Must-reads
- How Read a Book: The Classic Guide To Intelligent Reading by Mortimer J. Adler
- Where I’m Reading From: The Changing World of Books by Tim Parks
Reading a book is like having an hour to talk to an expert on a subject. An expert whose time is otherwise often too valuable and inaccessible. Eventually you’ll become somewhat of an expert yourself.
As a rule of thumb, I read three books on a topic making me more knowledgeable than 80% of all people on that topic. This holds on a macro level where reading about the animal kingdom makes me a bit more of a biologist. It also holds on a micro level where reading about migratory birds makes me a bit more of an ornithologist.
Read critically and don’t take all knowledge at face value. On the other hand, if the credentials and research process seem valid, the author is most likely more knowledgeable on the subject than you having read three books. Mindfully keep track of your takeaways while reading. Discuss your findings with others who have (or didn’t) read the book.
Reading without intention and for the sake of absorbing more knowledge is fine. Even better is targeted reading where you’re working on a project and need specific information about a topic right at this moment to continue.