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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 9. 1ts May 1973

"Study"

"Study"

Drawing of a creature impaled by a screw

This book claims it will help people to learn to study. It aims to make the skills of the academic available to all. If a person has the interest, perserverance, or masochism to read this book to the end, then they are probably academic enough already and don't need its commonsense advice. For those who find padding and obscure argument boring, the best advice in the book is contained in the Preface: "turn to page 219". Don't go back after having read that page, as G.G. suggests, but read on to page 236 (the end). You will have saved yourself a lot of time and probably you won't then buy the book.

G.G. advises that interest and motivation are two of the main things necessary for successful study. Most university students are either academic or want a meal ticket, that is why they are at university. So for them and others with academic interests some of the hints may be useful. Although I think such erudite advice as G.G. gives (e.g.: "It is generally true that such artificial conditions as shelter, regulated temperature, the armchair, the desk, and the midnight oil are necessary for mental work".) is commonsense to most.

But for those without interest and motivation, the other 89% of the population, his advice is rather useless. As they are not interested in academic study they will not persevere with G.G's book. Rather, they need to know and understand things that will be of use. They need to become aware, along with the majority of university students. G.G's book contributes little toward helping people to understand the process by which awareness is achieved.