Contemplative reading by Mortimer Adler & Sven Birkerts

Contemplative reading is a practice that can deepen one's engagement with literature, and both Mortimer Adler and Sven Birkerts have contributed ideas relevant to this topic.

Mortimer Adler's Insights

Mortimer Adler, renowned for his influential work "How to Read a Book," emphasized the importance of engaging deeply with texts. He advocates for a structured reading approach, including techniques such as skimming to understand the book's structure before diving deeper. This approach enhances comprehension and retention, encouraging readers to draw connections across their readings, known as syntopical reading 1 2.

Sven Birkerts' Perspective

Sven Birkerts is known for his thoughts on the meditative aspects of reading, where the act of reading can be a profound, immersive experience. His work often highlights how contemplative reading can help counterbalance modern life's rapid pace, offering a chance for introspection and deep thinking.

The Art of Contemplative Reading

James Schall, in an episode on "The Art of Manliness," discusses how reading inherently involves contemplation. He describes reading as akin to "conversing with friends," where literature serves as a gateway to deeper truths and understanding, comparable to seeking the essence of a person through dialogue. This meditative engagement with texts fosters a richer appreciation of the material and can lead to personal growth and insight 3.

Together, these perspectives highlight contemplative reading as an intentional and reflective practice, emphasizing the significance of reading as a transformative and mind-expanding exercise.