Famous Speed Readers: From Tony Robbins to Historical Figures

Famous Speed Readers: From Tony Robbins to Historical Figures

The ability to read quickly and comprehend vast amounts of information has long been admired and sought after. Throughout history, many notable figures have been renowned for their exceptional reading speeds and voracious appetites for knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most famous speed readers, from modern self-help gurus to historical icons, and examine their thoughts on the practice of speed reading.

Tony Robbins: The Modern Speed Reading Advocate

Tony Robbins, the renowned motivational speaker and self-help author, is a strong proponent of speed reading. In his youth, Robbins recognised the power of knowledge and sought to consume as much information as possible. He has often spoken about how learning to speed read changed his life:

“As a young man, I decided I was going to read a book a day. I didn’t quite read a book a day, but over seven years, I did read more than 700 books…”

Robbins credits his success in part to his ability to rapidly consume and synthesise information. He took a speed reading course as a teenager and used this skill to devour hundreds of books on psychology, personal development, and human behaviour. This foundation of knowledge became the basis for his career as a life coach and motivational speaker.

In addition, Robbins has endorsed techniques like PhotoReading (a branded version of speed reading), remarking, “I have seen Paul Scheele help countless numbers of people to discover a faster, more efficient path to success through his PhotoReading system. No matter what you need to read, he can teach you to get it done in a third of the time.”

Reese Witherspoon: Speed Reading in Acting

Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon has utilised speed reading techniques in her acting career, particularly for parsing scripts and memorising lines. She has shared that it takes her three readings to memorise lines: once the night before, once during hair and makeup, and once alone in a quiet space. Witherspoon’s application of speed reading underscores its utility beyond traditional educational or professional settings.

David Bowie: The Man Who Read the World –David Bowie’s Son Launches an Online Book Club in His Honour

David Bowie is widely known for his music, but one lesser-known aspect of his life is his voracious appetite for reading. Bowie was an avid reader, often finishing a book in a single day. His son, Duncan Jones, once described him as “a beast of a reader.” To honour his late father’s deep love of literature, Jones launched an online book club, aptly named the ‘Bowie Book Club’, through the official Instagram account of the late rock star in December 2017 (davidbowie.com, 2017). The club’s first book was Peter Ackroyd’s Hawksmoor, with a completion date set for 1 February 2018.

Bowie’s literary tastes were remarkably diverse, encompassing a broad spectrum of genres and styles. His reading list included classics such as Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary and Homer’s The Iliad; modern novels like Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange and Wallace Thurman’s Infants of the Spring; as well as an eclectic selection of non-fiction books on history, biography, art, and architecture. In a testament to his wide-ranging intellectual curiosity, his list even featured The Beano, the iconic British comic.

In 2013, three years before his passing, Bowie compiled a list of 100 books that had profoundly influenced his life and work. This carefully curated selection serves as a literary self-portrait, offering insights into his personal philosophy, artistic inspirations, and intellectual pursuits. The list was later showcased as part of David Bowie Is, a touring museum exhibition that provided fans with a unique glimpse into his inner world.

Given that Bowie left no conventional autobiography, this list of books arguably represents the closest he came to a memoir. While some titles were chosen to introduce his fans to works he admired, many had a more profound impact, shaping his creativity and worldview. Bowie’s reading habits not only fuelled his artistic expression but also reflected the depth of his inquisitive and multifaceted mind.

References

• Pegg, N. (2016). The Complete David Bowie. Titan Books.
• Sandford, C. (1997). Bowie: Loving the Alien. Time Warner.
• O’Connell, M. (2018). To Be a Machine. Granta Books.
• The Guardian. (2016). “David Bowie’s 100 favourite books: the master of reinvention’s literary passions.” Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com
• The British Library. (2021). “David Bowie’s Literary Legacy.” Retrieved from https://www.bl.uk
• DavidBowie.com. (2017). “Duncan launches Bowie Book Club via Twitter.” Retrieved from https://www.davidbowie.com/blog/2017/12/28/duncan-launches-bowie-book-club-via-twitter

Brian Tracy: The Success Expert

Brian Tracy is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and success expert who has inspired millions of people around the world. With over 80 published books and numerous audio/video programs, Tracy’s work has helped individuals and organisations achieve their full potential.

