@groundie That sounds familiar. I'm finishing "Ball Lightning" by Liu Cixin, one of my favorite authors.
@groundie @obi Wow, if reading put me to sleep, I wouldn't be an insomniac! But reading to learn doesn't hold a candle to lively debates, in my experience. I read up on something to get started, but I don't really know something until I have to explain it to someone else. And have them pick apart and question my explanation, of course. Which tends to lead to more reading/research. It's what all my closest relationships are built on.
@Adrasteianix You are absolutely right! Having to explain something to others requires thorough readings, studying and understanding of the topic. Lively debates without emotional defenses can be stimulating but not that common.
I used to enjoy watching Christopher Hitchens' debates on religion and Gore Vidal on TV. It seems the likes of these fellows have gone now.
@obi wow, that's a lot! i usually nod off after 10 minutes or so. Unless the book is really absorbing, I might read for another 10 minutes; e.g., 2 nights ago, I finished "Say Her Name" by Francisco Goldman.