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Awful Quote by Arnold Bennett

“The second suggestion is to think as well as to read. I know people who read and read, and for all the good it does them they might just as well cut bread-and-butter. They take to reading as better men take to drink. They fly through the shires of literature on a motor-car, their sole object being…” quote by Arnold Bennett
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“The second suggestion is to think as well as to read. I know people who read and read, and for all the good it does them they might just as well cut bread-and-butter. They take to reading as better men take to drink. They fly through the shires of literature on a motor-car, their sole object being motion. They will tell you how many books they have read in a year. Unless you give at least 45 minutes to careful, fatiguing reflection (it is an awful bore at first) upon what you are reading, your 90 minutes of a night are chiefly wasted.”

Arnold Bennett

About This Quote

Source Book: The Book of Life, Arnold Bennett, 1905

Reading without deep reflection is superficial; true understanding requires dedicated, thoughtful contemplation.

In simple terms: Reading alone isn’t enough; think about what you read.

Key Takeaway

Spend at least 45 minutes reflecting on each reading session.

Themes

reading reflection depth learning critical thinking

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Academic study
  • personal development
  • book clubs
  • research
  • writing

Key Concepts

Cognitive processing metacognition literary appreciation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reflection change your perception of a book?
  • What strategies help sustain deep thinking?
A Different Perspective

Reflection can be tedious and may discourage casual readers.

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