He has endorsed PhotoReading, stating, “PhotoReading is the best way to get through the top business books of today.”

Theodore Roosevelt: The Voracious Presidential Reader

Perhaps one of the most famous speed readers in history was Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt was known for his incredible reading habits, often finishing multiple books in a single day. His ability to quickly absorb information was legendary, with accounts of him reading a book before breakfast and several more in the evening.

Roosevelt’s reading habits were not just about quantity, but also quality. He believed in the importance of reading a wide variety of materials, from poetry to history to scientific texts. In his autobiography, he wrote:

“Now and then I am asked as to ‘what books a statesman should read,’ and my answer is, poetry and novels – including short stories under the head of novels.”

John F. Kennedy: The Speed Reading President

The 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, was a notable proponent of speed reading. While the exact speed of his reading has been debated, with some claims of 1,200 words per minute being questioned, Kennedy was undoubtedly a quick and efficient reader. He recognised the importance of speed reading in an era of increasing information and encouraged his staff to develop this skill as well.

Umberto Eco’s Passion for Books: The Scholar, the Collector, and the Power of the Unread Library

Umberto Eco, the esteemed Italian novelist, semiotician, and scholar, had an extraordinary passion for books, which was most vividly reflected in his personal library of approximately 50,000 volumes. His relationship with books extended far beyond mere ownership; for Eco, they were intellectual companions, sources of endless curiosity, and vessels of historical and philosophical significance. His library, divided between his homes in Milan and Rimini, was not merely a collection but a dynamic intellectual ecosystem where rare editions, ancient manuscripts, and contemporary works coexisted in a vast, ever-growing sea of knowledge. Unlike those who collect books as trophies, Eco viewed his unread books as equally important as the read ones, embodying the concept of the “antilibrary,” a term popularised by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. The antilibrary represents the recognition of one’s intellectual limitations and the vastness of knowledge yet to be explored.

Eco often reflected on the significance of books and libraries, famously declaring, “We live for books”. This sentiment is deeply embedded in his works, particularly in The Name of the Rose, a novel that revolves around a labyrinthine medieval library filled with hidden knowledge and secret texts. His fascination with books also extended to the way they interact with one another across time. As he observed, “Until then I had thought each book spoke of the things, human or divine, that lie outside books. Now I realised that not infrequently books speak of books: it is as if they spoke among themselves.”This intertextual nature of literature, where books continuously reference, critique, and build upon each other, was a key theme in his academic and fictional writings.

Eco’s library was not merely a personal treasure trove but a testament to his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. He believed that books should be read, preserved, and engaged with, rather than merely displayed. His commitment to books as living entities of thought and inquiry underscores his view that knowledge is inexhaustible, and the pursuit of understanding is a never-ending journey. His legacy continues to inspire scholars, bibliophiles, and readers who, like him, understand that a well-stocked library is not just a record of what one knows, but a gateway to all that remains to be discovered.

Antilibrary
The concept of the antilibrary was popularised by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. It refers to a collection of books that are owned but have not yet been read, serving as a powerful reminder of the vast knowledge one has yet to acquire. Taleb illustrates this idea through the example of Umberto Eco’s extensive personal library, which contained approximately 30,000 books. Rather than being a display of accomplishment, Eco’s library embodied intellectual humility, emphasising the endless pursuit of learning and the understanding that the more one knows, the more one realises how much remains unknown.

