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Ask HN: How do you read?
Hi guys, I was wondering how do you process reading, especially books.
I seem to enjoy reading and make notes/highlights, and at the end feel that I’ll only be able to remember (let alone apply) 5% of what I learned. Any general or specific recommendation on getting most out of your reading?
- CyberFonic 9y agoI presume you are referring to books that you wish to learn from. I used to read fast and retain very little. So I have conditioned myself to slow down, take notes, but more importantly act on each bit of information. For example, if I come across a new concept I will write a program and "play" with it. By implementing the concept I gain a deeper insight. By trying out different scenarios I get a grasp on the limitations, etc. Then as I progress with the book, the try-outs become more and more complex. My techniques have helped me with programming, networking, electronics books. But even with mathematics. There are many concepts which only became clear when I wrote simple programs to try to use them. Sometimes getting a good visualisation took lots of time to get right, but in doing so I ended up with a better mental model.
- PaulHoule 9y agoI like to read technical books on my tablet while I spin at the gym, and read them again, and read them again. This builds foundational knowledge and is a big accelerator if you are simultaneously putting the technology to work.