"Closing the book on time": Alexei Chesnakov spoke about reading rules at the National Centre RUSSIA

---

Another meeting of the literary club "What to Read? !" at the National Centre RUSSIA took place on May 22. The event, titled "How to Read with Benefit. Skills for Reading Professional Literature," was led by Alexei Chesnakov — Head of the Academic Council of the Centre for Political Conjuncture, Professor at the Higher School of Economics, and author of the Telegram channel "Chesnakov.Library".

"Today's event at the literary club of the National Centre RUSSIA, in my view, is especially important in terms of developing reading skills, processing information, and assimilating materials. Of course, our children are taught these things at school, but they do not always master them — or they forget them by the time they enter university. That’s why this is both interesting and useful. And I believe it points to the future in the context of growing information technologies, artificial intelligence, and new forms of socialisation that await us in the coming years," emphasised Alexei Chesnakov. 

Participants learned how to get the most out of reading professional literature, regardless of their current level of preparation. Alexei Chesnakov presented methods of effective reading, including the use of modern technologies, analysed common mistakes and difficulties, and explained how reading develops thinking and analytical abilities. He shared a selection of literature that helps readers understand what and how to read.

The expert paid special attention to the rapid growth in the volume of data people encounter every day.

"Since the late 1990s, the amount of information we receive daily has increased, by various estimates, five to tenfold. For example, in the early 18th century, an average Englishman would receive less information in an entire year than a modern person does in a single day," noted Alexei Chesnakov. 

Due to this overload of information, reading books from beginning to end does not always make sense. As the expert pointed out, doing so can simply overwhelm the mind with unnecessary texts — especially when it comes to foreign fiction in poor translation.

"I cut off literature that I don’t need at the preliminary stage. So, learn to close a book in time if it’s not doing you any good," urged Alexei Chesnakov.

The event also featured a presentation of an essay collection on the future of the world, written by participants of the international Open Dialogue "Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth," which took place at the National Centre RUSSIA from April 28 to 30. The essayists addressed topics such as the prospects of hydrogen energy in BRICS countries, cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, youth employment strategies, and approaches to shaping a consciousness-based economy. 

"Before the Open Dialogue at the National Centre RUSSIA, we discussed and selected essays submitted from all over the world. This, too, is extremely important, beneficial, and productive. Moreover, there is hope that new formats for such dialogues will emerge — but that depends both on the speakers and the audience. If they are active, creative, and energetic, they will succeed. And I believe the National Centre RUSSIA provides every opportunity for that," concluded Alexei Chesnakov.

The club "What to Read? !" at the National Centre RUSSIA was created as an intellectual platform for discussing literature, exchanging ideas, and developing strategic thinking. Its focus is on promoting a culture of reading, fostering interest in thoughtful writing, and expanding the space for public dialogue.

Participation in club meetings and many other educational and cultural programmes at the National Centre RUSSIA is free of charge upon prior registration on the website russia.ru. Up-to-date information on events can be found in the "Events" section.