Reading is not just about finishing, but also about understanding. So, what exactly does it mean to understand a book? Regarding this question, I found the answer in an audio program. The angle was novel and I was deeply inspired. Now I will share it with you.

What does it mean to understand a book? In fact, there is a standard for the word "understand". This standard is restoration. That is, can you restore the object in front of you into a larger frame. If you achieve this restoration, you will understand.

For example, eating. Just tasting the dish in front of you is called a diner. The reason why a gourmet is considered to understand food is because he can restore a dish into a larger food culture framework. For example, what cuisine does this dish belong to? In what social context was it born? You see, this is all restoration.

We always say that the expert knows the way. To a large extent, this way is actually restoration.

Similarly, the key to understanding a book lies in whether you can restore it to a larger framework. This framework includes several levels.

The first step is to clearly explain the core content of the original book. This is the most basic service. For example, "Journey to the West" tells what kind of story it is.

The second step is to extend the content of the book one level outward to restore it to the knowledge network in which it is located. For example, "Journey to the West", why does it have such a high status in its field? Why is it included in the Four Great Classics? Look, after answering these questions, do you feel you understand "Journey to the West" better? However, reaching this step is not enough, because there is still an important role missing, that is, the author. To understand a book, you must understand the author.

The third step is to restore the book to the author's life situation. For example, under what circumstances did the author write this book? What role does this book play in his lifelong creative experience? With these questions, you will discover another scenery outside the book. For example, "Journey to the West". You will find that its author is involved in a public case in literary history. Many scholars believe that the author of this book is not Wu Chengen. Follow these questions to research, and you will find that the picture of this book in your mind has expanded a little. Its surroundings were illuminated a lot. However, it is definitely not enough to talk about the author, because there is still one most critical role missing, the reader.

The fourth step, and the most critical step, is to restore this book to the life experience of every reader. If our life is compared to a journey, what kind of scenery is this book like? If our struggle were compared to a battle, what kind of weapon could this book be? Take "Journey to the West" as an example. What inspiration does it have for today's Chinese people? Why is it said that "Journey to the West" is actually a self-cultivation book? How can we read the political structure of ancient China from books today? The essence of answering these questions is to put the current human experience into the book.

In the final analysis, the essence of understanding is to read the value of a book in people's life experience. What we care about is not the book, but you in front of us.