Mastering the Art of Speed Reading: Insights from a Self-Taught Enthusiast

Speed reading has long fascinated individuals seeking to consume vast amounts of information in a shorter amount of time. Howard Stephen Berg from the US and Maria Teresa Calderon from the Philippines are among those who have broken world records in reading speed, with impressive times of 25000 and 80000 words per minute, respectively. While their feats are remarkable, for the average reader such as myself, the journey begins with a simple desire to understand and absorb more from the material at hand.

According to a speed reading test, I currently read at a pace of 3293 words per minute (wpm). I’m no natural speed reader. Growing up, I was a slow learner, taking nearly three minutes to read a single page of a novel. Inspired by a desire for more knowledge, I embarked on a challenging journey to improve my reading speed and comprehension. This tested not only my patience but also my dedication to continuous improvement.

A Journey into Speed Reading

At 17, I joined a group of colleagues in a friendly competition, aiming to read more books than others over a year. This challenge pushed me to explore various philosophical works, including Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Arthur Schopenhauer. Initially, skepticism surrounded speed reading techniques, but a genuine interest in the subject matter and a relentless pursuit of knowledge turned that skepticism into belief. My daily practice and exploration of speed reading methods helped me develop unique strategies that suited my needs.

Unleashing Speed Reading Potential

The art of speed reading is more than mere speed; it’s about understanding and retaining information. Over time, I refined my techniques, making reading more complex philosophical texts like those by Edmund Husserl, Franz Brentano, Martin Heidegger, and Gottlob Frege a manageable task. My daily practice helped me break down texts, comprehend abstract concepts, and retain the essence of the information presented.

Techniques and Strategies

Speed reading is not just about reading quickly but also about efficiency and comprehension. Here are a few techniques I use:

Skimming and Scanning: Quickly identifying key information without reading every word. Contextual Reading: Understanding the context to infer meaning without breaking the flow of reading. visible Vocabulary: Recognizing and understanding common words to improve reading speed. Reading Habits: Adopting a consistent reading posture and pace can significantly enhance speed.

The development of these techniques has been pivotal in expanding my knowledge base and understanding of complex philosophical ideas. Every book I read contributes to my overall growth, making the process both challenging and rewarding.

Challenging Boundaries

My focus now lies on mastering the speed reading of highly complex philosophical texts. Breaking down these works has not only broadened my understanding but has also challenged me to push my limits further. The continuous application of these techniques makes my daily reading sessions both enlightening and invigorating.

Conclusion

While speed reading may seem like a superpower, it is a skill that can be acquired through practice and patience. I am not a savant or naturally gifted in speed reading. Instead, I am a self-taught enthusiast who has honed my skills over the years, transforming my early struggles into a powerful tool for knowledge acquisition. If you too are interested in mastering speed reading, consider starting with small steps and building up your skills gradually. The journey to becoming a faster reader is both exciting and fulfilling.

Note: I do question the reliability of the speed reading test linked here, but it serves as a general benchmark for many individuals.