The act of annotating a book, as championed by Mortimer Adler, involves actively engaging with the text through underlining, marginal notes, and other forms of marking. This practice transforms reading from a passive reception of information into an active dialogue with the author. For example, one might underline key passages, write questions in the margins, or cross-reference related ideas within the text.
This method of reading enhances comprehension and retention. By physically interacting with the book, the reader forces themselves to process the information more deeply. This active engagement fosters a more profound understanding and allows for quicker recall of the material. Historically, scholars and intellectuals have employed similar annotation techniques to dissect and internalize complex ideas, leaving behind a rich legacy of reader responses embedded within their personal libraries.
