The discussion revolves around the challenges of reading and understanding mathematical and theoretical physics books, with participants sharing their experiences and preferences. Many express that they rarely read textbooks cover to cover, instead opting to consult them for specific topics or problems. The conversation highlights the value of encyclopedic works like Morse and Feshbach, and Courant and Hilbert, which are considered essential references for physicists despite their age. Participants note that understanding complex subjects often requires active engagement with the material rather than mere reading. The historical context of these texts is also discussed, particularly the contributions of Hilbert and Courant, with an acknowledgment that while modern alternatives exist, the classics still hold significant value in academic settings. Overall, the emphasis is on the practical use of these texts for problem-solving rather than complete readings.