Research prompts
Research prompt

Build a focused reading list for a topic

You have limited time. You want a reading list that's curated for depth, not exhaustiveness.

Works best in: Claude

Build me a reading list on {{topic}} that fits my actual time budget.

Why I want to learn this: {{your specific use case — career, project, curiosity, decision}}
Time I'll realistically spend: {{honest answer — a weekend / 2 hours / 3 months}}
What I already know: {{rough background}}

Output a list with:
1. **Foundation (must read)** — 1-3 things I cannot skip
2. **Depth (if I have time)** — 2-4 things that go deeper
3. **Currents (recent / important developments)** — 1-3 sources for what's new
4. **The single source** — if I literally only had one hour, what's the highest-leverage thing to read?
5. **What to skip** — popular sources that aren't worth the time despite being recommended everywhere

For each, one sentence on why it earns the slot. Mix formats: papers, books, blog posts, talks, podcasts.

Skip recommending anything just because it's famous. Quality over reputation.
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