Deep understanding comes from asking the questions the author did not ask

To understand more deeply, you cannot stay trapped inside the frame of the sentence.

You have to think of the questions the author never got around to asking the reader. To understand a sentence, do not stop at accepting what is written on the surface. Ask yourself “why is that”, “how far does this apply”, and “is there no opposite case”. Understanding stops where the questions stop.

Related: Meaning sinks in only when a note is rewritten in my own words, not copied — both refuse passive acceptance and hold that understanding happens only through active processing. Related: Information that contradicts my position is forgotten more easily, so note it down at once — asking about the opposite case is part of the questions you put to yourself.