How to Read a Book

How to Read a Book

[US] Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

The Commercial Press

2004-01-01

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Summary

Every book has its own skeleton under its cover. As an analytical reader, it is your responsibility to find this skeleton. When a book appears in front of you, it is wrapped in bones by muscles and wrapped in clothes by muscles. It can be said that it is dressed up. Readers use...

Highlights

For the book "How to Read a Book", I have selected the following sentences or paragraphs for you. These contents show the unique perspectives, profound insights, beautiful language and wise thinking of the authors Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren, and I believe they will inspire and help readers. 1. "Reading is generally divided into three levels: basic reading, inspection reading, and analytical reading." This sentence summarizes the three levels of reading, helping readers understand that reading is not just a simple browsing of text, but requires depth and breadth. 2. "The core of active reading is: you have to ask questions when reading-questions that you must try to answer yourself during the reading process." The author emphasizes the importance of active reading and encourages readers to think actively and have a dialogue with books when reading. 3. "There is only one way to really read. Without any external help, you just have to read the book. You have nothing, just rely on the power of your heart, play with the words in front of you, and slowly improve yourself, from only vague concepts to clearer understanding." This passage depicts the purity and hardship of reading, and also shows the growth and gains brought by reading. 4. "The art of reading includes all the skills of non-assisted self-discovery learning: keen observation, sensitive and reliable memory, imagination, and of course well-trained analysis and reflection." The author explains the comprehensive ability required for reading here, and emphasizes the importance of reading for the overall development of individuals. 5. "If the books you read are all within your ability, you will not be able to improve your reading ability." This sentence reminds readers to challenge themselves and choose books with a certain degree of difficulty to read in order to promote their own growth. 6. "When a book appears in front of you, muscles wrap bones and clothes wrap muscles. It can be said that it comes in full dress. You don't need to uncover its coat or tear off its muscles to get the skeleton under the soft skin, but you must use a pair of X-ray eyes to look at the book, because that is the basis for you to understand a book and grasp its skeleton." The author uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate that when reading, you need to go beyond the surface text and dig deep into the internal structure and logic of the book. 7. "Reading is a kind of discovery - although it is a process with help, not without help." This sentence emphasizes the exploratory and guiding nature of the reading process. Reading is both self-discovery and requires external guidance. 8. "Part of the essence of reading is to be confused, and to know that you are confused." The author believes that confusion is the norm in the reading process, and accepting and understanding confusion is a manifestation of reading progress. 9. "Analytical reading is comprehensive reading, complete reading, or high-quality reading - the best way to read you can do." This sentence defines the concept of analytical reading and emphasizes its important position in reading methods. 10. "If you don't confuse yourself, you can't understand anything." This sentence is full of philosophical meaning, reminding readers to keep an open and curious mind when reading, and to have the courage to face the unknown and confusion. 11. "Reading a book is a dialogue, and in all dialogues, there are two so-called active and passive relationships." The author compares reading to a dialogue, emphasizing the interactive relationship between readers and authors, as well as the initiative of readers in the reading process. 12. “Reading a book is a process of communication and enlightenment. You have to learn from an absent teacher.” This sentence describes the communicative nature and enlightenment of reading. Even if the author is not present, readers can communicate with him through reading. 13. “Reading is a thinking activity. It is necessary to integrate the sensory feelings, emotional feelings, and thoughts in the mind.” The author emphasizes the comprehensive thinking in the reading process here. Reading is not only a sensory enjoyment, but also a fusion of emotion and reason. 14. “Reading is a thinking process of understanding, comprehending, absorbing, appreciating, evaluating and exploring articles.” This sentence summarizes the multiple levels of reading, from understanding to evaluation to exploration, showing the depth and breadth of reading. 15. “Reading is a spiritual enjoyment. It can stimulate your imagination, creativity, and critical thinking ability.” The author emphasizes the importance of reading for personal spiritual growth and thinking ability improvement. 16. “Reading is an adventure. You never know what surprises the next page will bring you.” This sentence uses adventure to metaphor reading, emphasizing the unknown and fun of reading. 17. "Reading is a process of self-education. It can help you broaden your horizons, increase your knowledge, and improve your literacy." The author here expounds on the importance of reading for personal self-education and all-round development. 18. "Reading is a journey to find answers. You can find the wisdom of life and the enlightenment of life in books." This sentence compares reading to a journey to find answers, emphasizing the importance of reading for life guidance and wisdom enlightenment. 19. "Reading is an inner dialogue that can help you better understand yourself, others, and the world." The author believes that reading is an inner dialogue process, and through reading, you can better understand yourself and the outside world. 20. "Reading is an eternal pleasure. It can accompany you through lonely times and become an indispensable part of your life." This sentence emphasizes the lasting charm and life value of reading. Reading is not only a pleasure, but also a good companion in life.

About the Author

Book title: "How to Read a Book" Author: [US] Mortimer J.< Adler, Charles Van Doren **Mortimer J.

Adler Basic personal information: ** Mortimer J.< Adler (1902-2001) was an American philosopher, educator, writer and editor.

He was born in New York City, the son of a Jewish immigrant.

**Education and career background: ** Adler received his doctorate from Columbia University and served as a professor of philosophy at the University of Chicago.< He was an editor of the Encyclopedia Britannica and participated in the compilation of the "Great Books of the Western World" series.

**Writing career: ** Adler's writing career spanned several decades, and his works covered many fields such as philosophy, education, and politics.

His works include "The Great Books of the Western World: A Guide to Western Thought" and "Six Great Ideas".

**Work style and theme: ** Adler's works are known for being easy to understand and logically rigorous.< He is committed to promoting reading and critical thinking, and believes that reading is an important way to improve personal quality and understand the world.

Personal life: Adler's personal life is relatively low-key, and he devotes most of his time to academic research and writing.

Social influence: Adler has had a profound impact on American education and culture.< His educational philosophy and reading methods have influenced generations of readers.

Quotes and evaluations: The New York Times evaluated Adler as "one of the greatest educators in the United States.< " His "How to Read a Book" was rated as "one of the most influential books of the 20th century" by Time magazine.

Latest developments: Adler died in 2001, but his works and ideas are still widely spread around the world.

Charles Van Doren Basic personal information: Charles Van Doren (1926-) is an American writer and editor, and also Adler's collaborator.

Education and professional background: Van Doren received his doctorate from Columbia University and was a professor at the school.

Writing career: Van Doren's writing career is mainly focused on education and reading.< "How to Read a Book" he collaborated with Adler is his most famous work.

Style and Themes of Works: Van Doren's writing style is clear and practical, and he focuses on how to improve reading efficiency and comprehension.

Personal Life: Van Doren's personal life was once in the spotlight for participating in a television quiz show, but he later admitted to cheating, and this incident affected his personal reputation.

Social Impact: Van Doren's "How to Read a Book" has had a positive impact on society, and his reading method has helped countless readers improve their reading skills.

Quotes and Reviews: The Los Angeles Times described Van Doren as a "pioneer in the field of reading.

" Recent Updates: Van Doren is still active in the fields of education and writing, and continues to promote his reading philosophy.< Overall, Adler and Van Doren are educators and writers who have had a profound impact on American education and culture.

Their "How to Read a Book" is a classic reading guide that is still widely read and respected.