Mortimer Adler has outlined four distinct steps that describe how exactly we should read in order to derive the most benefit from it. If you’re reading this, you’ve already completed the first step, which is learning how to read. Following that, you need to learn how to identify resources worth reading. This can be done by skimming through parts of a book and seeing whether it appeals to our interests. Once we find some suitable books, we utilize analytical reading, wherein you closely analyze what it is that you’re reading. Figure out the main thesis of your book, what genre or category it falls under, the historical context of the author’s arguments, etc. Lastly, read several different books on the same subject and compare the arguments they present in what is known as syntopical reading.

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