"خواندن فقط ذهن را با مواد دانش مجهز می‌کند؛ این اندیشیدن است که آنچه را می‌خوانیم مال خود می‌کند"

Understanding the essence of this quote starts with grasping its core idea: reading provides us with information, but it’s our reflection on that information which truly internalizes it, making it our own. Essentially, we’re talking about the difference between just gathering knowledge and truly understanding and integrating that knowledge into our lives.

Historically, this sentiment has roots going back to philosophers and educators throughout the ages. Think about ancient Greece, where Socratic dialogue emphasized questioning and critical thinking over rote memorization. Essentially, this quote is a reminder that passively consuming information isn’t enough—we need to actively engage with it.

Imagine you’re reading a book about personal finance. The book is filled with tips and strategies for saving money, investing, and budgeting. If you just read the book and put it back on the shelf, you might remember some tips, but you likely won’t see any changes in your financial habits. But if you take the time to reflect on what you’ve read, to think about how it applies to your life, and then put those strategies into practice, that’s when the real magic happens. You’re no longer just someone who read a book on finance; you’re someone who’s improving their financial situation because of it.

To apply this wisdom in your own life, start by being an active reader. Don’t just pass your eyes over the words—engage with them. Take notes in the margins, ask questions, and pause to think about how what you’re reading relates to what you already know. This not only helps with retention but also deepens your understanding.

Let me tell you about my friend Sarah. She’s a huge history buff. She always had a stack of history books on her nightstand, but for a long time, she felt like she was just filling her head with random dates and events. Then, she decided to change her approach. Instead of just reading, she started a journal where she’d write about the connections she saw between historical events and current world affairs. She’d jot down her thoughts, questions, and sometimes even argue with the authors in her notes. Over time, she found herself not just remembering more but actually understanding the complexities of history in a way she never had before. That deeper understanding also made her a more informed citizen and a more engaging conversationalist.

Think about how you can do the same. Start small—maybe with a book you’re currently reading or an article you’ve found interesting. Take a few minutes after reading to jot down your thoughts. Ask yourself questions. How does this information fit into what you already know? What new insights does it offer? How can you apply it in your life?

In a world overflowing with information, becoming a thoughtful, reflective reader can set you apart. It’s not just about what you know but about how you think about what you know. And that, my friend, can make all the difference.