• Read theory three times: once to get a mental map of the article/chapter/ paper; once to get the gist of the argument; and once to find your questions.


• Take notes in the margins: mess with the text. Underline, star, jot down questions.


• Take a break.


• Think about the pieces of the text, phrases, expressions, moments that tweak your instincts, that

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This search led me to Mortimer Adler , a philosopher and educator best known for his work on the Great Books movement, a project aimed at defining the essential works of Western civilization. In 1940, Adler published How to Read a Book, a guide to deeper reading that has remained influential for decades. His argument was simple: Most people read... See more

Unfortunately, these tactics don’t come easily. Readers must learn specific reflective strategies. “What questions should I be asking? How should I summarize what I’m reading?” Readers must run their own feedback loops. “Did I understand that? Should I re-read it? Consult another text?” Readers must understand their own cognition. “What does it... See more