Book Notes: How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler
The Art of Reading
“Good books are over your head; they would not be good for you if they were not. And books that are over your head weary you unless you can reach up to them and pull yourself up to their level.”
— Mortimer J. Adler
There are three possible goals for reading. You’re either reading for information, reading for understanding, or reading for entertainment.
Reading for Information occurs when you read newspapers, magazines, or online articles. The content you consume may increase your store of information or affect your emotional state, but it doesn’t improve your understanding of the material.
Reading for Understanding requires reading material that is initially “superior” to your level of knowledge. There is an inequality in understanding between the writer and reader, but the content is clearly communicated. It’s up to you to overcome the inequality in understanding to learn something.
Reading for Entertainment is self-explanatory. It’s the least demanding kind of reading, so it requires the least amount of effort. Anyone who knows how to read already knows how to read for entertainment.
Since this book is a guide to intelligent reading, it will focus on improving your skill…
