How to Read a Book: the classic guide to intelligent reading

by Mortimer J. Adler

Reading is a complex activity, just as writing is. It consists of a large number of separate acts, all of which must be performed in a good reading. The person who can perform more of them is better able to read.

The art of reading, in short, includes all of the same skills that are involved in the art of unaided discovery: keenness of observation, readily available memory, range of imagination, and, of course, an intellect trained in analysis and reflection. The reason for this is that reading in this sense is discovery, too—although with help instead of without it.

Therefore if we are disposed to go on learning and discovering, we must know how to make books teach us well. That, indeed, is the primary goal of this book.

Reading, like unaided discovery, is learning from an absent teacher. We can only do that successfully if we know how.

The differences between the levels must be understood before any effective improvement in reading skills can occur.

There are certain actions the active or demanding reader must perform in order to read well.

There are four main questions you must ask about any book.

If you are reading in order to become a better reader, you cannot read just any book or article.

The books that you will want to practice your reading on, particularly your analytical reading, must also make demands on you.

you should seek out the few books that can have this value for you.

there is no limit to the amount of growth and development that the mind can sustain.

Reading well, which means reading actively, is thus not only a good in itself, nor is it merely a means to advancement in our work or career. It also serves to keep our minds alive and growing.