“Let us now summarize the three general maxims we have discussed in this chapter. The three together **state the conditions of a critical reading and the manner in which the reader should proceed to “talk back” to the author**. “The first requires the reader to **complete the task of understanding** before rushing in. “The second adjures him **not to be disputatious or contentious**. “The third asks him to **view disagreement about matters of knowledge as being generally remediable**. This rule goes further: It also commands him to give reasons for his disagreements so that issues are not merely stated but also defined. In that lies all hope for resolution.” ([Location 2220](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B004PYDAPE&location=2220)) --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[reading-books]], [[analytical-reading]], [[crucial-conversations]] **Source** -- [[20250103084100 - B - How to Read a Book]] **See Also — ** [[202308170954 — AtN — Productive disagreement can be a superpower]] , [[202308170953 — AtN — See Arguments as opportunities for growth]]