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Feynman Technique for Learning

Core Principle

The Feynman Technique, inspired by physicist Richard Feynman's emphasis on deep understanding over rote memorization, is a method to learn and internalize concepts by simplifying and teaching them. As Feynman noted: "I don’t know what’s the matter with people: they don’t learn by understanding; they learn by some other way—by rote, or something. Their knowledge is so fragile!"

Steps

  1. Choose a Concept: Select the topic or idea you want to learn. Write down everything you already know about it.
  2. Teach It Simply: Explain the concept in your own words as if teaching it to a child or someone with no prior knowledge. Use plain language, avoid jargon, and incorporate analogies.
  3. Identify Gaps: Note where your explanation falters, gets complicated, or relies on unverified assumptions. These are knowledge gaps.
  4. Review and Simplify: Return to source materials to fill gaps. Refine your explanation until it's clear, concise, and accurate. Repeat as needed.

Benefits

  • Promotes true comprehension and retention.
  • Reveals superficial knowledge quickly.
  • Applicable to any subject, from physics to history.
  • Enhances teaching and communication skills.

Tips for Application

  • Use a notebook or digital doc for explanations.
  • Test by verbalizing aloud or to others.
  • Iterate until you can explain without notes.

This technique fosters robust, "antifragile" knowledge, aligning with Feynman's philosophy of curiosity-driven learning.