The speaker discusses the importance of reading for self-education and not just for entertainment. They emphasize the need to read with purpose, discerning valuable content from "water" or unnecessary information. The speaker recommends a brochure published in Moscow in 1971, which taught them how to read effectively and improve their reading quality. They also mention various reading goals, such as reading for information, moral impact, or studying art, and stress the importance of understanding and critiquing what one reads for deeper assimilation of knowledge. The speaker advises against bad reading habits like skimming and encourages thorough, focused reading practices. They conclude by highlighting the relevance of these principles in today's context of abundant text and information overload.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A brochure about how to read books was published in Moscow in 1971.
2. The brochure was a reissue of a book first published in 1924.
3. The brochure was written by a professor.
4. The professor emphasized the importance of setting a goal for reading.
5. The professor identified four main groups of reading purposes: reading for fun, reading for information, reading for moral inspiration, and reading for self-education.
6. The professor emphasized the importance of perseverance and patience in reading.
7. The professor identified bad habits that can hinder good reading, such as impatience, laziness, and the habit of throwing a book away without finishing it.
8. The professor recommended several techniques for effective reading, including underlining, making notes, and creating extracts.
9. The professor emphasized the importance of evaluating and criticizing what one reads.
10. The professor recommended rereading and reflecting on what one has read.
11. The professor provided a set of "reader's commandments" to guide effective reading.
12. The professor recommended choosing books that are challenging but rewarding to read.
13. The professor recommended reading books that are considered classics or timeless.
14. The professor recommended seeking guidance from specialists or experts in choosing books to read.
15. The professor's book was written over 100 years ago but remains relevant today.