The art of reading is to skip judiciously.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: At its essence, the quote "The art of reading is to skip judiciously" encapsulates a profound wisdom about the skill of reading and understanding written material. To truly grasp its depth, let's dissect it.
Firstly, "the art of reading" implies that reading is not merely a mechanical activity but rather a nuanced and cultivated skill. It suggests that reading is not just about decoding words on a page but involves a deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the text.
The phrase "to skip judiciously" introduces the idea of selectivity in reading. It advises against the passive consumption of every word and instead advocates for discernment in what to skip or overlook. This is where the artistry lies – in knowing when to delve deep into a passage and when to glide over it lightly.
Now, let's explore the significance of "judiciously." To be judicious means to exercise sound judgment or discretion. In the context of reading, it implies making wise choices about what parts of the text warrant close attention and which can be skimmed over or omitted entirely. It's about striking a balance between thoroughness and efficiency, ensuring that the reader's time and energy are invested where they will yield the greatest understanding and insight.
This concept challenges the notion that reading necessarily entails absorbing every word in a linear fashion. Instead, it suggests that skipping – whether it be entire paragraphs, sections, or even chapters – can be a strategic and effective way to navigate through complex or verbose texts. By skipping judiciously, readers can focus their attention on the most crucial or relevant information, saving time and avoiding unnecessary mental clutter.
Moreover, the quote implies that skipping is not a sign of laziness or intellectual deficiency but rather a skillful approach to managing the vast amount of information available to us. In today's world, where we are bombarded with texts from various sources, the ability to skip judiciously is more valuable than ever. It allows us to be selective in our reading, prioritizing quality over quantity and ensuring that we engage meaningfully with the material that matters most to us.
In essence, "The art of reading is to skip judiciously" encourages readers to approach texts with intentionality and discernment. It invites us to embrace the fluidity of the reading process, recognizing that not all words are created equal and that sometimes, less is more. By mastering the art of skipping judiciously, we can unlock the full potential of our reading experience, extracting maximum value from the texts we encounter and enriching our understanding of the world around us.
Who said the quote?
The quote "The art of reading is to skip judiciously." is often attributed to Alexander Hamilton (Bio / Quotes). Alexander Hamilton was an American statesman, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
