Books have been the root source of all knowledge throughout the course of western civilization. It has allowed for the timeless exchange of sharing ideas, philosophies, memories, events, and stories, passed on from generation to generation. It is an eternal conversation, a never-ending dialogue between the author and the reader. It has allowed for us to inspire and become inspired by people we will never meet. A method used to practically express theoretical understanding of our universe, it is the bridge between theory and practice. As we have evolved into the modern age, the practice of reading has become a lost art. Thanks to the internet, the constant need of convenience and quick information has deprived us from being able to patiently engage with the wisdom of our predecessors. The lack of focus developed from the digital age has not only led to the inability to consciously engage with the pages of a book, but consequentially, it has created the inability to retain the knowledge and information that we find ourselves immersed in. Everyone should not only learn how to read effectively, but to be able to relay and carry out the everlasting knowledge that books were intended for. Throughout this essay I aim to give you practical insight of how to become a more intentional reader and get the most out of any book you may encounter.
The first step of the reading process may seem obvious but is arguably the most important, and that is finding a book you are genuinely interested in reading. While there are exceptions, such as assigned readings, most of the time we intentionally select books based on our interests. While this process can still be effective for books you aren’t necessarily interested in, such as one for an assignment, if you do not have some level of interest in the book you are reading, you will have a lot of resistance to even sit down and make time to read it.
This next step may seem irrelevant, but it’s crucial to the reading process, and that is your environment. Our environment affects our ability to focus, so once you have found a quality piece of literature, finding a comfortable space where you can relax and focus is important. This step is highly individualized and based on personal preference, so it comes down to finding a place that gives you the mental clarity and capacity to actively engage in your reading. Personally, I find early mornings before sunrise to be the optimal time for reading. At this time, my mind is the sharpest and most receptive to retaining information, especially being a parent; it is often the only little bit of time I have for peaceful engagement before my parental responsibilities. Being able to delve into the pages of another world sitting in my recliner with nothing but my reading lamp illuminating in the tranquil stillness of darkness, coffee at hand, gives me the most clarity to focus on what I am reading. Additionally, if I ever have enough time to read during the day, I prefer to be in nature. Whether it is sitting on my balcony or on a bench at the park, the rustling of leaves and melodic chirping of birds create a harmonious backdrop that enhances my reading experience.
The third step of this process is to read with intention and engage actively with the text. Rather than being a passive reader, aim to make the book your own by taking notes directly within the pages. While some of you may be a bit hesitant at the idea of writing in a book, it's essential to recognize that the primary purpose of reading is to gain insight. Like I mentioned previously, approach reading a book as a conversation between yourself and the author, because when you purchase a book, this idea that you are trying to get out of it cannot happen without a conversational exchange. Every piece of literature, regardless of genre, offers value for learning. Remember, the book is for your benefit, not just for display. To put it simply, this step serves as a transcript for you to converse with the author.
Lastly, the final step of this process, I recommend summarizing the insights gained from each chapter in your own words in a separate notebook. This practice keeps you actively engaged with the material and encourages the formulation of original thoughts, ideas, and opinions. It forces your brain to develop a conscious understanding of what you are reading. Once you have completed the entire summary there is a very good chance that you have developed a very lucid summary of each chapter. Ultimately, the goal is to become wiser through thoughtful reflection and critical thinking, not an encyclopedia that spits out regurgitated information.
Reading may now seem like an outdated method to acquire knowledge, especially with the emergence of the internet, but there is something profound and timeless in being able to engage with the physical texts of our predecessors. Slowing down the process of understanding inherent in literature allows us to analytically process knowledge, enabling us to carry a lifetime of wisdom in our minds. Through this step by step process of becoming a more engaged reader, we can become a society of individuals able to formulate coherent thoughts on a number of subjects rooted from our own ideas and opinions.