The Lost Art

For this Sunday read, I wanted to explore the concept of “thinking while reading” under the theme of “The Lost Art.”

In today’s world, perhaps the fastest-consumed “product” is information. While we take pride in the rapid growth of knowledge, that very magnitude now overwhelms us.

We read, listen, watch… but often without thinking. We are exposed to information—passively, without processing it.

The culture of fast consumption has transformed not just our eating habits, but our mental world as well. We scan articles in 8 seconds. Books are consumed in summarized versions. Articles are reduced to headlines. And without noticing, our deep reading muscles weaken. If something is too long, we skip it. And before we know it, a whole society is caught in a storm of unprocessed opinions, vulnerable to manipulation. We become part of Plato’s cave while unknowingly living Dante’s inferno. The story could go on and on.

What is deep reading?
• Understanding not just what the text says, but why it says it
• Generating counterarguments while reading
• Connecting with the text emotionally and experientially

Maryanne Wolf, in her book Proust and the Squid, says:
“Reading is the brain’s greatest invention; it produces not just knowledge, but empathy.”

In companies, one of the things that defines the quality of a leader’s decisions is this very habit of deep reading. Because a deep reader:
• Sees context
• Recognizes complex relationships
• Understands how ideas evolve

If you’re looking to dive into books from different disciplines that explore thoughtful reading, here are my recommendations:

1️⃣ Proust and the Squid – Maryanne Wolf
A masterpiece that explores how reading shapes the brain, blending neuroscience and literature. It changes the way you view the act of reading.

2️⃣ The Shallows – Nicholas Carr
Explains how the internet and digital age have reshaped our attention spans and capacity for deep thought.

3️⃣ How to Read a Book – Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doren
A classic guide to the art of reading—from basic techniques to analytical and syntopical reading.

4️⃣ Meditations – Marcus Aurelius
The philosophical notes of a Roman Emperor. Simple, yet profound—timeless thoughts that spark deep reflection.

Sunday exercise suggestion:
Choose an article or book today, silence all digital distractions, and spend 20 minutes with just that text. Highlight, take notes, pause and reflect. You’ll notice—it doesn’t just give you information; it gives you a new perspective.

And remember:
“It’s easy to float on the surface, but those who dive deep find the pearls.”

With care and reflection.