Read like a Stoic — 5 essential reading rules from Seneca

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With a near-infinite number of books on a near-infinite number of topics, it’s difficult to decide which we should dedicate our time to. While reading is a highly profitable activity, reading the wrong thing can have little — or even negative effects.

In his second letter of “Letters from a Stoic”, Seneca gives this simple yet highly impactful piece of advice which — if followed — will transform how we read — and even how we live:

“You should be extending your stay among writers whose genius is unquestionable, deriving constant nourishment from them if you wish to gain anything from your reading that will find a lasting place in your mind”
— Seneca

Here are 5 practical takeaways for modern readers

1. Read only the books which stood the test of time
   It doesn’t matter if it’s a New York Times bestseller or the new book everyone is raving about — the vast majority of modern books will be forgotten and irrelevant in a few years. Look back 50, 100, 200, 2000+ years to the books which stood the test of time. These are guaranteed to contain wisdom of a deep, ever-relevant kind.
2. Re-read these books (then re-read again)
   Reading a book by an author whose genius is unquestionable means that many of the richest insights will be missed or misunderstood on first reading. Reading a book of this nature gives us compounding insights the more we read them and is one of the most efficient ways to elevate our own level of understanding.
3. Don’t devour — digest slowly
   Deriving constant nourishment from our reading requires real engagaement with it. This means grappling with concepts, considering what we read in light of our own lives. It’s better to read one book deeply than 50 on surface level.
4. Read from various view-points
   Genius authors write from their own perspectives — not objective reality. It’s a good idea to read from genius writers with contrasting views in order to avoid creating an echo chamber for ourselves. If we only read genius authors from one line of thought, we’re less likely to develop a rounded view and remain open-minded.
5. Only read books which appeal to you
   In order for the books we read to truly nourish us, we must be ready to receive the information. If a book sparks our interest, it’s likely that we’re already searching for the insights or ideas we’re likely to encounter in the book. To read books because they’re “supposed to be important” or because we’ve been told to read them is like eating food which our stomach can’t digest — it may have nourishment in it, but we’re unable to access it.

These tips based on Seneca’s wise words will maximise the impact of an already high-leverage activity. Reading allows us to access a lifetime of wisdom in a just a few hundred pages. Reading in the way outlined above will allow us to access the best wisdom our species has to offer in a deeply nourishing, life changing way.