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self-directed study // reading: ultimate goals

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goals of reading - How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler

goals of reading – How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler

Getting more information is learning, and so is coming to understand what you did not understand before. -Mortimer J. Adler

Knowing something as well as being able to explain it, asking questions and being enlightened are goals of active reading.

the how// reading and growth of the mind:

What does active reading entail? … it suffices to say that, given the same thing to read, one person reads it better than another, first, by reading it more actively, and second, by performing each of the acts involved more skillfully.

You will not improve as a reader if all you read are books that are well within your capacity. You must tackle books that are beyond you … books that are over your head. Only books of that sort will make you stretch your mind. And unless you stretch, you will not learn.

-Mortimer J. Adler, How to Read a Book

ultimate goals of reading - Mortimer J Adler

contents, How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler

[The Five Steps of Syntopical Reading]

  1. Finding the Relevant Passages
  2. Bringing the Author to Terms
  3. Getting the Questions Clear
  4. Defining the Issues
  5. Analyzing the Discussion

The syntopical reader, in short, tries to look at all sides and to take no sides. -Mortimer J. Adler

the process of reading - Mortimer J Adler

The mind can atrophy, like the muscles, it is it not used. Atrophy of the mental muscles is the penalty that we pay for not taking mental exercise. And it is a terrible penalty, for there is evidence that atrophy of the mind is a mortal disease.

Reading well, which means reading actively, is thus not only a good in itself, nor is it merely a means to advancement in our work or career. It also serves to keep out minds alive and growing.

-Mortimer J. Adler, How to Read a Book

beginnings - stargardenerWe can carve time out of thin air, or we can fill up even infinite stretches of time with nothingness. These are our choices. -Eric Maisel

  • Without creative systems we live in a constant, reactionary state. Such a state is exhausting and only allows minimal space for creativity.
  • When sequential tasks and repetitive routines are noted, scheduled and honored, our time and energy are maximized. Allowing space for new choices + new self-directed education.

current reading stack

// other posts in this series:

showing up - Big Magic - GilbertLet’s share what we are reading …

Are you reading a new book? Rereading a favorite book? Have you started your own self-directed study? I would love to know what you are reading, Braveheart. Let’s share glimpses from what we are reading via Instagram!

Prompts and ideas:

  • a page or book cover
  • your book stack
  • a quotation from your reading

Share via Instagram using the hashtag #RBPSelfDirectedStudy or join me in the Creative Planning Lab, a private group on Facebook.


During the month of October, I have been sharing daily posts with ideas about why and how to create and foster a self-directed study. Friday’s topic has been notes from Mortimer J. Adler’s How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading.

Paying attention to what has your attention is the essential first step. What piques your interest? Which activities, skill sets and/or authors appeal to you, Braveheart? Will you allow time and space to explore and to value a self-directed study?

  • If you are interested in experimenting with Right Brain Planner™ planning pages, click here to purchase and receive an instant download.
  • Are we connected via social media? Here is a summary page of other sites where I enjoy posting and being in-community.

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