[skillachie]

Originally Posted by rkomar

I, on the other hand, find it strange that other people do make highlights. Reading the text reminds me of "highlight" thoughts I had before.

Also, when I tried annotating textbooks way back in the day, I was later just embarrassed by my early lack of insight when re-reading the text. I thought it was better not to advertise that ineptness to whoever picked up the book after me (including myself). I highlighted the stuff I understood was important, but on re-reading later, I found out it was the stuff I didn't highlight (because I didn't understand it at the time) that was really the most subtle part of the text. Learning is a process, and I have no faith that my understanding at any point deserves to be "set in stone" as notes and highlights.

So, I hope you see that annotation and note-taking isn't for everyone.

I see what you are saying.

This reminds me of programming. Your ineptness is always highlighted when your a junior developer but in this case you have no choice but to learn on the way and commit the code for all to see. As you gain more experience and look back at old code and projects you realize how much you have grown and what you misunderstood. The approach is them to smile at your previous self and refactor as required


In the end, you don't know what you don't know and its more or less the same with reading and understanding a book. You learn more and gain additional insights when you re-read the same title multiple times. I don't mind showing that I lacked understanding since if I am re-reading, I would more than likely update my notes or delete the embarrassing ones. But i do see your point.

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

I am thinking it does depend on genre. Most readers I know read for pleasure and do not highlight.

Thanks for sharing. I can see readers that read books mostly for pleasure not being interested in highlights at all.