How to actually learn from books?

[Raphael]

How do you learn from the books that you read? I personally take notes in my commonplace book but the issue is that I quickly forget the content, so I have to go back to my notes. I would like to be able to remember and understand more from what I'm reading.

[Vali2003]

Re-reading them, I guess. You could also follow the strategy in the video below, but it's quite a pain in the ass. I find that applying the ideas from a book, discussing the contents with friends or mulling them over through the day also helps.

It kind of depends what sort of book it is. If it's the practical kind, applying it to whatever topic it's about is probably the best method. For politics, discussing it helps.  

This video is if you really want to remember shit and study it. But, like I said above, it requires a lot of effort. But you can't get around that anyways. And, if the book is great, it may be worth it. 

 

 

[Leo Gura]

Your mind will not remember things it does not need.

Be careful trying to memorize a bunch of trival knowledge. Your mind is designed to remember what is practical to it.

[Ramasta9]

2 hours ago, Raphael said:

How do you learn from the books that you read? I personally take notes in my commonplace book but the issue is that I quickly forget the content, so I have to go back to my notes. I would like to be able to remember and understand more from what I'm reading.

When you read books ideally you want to be in a clear and mindful state, in a noiseless environment, ideally in nature if possible but anywhere quiet is good and turn off your phones, notifications, devices, shut off and go deep into the book. This will help you absorb better and especially if you aren't jumping from book to smart phone to multiple activities during the day, you absorb and retain better by focusing only or mostly on the book with natural breaks for toilet and eating and meditation. The next important thing is to actually apply and practice the things you are reading, make them into reality, this transforms the knowledge into wisdom by applied action not just reading and taking notes. I only need to read a book once properly and never need to read it again unless i didn't do it the way I just explained here. Hope this helps. 

[Nick_98]

2 hours ago, Raphael said:

How do you learn from the books that you read? I personally take notes in my commonplace book but the issue is that I quickly forget the content, so I have to go back to my notes. I would like to be able to remember and understand more from what I'm reading.

Look the thing is if it is not an interesting read it won’t stick to your head.

Ask yourself one simple question. What’s interesting in what I am reading? If you can spot the interesting thing you’ll be engaged with it and learn a lot more, but if you ask this question and you don’t find anything interesting chances are the book is not the right one for you.

[SimpleGuy]

Apply what you read.

[Raphael]

Thanks for your answers. I never thought about the fact that my mind won't learn something it doesn't need.