The issue at hand, was the General's use of reading as a way to ensure the things he is in charge of building (Marines), do not go to waste. Long in the making,

The issue at hand, was the General's use of reading as a way to ensure the things he is in charge of building (Marines), do not go to waste. Long in the making, quick in the breaking. > I have to see something applied in practice, on my own, before I can really internalize something and grow. This skill, reading, takes a while to develop. Understanding what is said and not said, and what it means in context takes practice and deliberate thought. Learning while building works well only when your effective materials cost (as in software) is zero.