"7 Ways to Retain More of Every Book You Read"

"7 Ways to Retain More of Every Book You Read"

A good book can give you a new way to interpret your past experiences. As Patrick O'Shaughnessy says, “Reading changes the past.” But what matters is not simply reading more books, but getting more out of each book you read. Here are 7 ways to retain more of every book you read.

1. Quit More Books

It may seem counterintuitive, but quitting books quickly and without guilt or shame can actually enhance your reading experience. As the saying goes, “Life is too short to not read the very best book you know of right now.” Start more books, quit most of them, and read the great ones twice. This approach allows you to focus on the books that truly resonate with you and make the most impact on your thinking.

2. Choose Books You Can Use Instantly

When selecting books to read, consider their practicality and relevance to your current life. Look for books that offer actionable advice or insights that you can apply immediately. This way, you can make the most of your reading time by gaining knowledge and skills that you can use right away.

3. Create Searchable Notes

Taking notes while reading is a common practice, but it's important to find a system that works for you. One effective method is to store your notes in a searchable format. Many people, including myself, use Evernote for this purpose. For audiobooks, create a new Evernote file for each book and type your notes directly into that file as you listen. For print books, type your notes as you read. If you come across a longer passage you want to transcribe, place the book on a book stand as you type. Keeping searchable notes is essential for easily returning to ideas when you need them.

4. Combine Knowledge Trees

Think of a book as a knowledge tree, with fundamental concepts forming the trunk and details forming the branches. To enhance your reading comprehension and expand your understanding, try linking the branches of different knowledge trees. Integrate your current book with other books or topics that you have previously read about. This way, you create a web of interconnected knowledge that allows you to make deeper connections and insights.

5. Write a Short Summary

After finishing a book, challenge yourself to condense its main ideas into a short summary. If you find it difficult to squeeze the entire book into just a few sentences, consider using the Feynman Technique. This technique, named after physicist Richard Feynman, involves explaining a concept in simple terms as if you were teaching it to someone else. By summarizing the book, you reinforce your understanding and ensure that the key takeaways stay with you.

6. Surround the Topic

Avoid relying on a single book or article as the basis for your entire belief system. Reading just one source can lead to biased thinking based on your personal experiences. As Morgan Housel noted, “Your personal experiences make up maybe 0.00000001% of what's happened in the world but maybe 80% of how you think the world works. We're all biased to our own personal history.” Instead, seek out multiple perspectives and sources of information to gain a well-rounded understanding of a topic.

7. Read It Twice

The value of a good book extends beyond the first reading. Charles Chu wisely said, “Anything worth reading is not only worth reading twice, but worth reading again and again.” Each time you revisit a book, you have the opportunity to discover new insights and perspectives. What resonated with you in the past may take on a whole new meaning in a different stage of your life. By rereading books, you reinforce their lessons and allow them to shape your thinking more deeply.

In conclusion, by implementing these 7 strategies, you can retain more of every book you read. Quitting books liberates your reading time for the ones that truly matter. Choosing practical books and taking searchable notes ensure that you can apply and recall the knowledge you gain. Combining knowledge trees and summarizing books help you make connections and solidify understanding. Surrounding the topic with diverse sources prevents biased thinking. And finally, reading books multiple times allows you to uncover new layers of wisdom.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the art of quitting books. Focus on quality over quantity.
2. Choose books that offer practical insights you can apply immediately.
3. Develop a system for taking searchable notes to enhance retention and easy reference.

Remember, reading is not just about consuming words, but about transforming your thinking and enriching your life.