I am not a speed reader. I am a speed understander.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of comprehension over mere speed in reading.
Isaac Asimov's quote highlights that true understanding of a text is more valuable than the ability to read it quickly. It suggests that the essence of reading lies in grasping concepts and ideas rather than simply skimming through words. This perspective encourages readers to prioritize comprehension in their reading practices.
In practice
In a lecture about effective study habits, this quote can emphasize the importance of comprehension.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation. Human dignity cannot survive it. Convenience and decency cannot survive it. As you put more and more people into the world, the value of life not only declines, but it disappears. It doesn't matter if someone dies.
Science does not promise absolute truth, nor does it consider that such a thing necessarily exists. Science does not even promise that everything in the Universe is amenable to the scientific process.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation.
Although the time of death is approaching me, I am not afraid of dying and going to Hell or (what would be considerably worse) going to the popularized version of Heaven. I expect death to be nothingness and, for removing me from all possible fears of death, I am thankful to atheism.
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
During the century after Newton, it was still possible for a man of unusual attainments to master all fields of scientific knowledge. But by 1800, this had become entirely impracticable.
Every habit is made of three parts... a cue, a routine and a habit. Most people focus on the routine and behavior, but these cues and rewards are really the way you make something into a habit.
Upon books the collective education of the race depends; they are the sole instruments of registering, perpetuating and transmitting thought.
In the end we retain from our studies only that which we practically apply.
If your words aren't truthful, the finest optically letter-spaced typography won't help.
In my work a good library is essential. It enables me to learn the background and previous discussions of the various issues I am called upon to decide. It provides the stability and continuity for the rule of law.
The competitions between fiction and nonfiction, short and long, electronic and paper, are not battles in which there can be only one victor. After all, we exist in a world where more kinds of writing than ever are greeted with interest and enthusiasm.
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