or repair something each week.
Example
Learning a skill from a video, then doing it.
Try this
Fix one thing this week.
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Learning 15 · Chapter 7
Join the Attention Resistance
The idea
Use tools strategically to stay in control.
Example
Deleting social apps from your phone, or using a dumb phone.
Takeaway
Make your phone less interesting.
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Learning 16 · Chapter 7
Embrace Slow Media
The practice
Choose high-quality news and media consumed less often.
Example
Reading a weekly news summary instead of checking constantly.
Takeaway
Quality over quantity.
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All 16 learnings complete
That’s all 16 learnings.
Technology should serve your values. Which app would you not miss after 30 days?
Abhay Kumar JaiswalFCA · PMP® · Workday Financeabhayjaiswal.com
Summaries in my own words. Read the book for the full stories.
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Summaries are written in my own words for learning. Read Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (2019) for the full stories. More Books in Bytes