The Value of Slow Reading

Recent insights suggest that our habit of skimming may actually hinder our productivity. It's time to embrace the art of thorough reading and relish the journey through each page…

Until technology evolves to the point where we can instantly transfer information into our minds, reading remains one of the most effective ways to absorb knowledge. On average, adults read at a pace of approximately 250 to 300 words per minute. This speed can vary depending on purpose and text type, but it generally surpasses the rate at which we listen. We have become adept at skim reading, a skill honed by the need to quickly identify valuable content amidst cleverly concealed advertisements.

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling self-conscious about my reading speed. It often feels like a marathon just to get through a book, and during meetings, if I’m asked to read a brief, my health app might mistakenly record my struggle as cold water swimming. This has been a small insecurity of mine since I first learned to decipher these amusing symbols on pages.

There are various factors contributing to my slow reading. A lack of regular reading habits, a preference for complex subjects, and a passion for delving deeply into new ideas top the list. Regardless, my love for books, articles, and diverse forms of information remains steadfast. Whenever I encounter an intriguing title, my inner enthusiast awakens. Unfortunately, I often conflate owning a book with truly understanding its contents, and I find it challenging to absorb information at the pace I wish.

In 2011, despite having read only a few titles voluntarily until then, I resolved to become a genuine reader—one of those intellectuals who always has something insightful to share. I wanted to find joy in reading itself, not just in the knowledge it imparts. To achieve this, I decided to eliminate distractions: people, the television, or any electronic devices. I took myself to a quaint coffee shop, armed with just a book and determination. Yet, the noises from the espresso machine and fellow patrons tested my concentration as I struggled to immerse myself in the text.

For me, it felt akin to training for a marathon. Years later, I still carry the same book on multiple flights, hopeful that these uninterrupted hours will help me tackle my reading list. Gradually, I’ve begun to accept my slower pace as a means to savor content fully.

Part of this shift is also due to my newfound appreciation for slow walking, which has bewildered other commuters in London. I’ve started to explore alternative methods to recalibrate my approach to reading. Research indicates that while the average reading speed is around 300 words per minute, it comes with a mere 66% comprehension rate. To me, that seems like a significant inefficiency. The loss is not just in time, but in the depth and subtleties of the material.

The real waste arises not from speed alone. If I can maintain over 90% retention at a pace of about 200 words per minute, then your two-minute reading of this 600-word piece, while much faster, may leave you with gaps in understanding. When you have to reread to capture details lost in that 34% of comprehension, you risk spiraling into a cycle of skimming and restarting.

So, I invite you to join me in the slow lane. It’s more enjoyable, more efficient, and much like the tortoise, who felt a sense of accomplishment crossing the finish line first. If you're curious about your reading speed, you can quickly check it through this (non-affiliated) link and proudly share your measured pace in the comments.

Thank you for reading! If this resonated with you, feel free to reach out or follow for more insights. For transparency, I utilize AI tools to assist with proofreading and creativity, but the writing itself is crafted from genuine thought and a touch of technology.