How to Efficiently Digest a Book? – Sponge Reading Method
Reading is a high-compound-interest activity.
People who read regularly and those who don’t develop widening cognitive gaps over time. And among readers, those who truly engage with the text learn far more than those who merely consume words.
So how can we absorb a book’s essence efficiently?
The Purpose of Reading
What is the purpose of reading?
Why do people fail? Why do they suffer?
At root, it’s because their perception of the world strays from reality. The larger this gap, the higher the cost of living in illusion.
For example, Emma Bovary’s romantic illusions clashed with tedious reality—ending in tragedy.
Some create brilliant products but find no buyers—because what they value most holds little value for others.
How can we bridge that gap to reality?
- Interact with reality: practice, fail, and refine.
- Learn from others’ experience—reading is the fastest, most economical way.
The world is huge, yet we each inhabit a smaller sphere of our own.
Our life’s mission is to solve the problems that arise within our personal world.
Every book addresses one or more of those problems—our motivations and interests stem from these needs.
This book’s problem map:
The Five-Step Reading Process
Now that we know why we read, how do we read?
Based on the author’s guidance, here are five steps:
1. Clarify Motivation
Decide if the book warrants your limited attention.
2. Survey the Framework
Skim the preface, contents, or summary to grasp key questions and solutions—this tells you whether to skim or deep-read.
3. Outline the Structure
Read through, then map the chapters and main points.
Example outline:
4. Reconstruct the Framework
Review your outline. If unclear, reread and refine, turning the book’s structure into your own.
Reconstructed example:
This step forges a personal connection to the author’s ideas.
5. Deliberate Practice
Apply ideas to real situations. Actions cement insights more than passive review.
Putting It Into Action
How do we make lasting change rather than revert to old habits?
The author says:
But if unanchored, the “new self” slips back. Short-term memory fades—about 70% lost in one day, 80% in a month.
The solution? Interconnect insights into a cohesive knowledge network.
Note
For instance, to remember “133589101031,” instead of rote repetition, spot a pattern (e.g., today’s date) so a single anchor lets you reconstruct the rest.
Likewise, weave individual learnings into a retrieval-friendly map.
Intentional note-taking is key—detailed methods to follow in the next session.
Author: Li Xiao Mo, a veteran content creator leveraging years of reading and writing to tackle common challenges—habit formation, speed, retention, note-taking, application, and monetization. Highly recommended for anyone seeking maximum return on reading.
Finally, here’s a quote to conclude today’s reading:
— Sponge Reading Method
Sponge Reading Method
- Author: Li Xiao Mo
- Publication Year: 2023.9
- Category: Personal Growth
— From @不略
The hardest skills yield the greatest rewards; tolerance for discomfort begins mastery.
