The EI Podcast

Nietzsche’s manifesto for reading

Jan 29, 2026
Ioannes Chountis de Fabbri, reader and essay contributor, narrates a reflection on Nietzsche and the art of reading. He explores philology as slow, attentive reading. He contrasts disciplined, transformative readers with superficial idlers. He frames deliberate, sometimes painful reading as resistance to modern restlessness.
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INSIGHT

Reading As A Philological Practice

  • Nietzsche rooted his injunction to read slowly in his philological training and practice.
  • Slow reading creates distance for reflection, precision and patient textual work.
INSIGHT

Slow Reading As Cultural Resistance

  • Nietzsche frames proper reading as resistance to modern speed, efficiency and superficial grasp.
  • He hoped slow reading would shape a future culture valuing reflection and precision.
ADVICE

Read Actively, Not Passively

  • Read actively by confronting and wrestling with texts instead of passively consuming slogans.
  • Cultivate patience and discipline to refine understanding through difficulty.
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