A simple guide to refer to, when I naturally forget.
- Read for wisdom and use.
Read to understand why things happen and to live better, not to collect trivia or look smart. With every book (and even every chapter), ask: “What do I plan to do with this?” - Make reading a daily, non-negotiable habit.
Always keep a book with me (or loaded on my phone), keep a book in the car, and use small pockets of time to read. Books are a necessity, not a luxury—if a book genuinely calls to me and I can afford it, buy it. - Engage actively with every book.
Read with a pen in hand. Underline, annotate, dog-ear, and keep a commonplace book or quick-access space for quotes and ideas. Do not settle for the gist. Read prefaces, forewords, and follow footnotes and bibliographies to deepen my understanding. - Protect my time: quit freely, choose carefully.
Life is too short for bad or mediocre books, and good decision-making in selection should lower the chances of a failed reading. Stop reading when a book isn’t rewarding, and expect long books to justify their length. Give popular books a fair shot but don’t let cool titles or pretty covers be the source of attraction. - Build long-term relationships with books and authors.
Re-read the books that have been important to me. I’ve changed even when they haven’t.