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Great speed in reading is a dubious achievement; it is of…

“Great speed in reading is a dubious achievement; it is of value only if what you have to read is not worth reading. A better formula is this: Every book should be read no more slowly than it deserves, and no more quickly than you can read it with satisfaction and comprehension.” quote by Mortimer J. Adler
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““Great speed in reading is a dubious achievement; it is of value only if what you have to read is not worth reading. A better formula is this: Every book should be read no more slowly than it deserves, and no more quickly than you can read it with satisfaction and comprehension.””

Mortimer J. Adler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Reading speed is only valuable when comprehension and enjoyment are maintained; read at a pace that matches the material’s worth.

In simple terms: Read fast only if you understand and enjoy it.

Key Takeaway

Match speed to content value.

Themes

reading habits learning efficiency literary appreciation

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • leisure reading
  • exam preparation
  • book clubs

Key Concepts

comprehension satisfaction reading speed value assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What texts deserve slower reading?
  • How do you gauge reading satisfaction?
A Different Perspective

Speed reading can sacrifice depth and retention.

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