HOW TO READ A BOOK, by Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doren | 1940 (Updated 1972)

Get How To Read a Book

Why It Matters:

In an age of information overload, the ability to read deeply and extract genuine understanding becomes increasingly rare and valuable. Many people can read basic text, but few know how to truly absorb and engage with challenging material in a way that transforms their understanding.

Three Levels of Mastery:

Inspectional Reading

Learn to quickly evaluate a book's value before investing deep time. Systematically preview content to grasp the main structure and decide if fuller reading is warranted.

Analytical Reading

Engage in genuine conversation with the author. Identify core arguments, challenge assumptions, and connect ideas rather than just collecting facts.

Syntopical Reading

Master the art of reading multiple books on the same subject. Create a dialogue between different authors and develop your own well-reasoned position.

Try It Now:

Pick up a book you've been meaning to read. Set a timer for 15 minutes. First, read only the table of contents and write down what you think the main argument will be. Then, read the first and last paragraph of each chapter, jotting quick notes. Finally, flip to three random pages and read them carefully. Stand up and try to explain to an imaginary person, out loud, what this book is about and whether it's worth your time.

Quote:

"Reading a book on any level beyond the elementary is essentially an effort on your part to ask it questions (and to answer them to the best of your ability). The art of reading is largely the art of asking the right questions in the right order."