Taleb argues that read books, while valuable, are ultimately less significant than unread ones, as they represent knowledge already acquired. In contrast, unread books symbolise the unknown, which is far more crucial for ongoing intellectual and personal growth. This idea aligns with the Japanese concept of tsundoku, the habit of accumulating books without necessarily reading them. However, rather than being seen as neglectful, tsundoku and the antilibrary both highlight the aspirational nature of learning – an ever-expanding pursuit rather than a finite goal.

The antilibrary challenges the traditional perception of knowledge as something to be possessed or displayed as a badge of pride. Instead, it reframes knowledge as an evolving journey, where recognising and embracing the vastness of what one does not yet know is essential for deeper insight, curiosity, and intellectual vitality. By shifting the focus from what has been learned to what remains to be explored, the antilibrary fosters a mindset that values uncertainty, continuous inquiry, and the transformative power of the unread.

Tsundoku is a Japanese term that refers to the practice of buying books and letting them pile up unread. It combines the words tsunde-oku (letting things pile up) and dokusho (reading books), but the actual word tsundoku is a play on words using tsunde (pile up) and doku(read). This concept has become popular globally as a way to describe the common habit of accumulating unread books.

References: Eco, U. (1980). The Name of the Rose. Harcourt.
Taleb, N. N. (2007). The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. Random House.

Young Speed Readers

The transformative power of speed reading isn’t just for adults; it can have a profound impact on children and young learners as well. Many young students who have taken speed reading courses express how it has opened up new possibilities for them. For example, Nir, a 12-year-old student from London, shared, “I wish I had done the speed reading course earlier (when I was eight years old).” This testimony highlights the potential of learning speed reading at an early age to unlock a lifetime of efficient learning and curiosity.

Similarly, Emilia, a 9-year-old girl from Copenhagen, remarked, “Speed reading course with Jan was fun.” Her comment reflects how engaging and enjoyable these courses can be for young minds, encouraging them to explore the world of reading with enthusiasm and confidence.

Another inspiring young speed reader is Toby L’Estrange (aged 10), who was the first person to speed read the new Harry Potter book shortly after midnight on the morning of 31 July 2016. He learnt extra ‘spd rdng’ techniques from his expert speed reading grandma, Susan Norman. Toby’s review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child demonstrates not only his impressive reading speed but also his ability to comprehend and critique what he reads. This example underscores how quickly young learners can grasp speed reading techniques and apply them effectively. Learn How to speed read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (or anything else) when you’re a kid

Over the past 25 years, we have helped thousands of individuals, both young and old, become proficient speed readers through our courses. Introducing speed reading skills to children not only enhances their academic performance but also fosters a love for learning that can benefit them throughout their lives. Read the testimonials from our speed readers

Harvey Mackay: The Business Author

Harvey Mackay, author of bestsellers like Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive and Beware of the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt, is a prominent business speaker and writer. He emphasises efficiency in learning and has endorsed PhotoReading, saying, “If time is money and reading takes time, then I heartily recommend saving money and time with this brilliant guide. For those of us in the fast lane, the PhotoReading Whole Mind System isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

Ken Blanchard: The Leadership Guru

Dr. Ken Blanchard is a prominent figure in the field of leadership and management. He is best known for co-authoring The One Minute Manager, a book that has sold over 13 million copies and has been translated into multiple languages. Blanchard’s contributions to leadership theory, particularly the Situational Leadership Model, have been instrumental in shaping modern management practices.

He has endorsed PhotoReading, stating, “Leaders today grasp new ideas quickly, read voraciously across many important topics, and need to stay current with the latest advances in their fields. The PhotoReading Whole Mind System shows me how to do it all.”

Jack Canfield: The Success Principles Author

Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and author of The Success Principles, is a leading figure in personal development and peak performance strategies. He has endorsed PhotoReading, writing in his New York Times bestselling book The Success Principles, “If you read more slowly than you’d like, consider taking a course to increase not only your reading speed but also how fast you absorb the information. The best resource I’ve found is the PhotoReading course.”

