How to Read Better

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in reading, suggesting that becoming a better reader is a journey that involves personal growth and development. They compare reading to exercise, noting that just like physical muscles, our reading abilities need to be trained and developed. The speaker offers practical advice on how to improve reading skills, such as reading books more than once to grasp the full depth of the content, taking light annotations to facilitate deeper understanding during a second read, and selecting books intentionally based on specific interests or authors. They also stress the value of carrying a book or access to one's preferred reading material at all times to integrate reading into daily life, making it a habit and ultimately enhancing one's reading experience and comprehension.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Quality Over Quantity**: Focus on reading fewer books deeply rather than many books superficially.
• 🏋️ **Reading as Exercise**: Like physical exercise, reading requires practice and gradual development of mental faculties.
• 📈 **Gradual Progress**: Start with shorter reading sessions and gradually increase intensity and duration to improve focus and comprehension.
• 🔁 **Rereading Books**: Reading a book twice helps in understanding the whole and how the parts come together, especially useful for non-fiction.
• 📝 **Selective Note-Taking**: Take notes sparingly while reading to avoid information overload and to prepare for a more in-depth second read.
• 📚 **Intentional Reading**: Choose books deliberately based on interest, research, or to understand a particular author's work.
• 🎯 **Purposeful Selection**: Books should be selected to align with personal goals or to gain a deeper understanding of a specific subject.
• 📒 **Note-Taking Method**: Develop a personal note-taking system that involves light annotations and the transformation of these into more structured notes.
• 📚 **Narrative of Reading**: Create a narrative or theme for your reading journey rather than picking books randomly.
• 🚀 **Carry Your Book**: Always have a book with you to take advantage of spare moments throughout the day and make reading a habit.

Q & A

What is the main focus of becoming a better reader according to the transcript?

The main focus is on quality rather than quantity. It emphasizes understanding and internalizing what is read, rather than just reading a large number of books.

Why does the speaker compare reading to exercise?

Reading is compared to exercise because, like physical muscles, the mental faculties used in reading need to be developed and trained. Just as with exercise, there is a need to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration.

What is the 'Fast and Dirty method' of reading as mentioned in the transcript?

The 'Fast and Dirty method' refers to the first, quicker read-through of a book with the aim to grasp the main point or argument the author is trying to convey.

Why is rereading books recommended in the transcript?

Rereading books is recommended because it allows for a deeper understanding of the material. The first reading provides an overview, and the second reading allows the reader to see how all the parts come together to support the author's argument.

How does the speaker suggest taking notes while reading?

The speaker suggests lightly annotating the text with a pencil, using check marks next to relevant passages, and writing brief summaries at the end of chapters. Detailed note-taking should be done during a second, slower reading.

What is the importance of picking the right books to read?

Picking the right books is important because it helps create a narrative or purpose for your reading journey. It allows for a deeper exploration of a topic, understanding of an author's work, or furthering a research program.

Why might reading widely be less effective than reading with a specific purpose?

Reading widely without a specific purpose might not provide a cohesive learning experience or allow for deep understanding of a particular subject. It could lead to a disjointed collection of readings without a clear direction or goal.

How can carrying a book or a Kindle with you help in becoming a better reader?

Carrying a book or Kindle helps in finding extra time to read throughout the day, turning reading into a habit. This practice makes it easier to integrate reading into daily life and increases the likelihood of reading regularly.

What is the speaker's opinion on reading the works of a single author extensively?

The speaker sees value in reading as much of a single author's work as possible in a year to understand the range of their capabilities, from their best to their less outstanding works.

Why does the speaker recommend not using apps or software for note-taking while reading?

The speaker prefers a simple and analog method for note-taking, suggesting that the process of physically annotating and sorting through notes is more useful and helps in better understanding and retaining the information.

What is the final piece of advice the speaker gives for becoming a better reader?

The final piece of advice is to always have a book with you, use a pencil for light annotations, and be prepared to revisit and study great works, making reading a habitual and intentional practice.