Strategies for Becoming a Better Reader and Person

Strategies for Becoming a Better Reader and Person

Introduction:
Reading is not just about the act itself, but also about the quality and approach we bring to it. Epictetus and Seneca emphasized the importance of not just reading, but reading meaningful and relevant material. In this article, we will explore six strategies that can make us better readers and, consequently, better individuals. By incorporating these strategies into our reading habits, we can gain valuable insights, expand our knowledge, and enhance our personal growth.

1. Stop Reading Books You Aren't Enjoying:
   Life is too short to waste time on books that fail to captivate us. According to my personal rule, if a book hasn't grabbed my attention by page 70, I put it aside. By setting a limit of 100 pages minus our age, we can ensure that our reading time is spent on books that truly engage us. This strategy allows us to explore a wide range of genres and authors, increasing the likelihood of finding books that resonate with us.

2. Keep a Commonplace Book:
   Inspired by Tobias Wolff's character in "Old School" and Ronald Reagan's personal belongings, we can create our own commonplace book. This involves jotting down quotes, passages, and thoughts from books that resonate with us. By collecting and organizing these snippets, we can internalize the wisdom of great writers and thinkers. Seneca advises us to focus on practical teachings that have immediate applications, ensuring that words become works.

3. Reread the Masters:
   As Seneca suggests, we should spend time with a limited number of master-thinkers and digest their works. By revisiting books that have impacted us in the past, we can gain new insights and perspectives. As both the world and we ourselves are constantly changing, our understanding of books can evolve over time. Rereading allows us to appreciate the timeless wisdom of great authors and adapt it to our present circumstances.

4. Seek Book Recommendations from Admirable Individuals:
   Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads." By asking people we admire for book recommendations, we can uncover hidden gems that have influenced them. Regardless of the topic or writing style, if a book has significantly impacted someone's life, it is likely worth exploring. This strategy broadens our reading horizons and exposes us to diverse perspectives.

5. Learn from the Experiences of Others:
   General James Mattis emphasizes the importance of reading hundreds of books to avoid functional illiteracy. We can learn from the experiences, successes, failures, and insights of individuals who have come before us. History, philosophy, and other disciplines offer valuable lessons and cautionary tales. By studying the mistakes and triumphs of others, we can avoid repeating their errors and make more informed decisions.

6. Overcome Reading Dry Spells:
   During times when our reading motivation wanes, we can reignite our passion by revisiting books that have deeply resonated with us in the past. By immersing ourselves in the words and ideas that have moved us, we can reignite our love for reading and reignite our curiosity. This strategy reminds us of the transformative power of literature and motivates us to explore new works.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize enjoyable reading experiences by setting a limit for when to abandon books that don't engage you.
2. Create a commonplace book to collect and reflect on quotes and passages that resonate with you.
3. Seek recommendations from individuals you admire to diversify your reading list and gain new perspectives.

Conclusion:
Becoming a better reader goes beyond simply consuming books. By implementing these strategies, we can deepen our understanding, broaden our perspectives, and enhance our personal growth. Reading becomes a transformative experience when we prioritize books that captivate us, engage with the wisdom of master-thinkers, and learn from the experiences of others. So, let us embark on this journey of becoming better readers and, ultimately, better individuals.