I used to think I was cool because I read a LOT – I thought the number mattered. Then my coach told me "Nobody cares how many books you read." I didn't believe him at the time — but now I do. Who cares if you read 10 or 100 or 1000 books? That's surface-level. What matters is what you've learned.
As someone who still reads with the voice in her head (because I am incapable of faster speeds), this piece from an ex-fast-reader was eye-opening, reassuring, and so on point. Love your insights on how reading wasn't meant to be performative, it is always deeply personal. There is a magic in the process that disappears when we're caught up with how fast (or slow) we are reading. Great piece, Silvio! (And love the title!)
I forgot everything that I fast read. Most retention happened when I was slow reading. And memory lasts a long time too! Good to know that I’m not alone in thinking that fast reading is counter productive.
Wow Silvio, this was excellent. You're a great writer.
You captured exactly how I feel about reading and I love the conclusions you came to about deep reading and your renewed focus on reading slowly.
Awesome work :)
Thank you so much for reading this, Tommy. :)
I used to think I was cool because I read a LOT – I thought the number mattered. Then my coach told me "Nobody cares how many books you read." I didn't believe him at the time — but now I do. Who cares if you read 10 or 100 or 1000 books? That's surface-level. What matters is what you've learned.
100%, Leo. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for reading and commenting :)
Such a great title! I forced myself to slow down while reading this.
Thank you, Arman :))
As someone who still reads with the voice in her head (because I am incapable of faster speeds), this piece from an ex-fast-reader was eye-opening, reassuring, and so on point. Love your insights on how reading wasn't meant to be performative, it is always deeply personal. There is a magic in the process that disappears when we're caught up with how fast (or slow) we are reading. Great piece, Silvio! (And love the title!)
Thank you, Malavika. Always so precise and thoughtful with your comments :)
I forgot everything that I fast read. Most retention happened when I was slow reading. And memory lasts a long time too! Good to know that I’m not alone in thinking that fast reading is counter productive.
Glad you can relate, Jisoo. Slow reading is so underrated:)