[This Week's Books] "Reading Habits That Rejuvenate the Brain: Ear Reading" and More

Reading Habits That Rejuvenate the Brain: Ear Reading

There is a common belief that listening to books leads to lower immersion. However, the author argues that the more relaxed input process of listening actually stimulates the desire to read more with one's eyes, which in turn helps to organize thoughts more effectively. Ear reading is not simply time that passes by, but rather a process of accumulating, selecting, and compressing knowledge. The author explains that relying solely on reading can weaken memory and thinking skills, which is why many philosophers in ancient times also practiced "ear reading." The book introduces the benefits of ear reading and effective ways to do it. (Written by Woo Byunghyun | Good Habit Research Institute)

Seoul's High Streets

The author, who played a key role in planning the opening of domestic offline stores for global brands such as Apple, Blue Bottle, and H&M, explains that even in the current situation where shopping is heavily tilted toward online, Seoul's "high streets" still hold potential for growth. The book traces changes in consumption patterns and the flow of capital in areas such as Myeong-dong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Seongsu, Hannam, and Dosan. It draws attention with intriguing stories, such as why Apple, a brand favored by younger generations, chose Myeong-dong over Seongsu, and why luxury brand Dior left department stores to open a pop-up in Seongsu. (Written by Kim Seongsun | Design House)

The Art Museums of the White Nights

This book is an exploration of major art museums in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Russia. It delves into the art museums of Northern Europe, which are as renowned as their stunning natural landscapes and paradise-like welfare policies. In fact, Northern Europe lagged behind Western Europe in art for a long time. However, since the 19th century, with strong national support, these countries have established world-class art museums. Many local students, artists, and businesspeople draw inspiration from these museums. The book offers a detailed look at the secrets and behind-the-scenes stories of their success. (Written by Choi Jeongpyo | Param Book)

I Am a Delivery Worker in Beijing

This is a career essay expressing the meaning of work and the yearning for freedom discovered by a Chinese laborer struggling with the hardships of daily life. The book, which became a sensation after the author's online posts went viral, has sold over 2 million copies. It is also a record of escape, as the author tried 19 different jobs after graduating high school, searching for a role that fit him in a society that had cast him out. The book is an honest self-confession about fighting through the anxiety and alienation that young people commonly experience. Even while working as a "delivery machine" earning 100 won per minute, the author dreamed of "freedom" through writing, giving the book a deeply meaningful message. (Written by Hu Anyan | Will Book)

Risk Taker

The majority of people instinctively avoid risk. However, there are those who willingly take on risk in pursuit of great wealth and fame. These include poker legends, hedge fund giants, cryptocurrency speculators, and even those betting the future of the world on AI. The author, a statistician and journalist, analyzes the mindsets, strengths, and weaknesses of such individuals active across all sectors of society, and predicts the future that is soon to come. The author emphasizes that in order to prevent a civilizational crisis, subjectivity, multiplicity, and reciprocity must be guaranteed. (Written by Nate Silver | The Quest)

Engineering Technologies That Change the World

This book sheds light on the scientific community's efforts to solve humanity's toughest challenges. The author, a world-renowned scholar in metabolic engineering, introduces scientific solutions to the issues facing humanity, such as the climate crisis, infectious diseases, energy depletion, aging, and the flood of digital information. The author asserts that "it is ultimately engineering that changes the world." The book covers fascinating topics such as technology that converts carbon dioxide into resources, biofuel production using microorganisms, AI-based drug development, and data storage in DNA. (Written by Lee Sangyeop | Kimyoungsa)