Good point about mostly not remembering things. Summaries and reviews are probably often a better use of time. But I use those when I can find them before choosing what to read next.
On the other hand, I learned several programming languages from textbooks, including some I still use professionally, so I think textbooks that teach particular skills can be worth it. I would not have gotten the same depth of understanding from scattered blog posts.
In the case of fiction, the point isn’t so much to learn things, but to enjoy the reading. But even that does have side benefits of improving language skill. Habitually reading even fiction is going to result in a larger vocabulary, and probably better writing skills, because you become used to the “sound” of quality writing. There may be more subtle benefits from expanded philosophy and perspective.
Good point about mostly not remembering things. Summaries and reviews are probably often a better use of time. But I use those when I can find them before choosing what to read next.
On the other hand, I learned several programming languages from textbooks, including some I still use professionally, so I think textbooks that teach particular skills can be worth it. I would not have gotten the same depth of understanding from scattered blog posts.
In the case of fiction, the point isn’t so much to learn things, but to enjoy the reading. But even that does have side benefits of improving language skill. Habitually reading even fiction is going to result in a larger vocabulary, and probably better writing skills, because you become used to the “sound” of quality writing. There may be more subtle benefits from expanded philosophy and perspective.