I would say I excel, but it works for me. When I state a purpose I usually do it with ideas like: I want the information that will be most useful for me to do..., What ideas will be most useful for me to...., What ideas in this book will help me do....
I guess my questions are designed to help me solve some problem that is real and immediate in my life. I can hear the but what if it's not that kind of material. Hmmmm, well I read an autobiography. I didn't care about all the facts and events in this persons life. I wanted to know what events shaped their life and made them the kind of person they were. I was genuinely curious about the person. I also asked what ideas and beliefs does this person have that would be useful for me to have more happiness in my life?
I always try and make a purpose that is meaningful to me, and the acquiring of information is just a necessary step on the way there.
Hope that helps.
Sending love to all,
Iam2 
