Feynman's Method | 12 questions that will change your life

Summary

This video shares a practical creativity method inspired by Richard Feynman: keep a dozen favorite problems constantly in mind. The creator walks viewers through three steps—write your twelve recurring questions, look for patterns among them to uncover your core curiosities (often around dualities and connections), and test every new idea against those questions. Tracking insights with a note system (Obsidian, Zettelkasten, or simple pen-and-paper) lets these problems evolve into a unique perspective. The approach promises clearer priorities, richer connections, and surprising breakthroughs—ending with a prompt to identify your own twelve questions and watch how ideas grow over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of curiosity: Keep a set of favorite problems in your mind to guide your learning and discoveries, as Richard Feynman did.
• 😀 The concept of the '12 problems': By constantly considering these questions, you can approach problems with a more focused and informed mindset.
• 😀 Not just about learning: It's about finding connections between new knowledge and the things you're deeply curious about.
• 😀 Step 1: Identify your 12 problems. Reflect on what questions you always come back to, as they define your unique perspective.
• 😀 Step 2: Look for patterns. The common themes among your 12 problems reveal underlying causes and personal interests.
• 😀 Duality and polarity: Many of the author's problems involve managing opposing forces or ideas, like perception vs. truth, or serendipity vs. intention.
• 😀 Intersectional thinking: The author values the ability to connect disparate ideas and bring together different viewpoints.
• 😀 Unique identity: The author emphasizes that their personal identity, shaped by multiple cultures, informs their curiosity and perspectives.
• 😀 Step 3: Use your 12 problems as a framework to test new ideas and knowledge. Assess whether new information relates to your core questions.
• 😀 Note-taking system: Consistent tracking of your thoughts over time, through tools like Obsidian or even pen and paper, can help you see connections grow and evolve.
• 😀 Lifelong learning: Your 12 questions can guide you throughout your life, providing direction and a deeper understanding of your own interests and curiosities.

Q & A

What is Richard Feynman's secret to making discoveries?

Feynman's secret lies in keeping a set of 12 key problems that he constantly thinks about. By testing new information against these problems, he could find connections that led to new insights.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of having 12 personal questions?

The speaker believes that having a set of 12 personal questions helps focus and guide curiosity. These questions are a way to constantly test new ideas and information, ultimately helping to find meaningful patterns and connections.

How does Feynman suggest new information should be approached?

Feynman suggests that when you encounter new information, you should test it against your 12 favorite problems. This helps identify whether the new knowledge fits or provides a new angle on the existing problems.

What role do 'guiding posts' play in the learning process?

'Guiding posts' refer to the 12 questions or problems that help structure and direct one's curiosity and learning. They act as a framework for testing and connecting new ideas, ensuring that learning remains focused and purposeful.

What is the significance of the 'similarities' found among the speaker's 12 questions?

The similarities among the 12 questions reveal the speaker’s core interest in managing dualities and finding connections between opposing ideas. This reflection on patterns helps clarify the speaker's unique perspective and approach to thinking.

Why does the speaker highlight the importance of duality management?

Duality management is important to the speaker because it reflects their interest in balancing and integrating opposing ideas. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of complex concepts and helps connect disparate areas of knowledge.

How can writing down your own 12 questions help with finding your unique perspective?

Writing down your 12 questions forces you to reflect on the recurring ideas and challenges in your life, helping you identify the themes that shape your unique perspective and intellectual curiosity.

What role does tracking your insights play in this method?

Tracking your insights over time allows you to see how your understanding evolves and how different pieces of information connect to your 12 questions. This process reinforces learning and helps identify patterns of thought and personal growth.

How can tools like Obsidian or Zettelkasten help with applying this method?

Tools like Obsidian or Zettelkasten help organize and track your thoughts and insights, making it easier to see how new information connects to your 12 questions. These systems allow you to build a structured repository of knowledge that grows over time.

What is the suggested action at the end of the video?

At the end of the video, the speaker encourages viewers to pause and write down their own 12 questions. They are also encouraged to share these questions in the comments to see how others approach curiosity and learning.