The way we learn
There is always too much knowledge we can learn out there. The way we learn determines how we can grasp deeper concept, improve ourselves, and might eventually get closer to fulfilling our full potential.
One of the most popular ways of learning is the Feynman technique. Named after the great physicist Richard Feynman, he is nicked “the great explainer” due to his ability to boil down complicated concepts such as quantum electrodynamics and subatomic particles to make it easy to understand.
His method revolves around one basic principle; “If you want to understand better, try to explain it to others”
This simple method is broken down into 4 steps, which you can easily apply on anything you wish to learn.
The first step is to grab a paper (or a blank document) and put the subject name as the title. Let’s say, we talk about astrophysics.
Step number two you should try to write what you have learned about the subject using your own simple language. Make sure you do more than describing the concept, but also give examples and if possible show how to use astrophysics in practice.
Step three is where you start to explain to others or at least yourself, using the words you have written down in step two. In this step, you now know which part you are still having trouble explaining, and you can go back to the source material to learn these parts better. The final step, which can be the most challenging, is to breakdown and simplify all complex terms, sentences, and concepts, to the point that the most ignorant audience can understand. When facing this last step, ask yourself if you are now ready to teach a kid about astrophysics and make them satisfied with your answers. If you can, rest assured that you have enough understanding about astrophysics, especially the fundamental structure of it.
This learning method is one of my personal favorites, especially because at some point, the technique will lead us to the “why” on every subject. True that this method needs practice, and act more like a guide rather than all-answering technique. But so far I have learned abundant knowledge using this technique, while also having fun sharing it with those interested.
