The simple way to learn anything 10x faster
Summary
TLDRThis video emphasizes the importance of efficient learning to upgrade your brain, comparing it to a biological supercomputer. It outlines five key steps: taking ownership, understanding the big picture (jigsaw), chunking information, alternating focus with diffuse thinking, and using spaced repetition for retention. The video also highlights the benefits of learning platforms like Skillshare for skill enhancement.
Takeaways
- ๐ง The brain is a powerful tool that can be upgraded for effective learning, akin to switching from dial-up to fiber optic internet.
- ๐ก To truly learn something, it should be a 'forever tool', easily accessible and not forgotten.
- ๐ The speaker's success is attributed to a learning system that emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's capacity for learning.
- ๐ฆ The brain is compared to an almost infinite warehouse that organizes information as you learn and grow.
- ๐ Taking ownership of what you learn is crucial; having a specific problem to solve can motivate and focus your learning.
- ๐งฉ The 'jigsaw' method suggests learning in a cohesive manner, starting with the big picture before diving into details.
- ๐ 'Chunking' is a learning technique that helps overcome the limitations of working memory by combining information into digestible parts.
- ๐ก Making learning fun and emotionally engaging increases the likelihood of retention.
- ๐ค 'Defuse mode' or daydreaming can be beneficial for learning, as it allows the brain to make broader connections and find solutions.
- ๐ 'Space repetition' is a systematic way to review information to combat forgetting and strengthen memory retention.
- ๐ The speaker hints at a 'secret sixth step' to learning, which will be the focus of a future video.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the video?
-The main focus of the video is to teach viewers the most effective ways to learn and upgrade their brains, emphasizing the importance of efficient and effective learning.
Why is it crucial to have a better brain?
-Having a better brain is crucial because it allows you to compete more effectively in life, transform your knowledge into practical skills, and apply what you learn in the real world.
What is the first step in the learning process according to the video?
-The first step is to take ownership of what you want to learn by having a specific problem you want to solve, which gives purpose to the information you're learning.
What is the 'jigsaw' step in the learning process?
-The 'jigsaw' step involves understanding the big picture first before diving into the details, similar to putting together a jigsaw puzzle by assembling the whole scene rather than memorizing individual pieces.
How can you move information from short-term memory to long-term memory?
-You can move information from short-term memory to long-term memory by processing it in working memory, which involves actively engaging with the information and reducing distractions.
What is the concept of 'chunking' in learning?
-Chunking is the process of combining information into more digestible, bite-sized chunks to fit more efficiently into the limited slots of working memory, making it easier to remember and process.
Why is it beneficial to let your mind wander during the learning process?
-Letting your mind wander engages the diffuse mode of thinking, which broadens your thought processes and allows you to scan through your entire knowledge base, potentially uncovering relevant associations and ideas.
What is the fifth step in the learning process mentioned in the video?
-The fifth step is to use spaced repetition, a technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to reinforce memory and prevent forgetting.
How does the video suggest using the concept of 'ownership' in learning?
-The video suggests using the concept of 'ownership' by having a specific problem you want to solve, which motivates you to learn the necessary tools and information more effectively.
What is the purpose of the 'El 515 2565' concept in the learning process?
-The 'El 515 2565' concept is a way to build a framework in learning by explaining a concept to people of different ages and levels of understanding, starting with the simplest explanation and gradually adding complexity.
How does the video relate learning to the idea of a 'bottleneck of stupid'?
-The 'bottleneck of stupid' refers to the limitation of working memory, which can only hold a few items at a time. This bottleneck is crucial for preventing the brain from being overwhelmed by too much information, and learning involves effectively navigating this limitation.
Outlines
๐ง Mastering the Art of Learning
This paragraph emphasizes the importance of efficient learning for personal growth and success. It likens the brain to a supercomputer, highlighting the need to upgrade our learning methods to keep up with the fast pace of information. The speaker, a board-certified doctor with Ivy League degrees, shares his learning system that has contributed to his success. The brain is described as an almost infinite warehouse that absorbs information when inspired. The speaker introduces the concept of 'ownership' in learning, suggesting that having a specific problem to solve can motivate learning and make information stick. The importance of understanding the brain's capacity and learning style is underscored.
