Structured Reading: A Pathway to Deep Self-Education
According to the presented sources, the method of systematic reading of books is far more effective for deep self-education. Numerous quotes emphasize that reading, especially through selected “fatherly books,” not only contributes to the accumulation of knowledge but also to inner development, the cultivation of humility, and a holistic understanding. As noted by Venerable Anthony, even one properly read line can prove invaluable: "Do not stop reading spiritual books, for sometimes even one line read at the right moment may be valued more than an entire year’s edition and will remain in your memory forever" (source: link txt).On the other hand, spontaneous expression of thoughts, although it may help capture fleeting ideas, often results in a disjointed stream of fragments and unorganized images. As mentioned in the corresponding quote: "It can transform into a kind of mute speech, into an ‘inner monologue,’ [...] but until it turns into something coherent and consistent, it consists of fragments of words, scraps of sentences..." (source: link txt).Thus, systematic reading of books creates a solid foundation for knowledge, allowing for a deeper comprehension of what is read, while spontaneous expression is inherently fragmented and requires additional processing. Taken together, the source clearly shows that for full self-education, a structured and thoughtful approach to reading is preferable.