Highlighting in paper books

I was taught that highlighting and writing notes in paper books is barbaric. A book is something sacrificed. Also, I always kept in mind that I might want to borrow the book I was reading to someone, so the book should be in good condition. So, I never made any notes or remarks in books I read and never used a highlighter. All my books were in "like condition."

On the other hand, I rarely borrow books. When I buy a book, it usually means it would just live on my bookshelf. So, recently, I changed my mind and read my first book actively using a highlighter. I marked interesting or controversial aspects in the book with different colors. Apparently, it is much easier to focus on something and remember it if you highlight it. Also, then it is much easier and simpler to skim through the book, find the marked places, compile a summary, and save it in Obsidian.

I must admit that, psychologically, it was not easy. I bought a set of four highlighters, and it took me a few weeks to mentally prepare and take the first step. But then I liked it when I made my first highlight, which looked nice. I kept going and making highlights while reading through the book.

Now, I treat a book primarily as my own possession, as something I work with, as a tool. I still respect a book but treat it as something I work on. And if making remarks/notes/highlights in the book during reading helps me or makes the process more effective, then this is the way to go.

And the first book I tried the new approach with is Nomad Capitalist by Andrew Henderson