The four levels of reading.
Weekly learning from "How to Read a Book" & a quick intro of "The Possibility Principle"
Hi there, Shiro here 👋
📌 Quick Update:
This week I finished "The Possibility Principle" by Mel Schwartz (which I received for review). Here is the core - This book shares the myriad benefits we can enjoy by integrating the messages of quantum physics into our everyday existence. Truly engaging read. It is filled with knowledge and sometimes feels kind of overwhelming as it has too much to consume from one single book. If you are planning to get this, which I really recommend though to the audience who really enjoys science-based books, I suggest reading it slowly and let the knowledge get consumed before heading forward. For a more detailed review, tap here.
Updating is done, let move toward weekly learning.
This week's learning is from the book "How to Read a Book" by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren. Let's dive into learning now, really excited to share these with you as I discovered these levels this week only. So there are four levels of reading. Let me share each one by one:
The first level of reading is called Elementary Reading. Other names might be rudimentary reading, basic reading, or initial reading. In mastering this level, one learns the rudiments of the art of reading, receives basic training in reading, and acquires initial reading skills. It is called Elementary because this level of reading is ordinarily learned in elementary school.
The second level of reading is called Inspectional Reading. When reading at this level, the student is allowed a set time to complete an assigned amount of reading. For example, 5 minutes for this newsletter. Another way to describe this level of reading is to say that its aim is to get the most out of a book within a given time-usually a relatively short time.
The third level of reading is called Analytical Reading. It is both a more complex and a more systematic activity than either of the two levels discussed above. Analytical reading is thorough reading, complete reading, or good reading-the best reading you can do. On this level of reading, the reader grasps a book and works at it until the book becomes his own. Analytical reading is preeminently for the sake of understanding.
The fourth and highest level of reading is called Syntopical Reading. It is the most complex and systematic type of reading of all. When reading syntopically, the reader reads many books, not just one, and places them in relation to one another and to a subject about which they all revolve. With the help of the books read, the syntopical reader is able to construct an analysis of the subject that may not be in any of the books. It is obvious, therefore, that syntopical reading is the most active and effortful kind of reading. Nevertheless, syntopical reading is probably the most rewarding as well.
Did you find that useful? If yes, please let me know through a comment on this by using the “reply” button.
🖊 Weekly Quotes
"If we choose to keep focusing on limiting events of our past, then we choose a present that predicts a similar future." - Mel Schwartz in "The Possibility Principle"
“The great authors were great readers, and one way to understand them is to read the books they read.” - Mortimer J. Adler in "How to Read a Book"
“To agree without understanding is inane. To disagree without understanding is impudent.” - Mortimer J. Adler in "How to Read a Book"
That’s all for today. I hope you got some great learnings today.
Liking this letter will help this letter to get discovered by others too.
Bye-bye for now. See you next Sunday.
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