

#299
Mentioned in 50 episodes
How to Read a Book
The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
Book • 2023
Originally published in 1940 and revised in 1972, this book is a classic guide to intelligent reading.
It describes the art of reading as the process by which a mind elevates itself through its own operations on the symbols of readable matter.
The authors emphasize active reading, highlighting the importance of keen observation, available memory, range of imagination, and an intellect trained in analysis and reflection.
The book provides practical lessons on how to read books effectively, including inspectional reading, analytical reading, and syntopical reading, to achieve a deeper understanding of the material.
It describes the art of reading as the process by which a mind elevates itself through its own operations on the symbols of readable matter.
The authors emphasize active reading, highlighting the importance of keen observation, available memory, range of imagination, and an intellect trained in analysis and reflection.
The book provides practical lessons on how to read books effectively, including inspectional reading, analytical reading, and syntopical reading, to achieve a deeper understanding of the material.
Mentioned by















Mentioned in 50 episodes
Mentioned by 

to explain the concept of skillful reading and how people often fail to absorb material due to a lack of skill, not just a lack of interest.


Andy Matuschak

1,349 snips
Andy Matuschak - Self-Teaching, Spaced Repetition, & Why Books Don’t Work
Mentioned by 

when discussing the analytical and interpretive levels of reading.


Andy Matuschak

560 snips
Intellectual Exoskeletons — Andy Matuschak
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book discussing syntopical reading, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing information from multiple sources.

Mike Schmitz

409 snips
154: Building a Second Brain, with Tiago Forte
Mentioned by 

as a recommended book on reading strategies.


Michael Mauboussin

344 snips
#1 Michael Mauboussin: When To Trust Your Gut
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

for his concept of syntopical reading and its relevance to note-taking.

Mike Schmitz

321 snips
159: The Art of Note-Taking
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to the concept of syntopical reading and connecting ideas from different sources.

Mike Schmitz

302 snips
209: A System for Writing, with Bob Doto
Mentioned by 

as a resource for understanding different reading techniques.


Rob Henderson

213 snips
#748 - Rob Henderson - How Privileged Thinking Drives Our Entire Culture
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in the context of syntopical reading, comparing multiple books on a topic to form a comprehensive understanding.

Mike Schmitz

188 snips
221: A Focus on Creativity
Mentioned by 

as a book on how to improve reading comprehension and understanding.


Kyle Grieve

152 snips
TIP641: Improve Decision Making with Mental Models w/ Clay Finck & Kyle Grieve
Mentioned by 

in the context of a deep reading method.


Mike Schmitz

141 snips
188: Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that details a process for identifying the structure of a book.

Mike Schmitz

108 snips
164: Mind Mapping
Mentioned by Mike as a book on reading techniques that Naval Ravikant could learn from to improve his approach.

106 snips
170: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgensen
Recommended by 

for its insights on effective reading.


Kyle Grieve

95 snips
TIP666: Compounding Beyond Wealth: Unlocking Life’s Hidden Potential w/ Clay Finck & Kyle Grieve
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to engaging with authors while reading.

Mike Schmitz

90 snips
192: Flow State
Mentioned by 

in relation to the style and approach of "The Great Mental Models" book.


Mike Schmitz

75 snips
113: The Great Mental Models Volume 1 by Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that influenced his reading system.

Mike Schmitz

64 snips
196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in the context of syntopical reading and book analysis.

Mike Schmitz

60 snips
176: Doing Less
Recommended by Mortimer Adler for how to intelligently read books.

60 snips
Buffett Does It. Most Value Investors Don’t | Robert Hagstrom on the Real Key to Compounding [Excess Returns Podcast]
Mentioned by 

and 

as a book that impacted their reading habits despite not initially enjoying it.


Mike Schmitz


Joe Buleg

58 snips
132: So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
Mentioned by 

as an example of a book that has gained relevance in the digital age.


Mike Schmitz

56 snips
179: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber