Why Are Harvard Students Lining Up for This “Brutal” Class?

The gist

1. Hum 10 assigns a hefty book a week, regular essays, no devices and taken attendance, yet over 180 students applied for 90 slots.
2. Newport says early social media shortcut the feeling of being social, but users grew lonelier because real connection needs sacrificed time and attention.
3. He argues TikTok shortcut engagement, giving fleeting bursts that skip the effortful context that makes engagement lasting and meaningful.
4. Newport says generative AI shortcuts the feeling of learning or producing knowledge, but the cognitive strain of reading and writing is how understanding changes.
5. He calls a book the optimal summary, and sees Hum 10 as part of a small, emerging movement of people willing to work for real rewards.