Chapter 1: The Purpose of Reading

Previously, I believed that simply reading a multitude of books was a commendable achievement. I maintained a record of every book I completed and aimed to finish three or four monthly—an easy target for more avid readers. In this discussion, I want to delve into the pitfalls of prioritizing the sheer quantity of reading over the actual acquisition of knowledge. Over time, I realized that the quality of my study varied significantly. I categorized my reading experiences into several types:

1. Skimming through a book quickly, marking it as complete, but never reflecting on it again.
2. Highlighting passages without further consideration.
3. Highlighting and then doing a brief review of those highlights at the end.
4. Highlighting and taking notes, then consolidating them for future reference.
5. Paraphrasing the content—distilling notes into essential insights and linking the knowledge to other material.

Additionally, I recognized some essential post-reading practices:

• Reviewing the material (through revisiting notes or discussions).
• Creating something from the knowledge gained or applying it in real life.
• Rereading the entire book.

As I assessed my reading habits, I found that most of my reading fell into the second category, and I rarely engaged in any post-reading activities. My reading was primarily digital, with highlights saved in Readwise and sent to Notion, which provided useful reference material. However, I often struggled to recall what I had learned without reviewing my highlights. I had gathered information but essentially outsourced my memory to my digital tools, allowing my brain to prioritize other things. Moreover, if I didn't apply or produce anything from my reading, what was the point? Reading can be enjoyable, and if that is the goal, that's fine. But many of us read with the intention of learning something new or improving ourselves.

Chapter 2: The Value of Rereading and Reflection

Recently, I immersed myself in stoic philosophy. I fell into the 'high volume' trap again, rapidly consuming works by Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Musonius Rufus, alongside modern interpretations by Ryan Holiday and William Irvine. However, this time I approached with a clear objective: to extract actionable insights that would inform my understanding of virtue and a well-lived life. Having read these philosophers before (except for Rufus), I initially validated their philosophies, and the act of rereading proved to be an enriching experience I often overlooked.

I previously viewed rereading as a waste of opportunity—choosing to read something new instead of revisiting familiar texts. Yet, unless one possesses a flawless memory, it's highly unlikely that one fully retains the content of a book read just once without review. Reengaging with familiar material or reviewing notes acts as spaced repetition, enhancing retention and clarifying valuable insights. Often, during a second reading, I focus less on the overarching summary and more on identifying specific insights that resonate deeply with me.

Seneca offered pertinent advice on this topic in his letters to Lucilius, cautioning against an excessive desire for breadth in reading, which may hinder genuine wisdom:

“The primary indication, to my thinking, of a well-ordered mind is a man’s ability to remain in one place and linger in his own company. Be careful, however, lest this reading of many authors and books of every sort may tend to make you discursive and unsteady. You must linger among a limited number of master-thinkers, and digest their works, if you would derive ideas which shall win firm hold in your mind.”

This reflection made me realize that, in my quest for knowledge, I had many casual acquaintances in literature but few deep connections. I had read extensively, yet the number of authors I could confidently rely upon was quite limited. The Stoics and a few other influential thinkers formed the core of my understanding, while most of my reading list served merely as distractions. Today, we have unprecedented access to information, overwhelming us with a constant stream of content.

Nicholas Carr, in his book "The Shallows," warns of the impact of the internet on our ability to concentrate and reflect:

“And what the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation... Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a Jet Ski.”

Carr's insights emphasize that while we can access more information than ever, our capacity to truly learn is at risk. We often skim rather than engage deeply, consuming content without digesting it, leading to anxiety and overload from irrelevant or harmful information.

The first video, "Read, Understand, and Remember! Improve your reading skills with the KWL Method," discusses effective reading strategies that enhance retention and comprehension.

Carr also presents a striking metaphor regarding the transfer of knowledge from short-term to long-term memory:

“Imagine filling a bathtub with a thimble; that’s the challenge involved in transferring information from working memory into long-term memory. By regulating the velocity and intensity of information flow, media exert a strong influence on this process.”

This comparison illustrates the difficulty of retaining information when overwhelmed by multiple sources. When reading a book, the steady drip of information allows for controlled absorption, fostering the connections necessary for developing coherent knowledge. However, the chaotic flow of the internet often results in fragmented understanding.

In his correspondence, Seneca continues to stress the importance of focused reading:

“Accordingly, since you cannot read all the books which you may possess, it is enough to possess only as many books as you can read. ... Each day acquire something that will fortify you against poverty, against death, indeed against other misfortunes as well; and after you have run over many thoughts, select one to be thoroughly digested that day.”

So, take the time to digest, concentrate, and reflect. It requires more effort than skimming the surface, but it’s essential for developing true knowledge rather than merely accumulating titles on a shelf.

The second video, "Don't Teach Your Child to Read Just Words," emphasizes the importance of understanding context and meaning in reading, aligning with the pursuit of deeper comprehension.

Works Cited:

Carr, Nicholas. The Shallows: What The Internet Is Doing To Our Brains. Reprint edition. New York: WW Norton, 2011.

Seneca, Lucius Annaeus. Letters from a Stoic: The Ancient Classic. Capstone Classics. Chichester: Capstone, 2021.