Rather than try to remember and use small facts and summaries as you encounter them, build up material you can use to make larger associations. Read multiple books on a subject, then on another, that interests you. You should start to have some ideas about the intersection of those subjects. Perhaps read further in this area, or start to write. If you’re not feeling those subjects draw you into contemplation and further study, choose different ones. Quantity of knowledge will start to work for you over time.