Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 60, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 April 1898 — Reading with the Pencil. [ARTICLE]

Reading with the Pencil.

One must own his books to do it. Scribbling in other people’s books, even those of a library, Is a nuisance. Owning the books—here is a hint or two; A clear mental grasp must precede any helpful marking. Skimming may do for some purposes, but will not leave much in the brain pf the man who does it. Look first for ideas. They are more important than words. Mark the idea. Drawing lines underneath will help to make it prominent If you have occasion to look it up afterward. In seeking for ideas think whether they confirm your own or differ from them. Have you seen the same thought expressed elsewhere? If so, locate the place and make a note on the page referring to It. Distinguish between facts and opinions, between proved and assumed facts. Your reading should be stimulating to your own thought, and that thought must not be a mere echo of what the author says. Some books are intended to show the beauties of language. They appeal to the artistic instinct. In thorn you are to look for perfection of form. When such beauty Is found, mark it! If a noble Idea Is cast in a perfect mould of words, commit It to memory; it will serve you well in conversation, writing or public speech. When a book is finished go over it hastily again. See where yPu have marked it, and why. If you have done It well, you will discover that the marked passages will give a synopsis of the book. Marking with a pencil is valuable only as it stimulates close mental applieation and absorption. This is difficult at first, but may become habitual.—Saturday Evening Post.