“The mark of a good reader is someone who actively engages with a text, rather than just passively consuming it.” A reader who truly gains understanding and insight from a book is one who actively participates in the reading process by annotating and interacting with the text, rather than simply reading it without any critical thought or analysis. In “How to Mark a Book,” Mortimer Adler argues that actively engaging with a text through the practice of annotating is essential for truly understanding and learning from a book. Adler asserts that the act of marking up a book forces the reader to slow down and really think about the content, rather than simply skimming for surface level comprehension. He also emphasizes the importance of rereading marked up texts, as the notes and annotations serve as a guide for deeper understanding and retention of the material.
Adler explains that marking a book does not necessarily mean writing all over the pages or defacing the text in any way. Instead, he suggests highlighting or underlining important passages and writing notes in the margins that reflect on or further explain the text. Adler also advises readers to be selective in their annotations and to focus on the main arguments and key concepts rather than trying to annotate every single detail. Adler argues that marking a book is a form of dialogue with the author. By writing notes and asking questions in the margins, the reader is able to engage with the author’s ideas and thoughts and to form their own opinions and responses. Adler also suggests that the act of marking a book can help the reader to remember and retain the material more effectively. Overall, Adler’s main message in “How to Mark a Book” is that the practice of annotating a text is an essential component of truly engaging with and learning from a book. He encourages readers to slow down, think critically, and actively participate in the reading process in order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material.