Reading Better - Farnam Street: How to Master the Art of Reading and Learning

Hatched by Glasp
Aug 14, 2023
3 min read
5 views
Copy Link
Reading Better - Farnam Street: How to Master the Art of Reading and Learning
In my whole life, I have known no wise people who didn't read all the time. Reading is a powerful tool that allows us to tap into the collective wisdom and knowledge of others. By reading, we can learn from the best minds and apply their insights and lessons to our own lives. However, it's not enough to simply read; we must also remember and apply what we learn.
One of the keys to effective reading is to tailor how we read to what we read. Not all books deserve the same level of attention. Some books only require a skim, while others deserve our complete focus and deep reading. By skimming broadly, we can quickly identify books worth reading. Once we find something worth our time, we can dive in slowly and deeply, extracting the valuable insights and ideas.
But how do we determine which books are worth reading in the first place? Time can be a great filter. Books that have stood the test of time are more likely to offer enduring wisdom and insights. While it's difficult to predict which new books will become timeless classics, we can save ourselves time and energy by prioritizing older books that have already proven their value.
To make the most of our reading, we can adopt the blank sheet method. Before starting a new book, take out a blank sheet of paper and write down what you already know about the book or the subject. This serves as a mind map, helping to prime your brain for what you're about to read. After each reading session, add to the map with a different color, capturing new ideas and connections. Before starting the next session, review the page to reinforce your learning. These "blank sheets" can be compiled in a binder for periodic review, enhancing memory and recall while facilitating the connection of ideas.
Writing about what we read is another powerful way to solidify our understanding and learning. After each chapter, take a few minutes to summarize the main idea or specific points in your own words. Try to connect it to something in your life or another idea, reinforcing the relevance and applicability of the knowledge. Both conventional notes and the blank sheet method help to connect new knowledge with existing knowledge, highlighting gaps in understanding and fostering the development of new ideas.
However, reading alone is not enough to truly master a subject. Reading multiple books on the same topic, known as synoptical reading, is crucial to uncovering blind spots and evaluating contradictions. By exposing ourselves to different perspectives and opinions, we can form a more well-rounded and informed opinion.
Incorporating these strategies into our reading practice can greatly enhance our ability to learn and grow. But it's important to remember that reading is not a substitute for doing the work required to have an opinion. Simply reading something doesn't automatically make us experts on a subject. It's through continuous learning and applying what we learn that we can truly advance our knowledge and understanding.
In conclusion, reading is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. By mastering the art of reading, we can tap into the collective wisdom of others, expand our knowledge, and develop our own unique insights. To make the most of our reading, we should tailor our approach to each book, prioritize timeless classics, adopt the blank sheet method, and actively engage with the material through writing and reflection. By incorporating these actionable advice into our reading practice, we can maximize our learning potential and unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
Copy Link