Quintilian: 'We must form our minds by reading deep rather than wide.'

We must form our minds by reading deep rather than wide.

In his quote, Quintilian emphasizes the idea of forming our minds through deep reading rather than a wide range of superficial knowledge. This straightforward interpretation suggests that quality should take precedence over quantity when it comes to intellectual development. By delving deeply into a few select subjects, we can foster a more profound understanding of the world around us. This notion holds great significance in a society that often promotes skimming the surface of diverse topics, sacrificing depth for breadth. However, let us dig deeper into this concept and explore an unexpected philosophical perspective that sheds new light on Quintilian's words.To fully appreciate the implications of Quintilian's quote, we can turn to the philosophy of minimalism. Minimalism is often associated with the idea of reducing physical possessions and simplifying our lives. Yet, it can also be applied to the realm of knowledge and intellectual pursuits. Just as minimalists advocate for seeking quality over quantity in material belongings, they encourage the same approach when it comes to mental and intellectual growth.Imagine our minds as spacious rooms, filled with shelves to accommodate knowledge. When we endeavor to fill these shelves with every book available, we quickly reach a point of saturation. Our mental space becomes cluttered, making it challenging to find meaning and coherence. In contrast, engaging in deep reading, akin to minimalism's pursuit of essentialism, allows us to fill our mental shelves with a select few books that genuinely resonate with us. By focusing on quality rather than striving for a superficial understanding of a wide range of materials, we create an environment conducive to developing profound insights.In our fast-paced society, the allure of consuming information rapidly and extensively can be irresistible. We browse countless articles, skim through headlines, and quickly move onto the next topic, often retaining shallow knowledge and superficial impressions. This constant grazing prevents us from truly internalizing information and forming meaningful connections between different subjects. It is in these connections that true understanding lies. By dedicating time and effort to deeply explore selected areas of interest, we cultivate a more robust conceptual framework. We build bridges between seemingly disparate topics, enabling us to uncover novel insights and develop our critical-thinking skills.Just as the minimalist lifestyle challenges the idea that material possessions bring fulfillment, Quintilian's quote invites us to reconsider the notion that a broad range of knowledge necessarily leads to a well-formed mind. By paraphrasing Quintilian, we could say, "We must form our minds by immersing ourselves in the deep waters of knowledge rather than quickly splashing through a vast ocean of superficial information." Therefore, the pursuit of intellectual depth is crucial for personal growth and the attainment of wisdom.Nevertheless, it is important to note that Quintilian's quote should not be taken as an absolute dismissal of a wide range of knowledge. Rather, it serves as a reminder that depth should not be overshadowed by breadth. In a well-rounded education, there is undoubtedly room for both. The key lies in striking a balance between the two, recognizing when to immerse ourselves in profound exploration and when to broaden our horizons by exploring new fields.Ultimately, by heeding Quintilian's advice and combining it with the philosophy of minimalism, we can unlock the transformative power of deep reading. By prioritizing quality over quantity, we create a fertile ground for intellectual growth, enabling us to form a more encompassing worldview and a richer understanding of ourselves and others. In an era where endless streams of information can be overwhelming, Quintilian's call to embrace depth reminds us that it is the depth of knowledge that truly propels us forward.