First, about Jack and Bobby: Actually, when they touted their speed reading, it was part and parcel of a much larger thing with them: They urged Americans to strive for excellence and achievement. It was a way of distinguishing themselves from Eisenhower. For example, in around 1957, Russia scared the pants off of America with the Sputnik achievement in outer space. Americans were afraid that Russia would surpass us with scientific leaps into the unknown. By the early sixties, we saw a succession of shows on TV in which evil Russian scientists would take over the earth.
Kennedy promised to rescue America with intellect, physical fitness and the Green Berets. He sort of like marketed himself to Americans as the James Bond of American politics.
Now for speed reading itself:
a) I find my comprehension is boosted when I read faster. Also, reading is more enjoyable when I read faster because MORE STUFF HAPPENS IN LESS TIME. Suppose you are reading at 400 words a minute. In one minute's time, you are gonna be bored to death reading about someone sitting down at the dinner table. But if you read at the rate of 1000 words per minute, you will not only read a farty story about people sitting down to dinner; you will also read about the food fight after they sat down and the severe allergic reaction someone suffered from the food.
I don't want to sound neurotic but your compliments make me feel guilty.
I have one other funny aside to relate about the Kennedy's very well publicized attempt at self improvement, demonstrated in physical fitness, speed reading etc.
AT Hickory Hill (Bobby's estate in Northern Virginia, right outside WDC), the Kennedys used to host "intellectual" seminars. Noted professors would give lectures and Jack, Bobby, and all the brainy heavy hitters, and their glamorous wives, would all be in attendance. This was, of course, very well publicized and was just anther piece of evidence used to prove that they were fantastic. (I actually liked the Kennedys, but they did have a PR machine that was second to none)
In any event, there was one Kennedy who was a genuine intellectual: Jackie, JFK's wife. At a couple of these seminars, Jackie had probing , perceptive questions for the professors.
After she posed her question, JFK would interject, "Can it Jackie, we want to eat the food." (Lavish platters of gourmet delicacies were always served)
An interesting read, Paul. I'm not a real fan of speed reading, regardless of whether it works or not. To me, reading that fast would take the pleasure out of reading. It would be like greatly speeding up a piece of music... sure, that would save time but what you lose in the process doesn't seem worth it. Isn't life already overloaded with information without trying to fit more in? It's a no from me :-)
Love this. I recall my brother taking a speed reading course over one summer and he mastered reading several books within a week (actually retaining the information).
This is relatable as I have maintained my speed WRITING and am considering staring a speed writing (based on shorthand) podcast. What do you think?
Great article.
First, about Jack and Bobby: Actually, when they touted their speed reading, it was part and parcel of a much larger thing with them: They urged Americans to strive for excellence and achievement. It was a way of distinguishing themselves from Eisenhower. For example, in around 1957, Russia scared the pants off of America with the Sputnik achievement in outer space. Americans were afraid that Russia would surpass us with scientific leaps into the unknown. By the early sixties, we saw a succession of shows on TV in which evil Russian scientists would take over the earth.
Kennedy promised to rescue America with intellect, physical fitness and the Green Berets. He sort of like marketed himself to Americans as the James Bond of American politics.
Now for speed reading itself:
a) I find my comprehension is boosted when I read faster. Also, reading is more enjoyable when I read faster because MORE STUFF HAPPENS IN LESS TIME. Suppose you are reading at 400 words a minute. In one minute's time, you are gonna be bored to death reading about someone sitting down at the dinner table. But if you read at the rate of 1000 words per minute, you will not only read a farty story about people sitting down to dinner; you will also read about the food fight after they sat down and the severe allergic reaction someone suffered from the food.
Excellent, as usual David!
I don't want to sound neurotic but your compliments make me feel guilty.
I have one other funny aside to relate about the Kennedy's very well publicized attempt at self improvement, demonstrated in physical fitness, speed reading etc.
AT Hickory Hill (Bobby's estate in Northern Virginia, right outside WDC), the Kennedys used to host "intellectual" seminars. Noted professors would give lectures and Jack, Bobby, and all the brainy heavy hitters, and their glamorous wives, would all be in attendance. This was, of course, very well publicized and was just anther piece of evidence used to prove that they were fantastic. (I actually liked the Kennedys, but they did have a PR machine that was second to none)
In any event, there was one Kennedy who was a genuine intellectual: Jackie, JFK's wife. At a couple of these seminars, Jackie had probing , perceptive questions for the professors.
After she posed her question, JFK would interject, "Can it Jackie, we want to eat the food." (Lavish platters of gourmet delicacies were always served)
An interesting read, Paul. I'm not a real fan of speed reading, regardless of whether it works or not. To me, reading that fast would take the pleasure out of reading. It would be like greatly speeding up a piece of music... sure, that would save time but what you lose in the process doesn't seem worth it. Isn't life already overloaded with information without trying to fit more in? It's a no from me :-)
Speeding up a piece of music is a great analogy! Thanks for commenting!
Love this. I recall my brother taking a speed reading course over one summer and he mastered reading several books within a week (actually retaining the information).
This is relatable as I have maintained my speed WRITING and am considering staring a speed writing (based on shorthand) podcast. What do you think?
I'll listen! But I know nothing about speed writing...