“Dialogue with book” - certainly a concept that may seem unimaginable at first.
I stumbled upon this technique several years ago during a speed-reading seminar.
Although speed reading wasn't for me in the end, this unique technique stood out as the only thing I could remember and apply from that seminar, after I slightly modified it.
“Dialogue with book”
The concept of “dialogue with book” was initially introduced as a technique where one holds a question in their mind while reading and seeks the answer within the pages of the book.
It advised speeding up or even skipping through unimportant details and slowing down when stumbling upon relevant information, thus making the reading process faster.
Even though I found it beneficial in certain situations, it wasn't ideal for leisurely reading as it caused me to miss out on many fascinating details by being laser-focused on a single question.
In fact, it doesn’t work too well when I have numerous questions in mind. It often leads me to revisit the same section multiple times, once for each question.
While the technique aims to accelerate the reading process, the abundance of missed details detracts from its true essence of speed reading, resulting in a mere illusion of rapid progress.
Not only does this hinder my understanding of the book's main point, but it also makes it seem as though I am being chased by a ghost when reading.
Consequently, I find myself losing sight of the initial purpose that motivated me to read the book in the first place.
Which is more important: read more or remember longer?
I used to believe that reading more books would result in acquiring more knowledge.
Therefore, I attended a speed-reading seminar with the hope of learning how to read faster, allowing me to consume a greater number of books.
However, it turned out I was wrong.
When I attempted to read quickly, I found that reading, which is supposed to be enjoyable and leave a lasting impression, no longer evoked the same feelings.
What's more, I even struggled to recall much of what I had read.
This made me question the purpose of reading quickly and completing numerous books if I couldn't even remember their contents.
If I couldn't retain what I read, how could I apply that knowledge to solve my current challenges?
Considering this, wouldn't it have been better to have never wasted my time reading those books in the first place?
New mindset for richer reading experience
Recognizing the value of remembering the contents of a book rather than simply reading many books, I have stopped pressuring myself to read quickly and prioritize quantity.
Instead, I’ve shifted my focus towards finding strategies to improve my ability to retain what I read while still enjoying the act of reading.
At the same time, I remind myself that the goal is not to become superhuman and consume books rapidly.
It's about taking the time to fully comprehend the information, engage in critical thinking, and explore ways to apply and integrate what I learn.
And most importantly, it's about embracing the process and finding enjoyment in it.
Just like savoring my favorite foods, which I prefer to savor slowly to prolong the pleasure, I must do the same with reading.
I will take my time in reading to allow myself to fully immerse and engage with the material.
Instilling this mindset is the initial step I need to take in restoring the enjoyment and connection I almost lost with books.
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That's all for today, I think.