How to read a book
One of the reasons I paid for the bearblog subscription is so that it would force me to post more. Knowing that I have paid some money which is going to waste if I do not post. This time it worked. I saw the credit card transaction for this months post and damn I need to post.
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This post is about 'How to Read a Book' by Mortimer Adler. I am only about 15% into the book but it is so good that I have to write about it.
Reading a book is an art. It is not just about absorbing information or memorizing knowledge. It is about wanting to understand. The goal should be to become enlightened in some form. Otherwise it is simply a waste of time.
If a book is difficult, you may need to stretch yourself to the level of the author. If you don't understand something, keep reading. You can come back later once you have more context.
There are different levels to reading.
Reading a book is a two way affair. It is about you writing. It is about you asking questions. It is a discourse between you and the author.
- What is the book about as a whole?
- Is what the author saying true?
- Why is he saying what he is saying?
- What is the significance of the book?