Timely news

He directed Bourrienne to leave all letters unopened for three weeks, and then observed with satisfaction how large a part of the correspondence had thus disposed of itself and no longer required an answer.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson, Representative Men (1850)

The thought that reacting to every piece of communication immediately is a bad idea is not a modern one. I really don't want this text to be about technology and the distraction of notifications. There is a more universally applicable insight to be found here. Because whether it's true or not that Napoleon in 1797 asked Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne to leave all news correspondence untouched for three weeks before handing it to the general himself, we can be sure Ralph Waldo Emerson thought it was an amazing idea already in 1850, way before smartphones.

And I believe it still is in 2026. Because things change. Often quickly at first, when much is yet unknown. Napoleon, presumably, didn't want to have to respond to everything sent to him, so he let some events resolve themselves by just… waiting. On many occasions, someone asking for help figures it out for themselves in that time. If not, then you can step in. Now, this is not a text about how and when to help your friends (please, help your friends). I want to make another, related point.

Much of what you read in the news today will have changed tomorrow. Much of what you see in the news today we will know more about tomorrow, making tomorrow's account more accurate. Waiting means a higher chance of partaking in both more accurate facts and more well-researched and intelligent analysis and opinion. And you don’t have to read about it twice.

Just like with notifications, I won’t be dragged into the discussion about whether many news outlets peddle uninformed click-bait or not. Some do and some will. But this advice holds regardless of the quality of your source. Even the most reputable news outlet will know more tomorrow or in a week than right now. And they especially will be able to sum it up nicely and in an insightful long-form article for you if you have the patience.

Since this is not meant as a provocative piece but rather as an earnest thought, I will hedge my bets a bit now. You should always follow real-time news that is critical to you, personally or professionally. News that you actually might need to act upon in a timely manner. Trading stocks? You probably want to take in some news the moment it’s released. In a disaster zone? I won’t blame you for having the radio on. Have a hobby, and half of it is keeping on top of things like football transfers? Go ahead if that is how you want to spend your time. Just remember that "timely" even in these circumstances might not automatically mean "instantaneously".

I have no notifications related to news turned on anywhere. I try to keep away from news sources in any feeds, social or otherwise. I try to stick to reading weekly and monthly magazines, as well as books about important events and developments. I try to wait until news becomes facts or even recent history.

Yet I must admit you will find me checking the latest news headlines way too often. I do not (yet) live as I learn. Writing this is a way of reminding myself.

If it is not important it will be forgotten. If it is important it will one day be a well-researched and balanced book. Read that book instead. Or another book. Or fiddle your thumbs and stare into a wall. Reading the news as it unfolds when (and this is key) you do not plan to try to change the course of events, is just going along for a ride. And while a ride may be fun, most of us willingly admit that "reading the news" seldom qualifies as fun. There are other rides to go on. That book is waiting to be read. Or written.

And sometimes, just sit on a bench and watch new things unfold. In real time.