《讀者文摘》選擇文章的標準
1.Is it quotable？Is it something the reader will remember，ponder，and discuss？
2.Is it applicable？Does it come within the framework of most people's interests and conversation？Does it touch the individual's own concerns？
3.Is it of lasting interest？Will it still be of interest a year or two from now？
4.Is it positive？Does it offer the reader a solution，or an optimistic and uplifting message？
《讀者文摘》的使命
The goal of this magazine is to inform，inspire，and entertain.Implicit in that second item is that the editors'mission is also to showcase in its pages a better，simpler，and happier world than the one outside.This is how the noted American journalist and scholar Martin L.Gross explained：“Each issue of Readers'Digest is a balance between humor，celebrity stories，pieces about health and the art of living.Their common denominator is their usefulness.The magazine is also an exercise in idealism，an act of believing in the kindness of human beings.”
The essential emotions in a Digest story are inspiration，faith，hope，and courage.
The magazine celebrated its 40th anniversary in February of 1962 with a special issue that included letters of praise from such luminaries as President John Kennedy，former president Dwight Eisenhower，singer Marian Anderson，and Henry Ford II.Kennedy's letter said：“One of our major goals is to help people understand the complexity of the world in which we live and the variety of the problems we face.Without understanding，there cannot be intelligent action.Ignorance and prejudice-two of democracy's greatest foes-can be dispelled by the free flow of information and ideas.The Readers'Digest has contributed to this goal.I am pleased to send congratulations on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.”