John Grinder: The NLP Co-Founder

John Grinder, co-founder of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), has significantly contributed to the fields of psychology and personal development. He has endorsed PhotoReading, stating, “PhotoReading is a very easy to learn system that provides what it offers and at the same time opens up a huge door to achieve a new balance between conscious and subconscious learning processes.”

Dr. J. Michael Bennett: The Reading Scholar

Dr. J. Michael Bennett, a professor at the University of Minnesota, is one of the few scholars in the world with a doctorate in reading. He authored the top-selling book Efficient Reading for Managers for the American Management Association. Bennett has endorsed PhotoReading, stating, “PhotoReading combines all the most efficient reading strategies—proven in university studies over many years—with what is now known about the phenomenal perceptive capabilities of the human brain. It is undoubtedly the best accelerative reading improvement program available today. And, it is presented so that the average person can benefit immediately, and for a lifetime.”

Evelyn Wood: The Pioneer of Speed Reading

Evelyn Wood, an American educator born in 1909, is widely acknowledged for popularising speed reading, a term she preferred to call “dynamic reading.” She developed and marketed a system designed to increase a reader’s speed from the average 250–300 words per minute to significantly higher rates while also improving comprehension. Wood’s methodology involved using a finger or pointer to trace lines of text, thereby reducing sub-vocalisation—the internal speech typically accompanying reading. Her techniques gained widespread attention, leading to the establishment of Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics, which operated numerous institutes across the United States and beyond.

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter: Presidential Speed Readers

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were both avid readers who enrolled in a speed reading course at the White House, along with several staff members. Their participation underscored the value they placed on reading efficiency and comprehension.

Anne Jones: The Six-Time World Speed Reading Champion

Anne Jones, a British educator, has won the World Speed Reading Championship six times. She is perhaps most famous for reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a book of more than 600 pages, in just 47 minutes, achieving a speed of 4,251 words per minute—about 14 times faster than the average reader.

Howard Stephen Berg: The Guinness World Record Holder

Howard Stephen Berg, an American speed reader, has claimed to be the Guinness World Record holder for fast reading, with a speed of 25,000 words per minute. Berg’s remarkable ability has been featured in various media outlets, and he has dedicated his career to teaching others how to enhance their reading speeds.

Jim Kwik: The Brain Coach to Celebrities

Jim Kwik, often referred to as Hollywood’s ‘Brain Coach,’ is renowned for his work with celebrities and top performers, teaching them techniques to optimise brain performance, including speed reading. After overcoming a childhood brain injury that left him with learning challenges, Kwik dedicated himself to studying and developing methods to enhance mental performance. He has since become a bestselling author and a sought-after speaker on brain optimisation.

Conclusion

The journeys of these individuals illustrate the profound impact that speed reading can have across various fields, from education and politics to entertainment. Their achievements serve as a testament to the potential of speed reading to enhance personal and professional development. As technology continues to evolve and the demand for rapid information processing grows, the relevance of speed reading remains significant, offering a valuable skill set for the modern age.

Whether you’re inspired by Tony Robbins’ dedication to self-improvement, Theodore Roosevelt’s insatiable curiosity, or John F. Kennedy’s efficient information processing, the key takeaway is clear: reading is a fundamental tool for personal and professional growth. By developing our reading skills and cultivating a love for learning, we can all become more informed, well-rounded individuals.

As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex world, the ability to quickly understand and synthesise information will only become more valuable. While we may not all achieve the legendary reading speeds of historical figures, we can certainly strive to become more efficient and effective readers.

Join the Ranks of Speed Reading Legends

You too can join the ranks of these legendary speed readers and unlock your full potential! With the right tools and techniques, such as those outlined in the book Speed Reading Faster, you can dramatically enhance your reading speed, improve comprehension, and achieve more in less time. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, stay informed, or simply enjoy more books, this is your chance to transform your reading habits and take your personal development to the next level.