People often say, "Reading is good." However, simply wanting to read is not the same as taking action and truly loving it.
Brother Fang, a Christian living in a southern city, shared his reading journey with the Christian Times, an online Chrisitan newspaper covering the church in China. It’s easy to assume he must have cultivated excellent reading habits since childhood and is an avid reader. However, he revealed that his love for reading only began after receiving guidance from his friends.
A Past of “Fake Reading”
Fang admitted with a hint of shame that, in his younger years, he lacked ambition and led a carefree life. Though he often bought books to impress others, those books would either sit in a corner gathering dust or fail to capture his attention. He confessed that he didn’t know what to read or how to approach reading.
After starting a family, Fang hoped to improve his family’s living conditions by advancing in his career. With this goal in mind, he purchased numerous professional books and began reading with a practical purpose. However, he found the process was arduous and painful, and without any effect.
An Encounter with an Elite Friend
At a low point in his reading journey, Fang came across an article related to his work that a friend had shared. After reaching out to the author, Fang was deeply impressed by the author's character and knowledge. What struck him most was discovering that the key to the author's success lay in extensive reading.
Over time, Fang developed a friendship with this industry elite, who was not only accomplished professionally but also engaged in guest lecturing and academic research. Fang looked up to him as a mentor in reading. Inspired by his friend's guidance, Fang gradually embarked on a journey of systematic reading.
Methods for Effective Reading
In Fang's view, reading is a "low-cost, high-yield" method of learning. He shared his approach to reading through four key principles:
First, cultivate an interest in reading. For those who lack interest, Fang suggests starting with topics they are passionate about or have a need for, gradually developing a deeper interest in reading.
Second, read classic pieces first. With the vast variety of modern books available, it is easy to fall into the dilemma of selecting. Fang recommends starting with timeless Chinese and foreign classics, as these have stood the test of time. Initially, try skimming through the books, then classify them and read them again. On subsequent readings, much of the content will begin to be internalized and become part of your knowledge base.
Third, it is best to use paper books, take notes, and engage in deeper reflection. Fang advises writing down questions, thoughts, and notes as you read. Reading should not just be about absorbing knowledge; the ultimate goal is to connect the content of the book to your own life, creating a personal reading experience. Fang employs two strategies: one is to directly extract and quote from the book, and the other is to reflect on the content and relate it to real-life experiences, summarizing personal insights.
Fourth, build your reading system. Start by broadening your reading range. Reading too narrowly can lead to bias. Fang suggests that if one finds scientific books too academic, one can begin with popular science books. However, he emphasizes that reading scientific books can help develop strong logical and structured thinking. After reading for a period of time, it’s essential to "focus." Integrate the knowledge gained with one’s own questions, current state, and areas of expertise. As the reading content is gradually integrated, one can build a personal reading and knowledge system.
Fang believes that the knowledge gained through reading has had a profound impact on him. "For a while, I focused on books about faith. Later, I decided to broaden my perspective and explore faith through the lenses of science, culture, art, and history. I also examined other subjects from a faith perspective, and I found it to be a very interesting experience."
He shared that these various fields of knowledge have enabled him to approach different people and situations with a better understanding of their ideas and opinions. "When facing challenges, the improvement in my cognitive abilities allows me to rise above them, even if the problems remain. Reading helps people see this era more clearly and think independently," he added.
Reading is Key, Writing Comes Naturally
Reading has become a part of his daily life, much like eating. He also has a strong preference for writing, as reading often sparks numerous thoughts and insights. Writing, in turn, serves as an effective learning method, where "output reinforces input." This practice not only deepens his understanding and assimilation of the reading material but also allows him to document and share meaningful ideas.
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
