The Big Idea

Adler and Van Doren describe four levels of reading: elementary, inspectional, analytical and syntopical. Most of us read every book the same way. The skill is matching the level to the book and to what you need from it.

The book on your bedside table and the report in your inbox are being read with the same slow, front-to-back habit. Choosing a level before you start saves hours and makes the important books land deeper.

Source: How to Read a Book · Station 1 of 12