a history of knowledge by charles van doren pdf fre

He provided substantial literary material and rewrote the first edition of this book. The second author Charles van Doren, who was a professor at Columbia University and later left his position to edit the ‘Encyclopedia Britannica’ with Adler. He was the chief editor of ‘Great Books of the Western World’ and directed the editing of the 15th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Adler, who was a scholar, educator, and editor. This book not only introduces general methods for reading, giving specific techniques for different types of books, but also discusses the essence and meaning of reading. The author’s deep contemplation and broad view on the subject, can make reading much easier for people who both do not understand it and are exploring it for the first time. Since its first publication in 1940, it has received a positive reception in many Western countries, leading it to being republished several times. Such is the importance of ‘How to Read a Book’, a reading guide which will offer you detailed guidance for reading. But in fact, we need to apply different speeds and methods when reading different books. In another example of our inaccurate perspective of reading, some people apply the same speed and reading method to whichever book they are browsing.

Therefore, reading is also an activity that requires an active initiative: the more intentional you are, the better the effect. The catcher's active initiative to catch the ball, is the same active intention as that of the pitcher and hitter. They suggested that the reception involved in reading is not an act as simple as inheriting a fortune it is rather more similar to a catcher catching a ball during a baseball game. However, the authors of this book refute such a view. For example, many people think that reading is just another form of listening: it is a passive acquisition of information. Moreover, our perspectives on how to read are not entirely correct. We can only attain true growth when we read books that seem to surpass our abilities. However, the authors believe that even if we are college graduates, schools have not taught us how to properly read a book.Īlthough we browse the internet for a variety of information, and sometimes even read novels for entertainment, this book suggests that while such type of reading is informative and entertaining, it does not help us improve our understanding and minds. Many people may scoff at the title of this book, thinking that as most of us have already received at least ten years of education, we don’t need to be taught how to read a book. Today we will be unlocking ‘How to Read A Book’.

A history of knowledge by charles van doren pdf fre