Education of Henry Adams, 2nd reading, 2nd question

What he means is when the reader reads the following sections, not to take the readings lightly. I get that because at the end of the last paragraph it says, "...must be taken for real; must be treated as though it had life." He means that when you read, read them slow and thorough and pay attention so you understand everything because the following sections of the essay are hard to follow if you don't pay attention.

Jen