I'm not a fan of fiction books.

Fiction relies on made-up characters, plots, and metaphors to explore aspects of reality and human nature.

I find it much more fun to learn the core ideas presented directly.

Co-Founder sablier.com and open-source developer. I have a broad range of interests, including longevity, epistemology, physics, and psychology.


Weird take, but okay. What about stuff that you want to read about that doesn't have a core idea you can experience directly? 

Or just someone else's perspective on something that you can?

There is nothing more powerful in this world than words.

I'm only interested in reading material that offers something new to learn (the 'core ideas').

Someone else's perspective can be explained in non-fiction form.

No chance fiction might act as an idea spark for other things, perhaps not related to the material in question?

Other perspectives can be explained but not replicated. Everyone has a unique viewpoint. I think it's important to be able to experience someone else's experience of a concept for example, which fiction offers me. 

I've never heard this perspective before and I find it curious.

Maybe. I read because i enjoy it, first and foremost, but I find myself learning something new almost every time I pick up a book, whatever the subject. I also find it helps with both creativity (my own writing) and just normal everyday life. 

What was the last fiction book you read?

You make good points. Maybe I should open up to certain works of fiction, especially those that strive to anchor in existing science, e.g. Greg Egan work.