๐งฉ The Jigsaw Puzzle of Knowledge
The second paragraph delves into the learning strategy of 'jigsaw,' which involves understanding the big picture before focusing on the details. It compares memorizing a 1000-piece puzzle to learning in chunks, reducing the cognitive load on working memory. The 'EL 5152565' concept is introduced as a practical way to build a framework of understanding, starting from the most basic level to the most complex. The speaker uses the analogy of a girl's phone number to illustrate how to chunk information into memorable and accessible parts, emphasizing the importance of making learning fun and emotionally engaging to improve retention.
๐ The Power of Diffused Thinking
This paragraph discusses the benefits of diffused thinking, or daydreaming, as a powerful tool for learning. It challenges the conventional wisdom that constant focus is the key to effective learning. The speaker explains that diffused mode allows the brain to scan through a broader range of knowledge, making unexpected connections and facilitating the retrieval of relevant information. The 'default mode network' is introduced as a neural network that connects various regions of the brain, enabling the discovery of 'Eureka' moments. The speaker encourages learners to step away from intense focus and allow their minds to wander, which can lead to deeper understanding and creative insights.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กEfficient Learning
๐กBrain
๐กOwnership
๐กJigsaw Puzzle
๐กChunking
๐กWorking Memory
๐กDiffuse Mode
๐กSpaced Repetition
๐กForgetting Curve
๐กDefault Mode Network
๐กSkillshare
Highlights
The video emphasizes the importance of efficient and effective learning for personal growth and success.
The brain is likened to a 'biological supercomputer' capable of upgrading through learning.
Learning should result in 'forever tools' that are easily accessible and not forgotten.
The speaker, a board-certified doctor, attributes much of their success to the learning system presented.
Understanding the brain as an 'almost infinite-sized warehouse' is crucial for effective learning.
The concept of 'extor' or ownership is introduced as the first step in the learning process.
Having a specific problem to solve can accelerate the learning process by providing motivation.
The 'jigsaw' method suggests learning the big picture before focusing on the details.
The 'El 515 2565' concept is introduced to build the framework before filling in details.
Working memory is described as a 'bottleneck of stupid' with limited slots for processing information.
Chunking is presented as a method to overcome the limitations of working memory.
The importance of making learning fun and emotionally engaging to aid memory retention is highlighted.
The speaker explains how to build intelligence by scaling information through chunking.
Daydreaming and diffuse mode thinking are advocated for learning and creativity.
Spaced repetition is introduced as a technique to combat the forgetting curve.
The video mentions a 'secret sixth step' to be revealed in a future video.
Skillshare is recommended as a platform for learning various skills and enhancing the brain.
The video concludes with a call to action for subscribing and supporting the channel.
Transcripts
I don't care if you're in school or not
this video is going to be one of the
most important things you will ever
watch in your entire life because if you
want a better life it starts with a
better brain and the only way to upgrade
your brain is through efficient and
effective learning your brain is a
biological supercomputer if you've been
uploading data into your skull using
dialup internet how are you going to
compete with someone using a fiber optic
hookup when you learn something you want
it to stick you want it to transform you
you want to be able to apply it in the
real world each thing you learn should
be what I call a forever tool easily
available easily accessible not
forgotten in some dusty drawer somewhere
or made of Jello-O if you're Batman it
goes right into your fancy yellow Batman
fanny pack in this video I'll teach you
the most effective way to learn as a
board certified doctor with three Ivy
leak degrees I owe a lot of My Success
to this very system quite larly it is
the most fundamental skill you could
ever learn for with it you gain the
super power to do almost
anything and it all starts with the
first thing understanding the brain your
brain is an almost infinite sized
Warehouse it starts off empty and devoid
of information but as you learn and grow
packages start to come in aisle 5 is the
fruit section aisle six is philosophy
and aisle 7 is
math it may not feel like it sometimes
but your brain is amazing at learning
when inspired it absorbs information
like a sponge you want someone to
understand the importance of math don't
start with random equations start with
what's in it for them start talking
about the time value of money and what
Billy owes you from that $10 loan you
gave him 3 weeks ago for Pokรฉmon cards
oh sorry Billy you didn't read the fine
print those $10 were actually being
compounded daily at a 25% interest rate
that means you owe me
$1,084 20 now son no your Lunchables and
Juicy Juice Box isn't going to cut it
this time should have paid more
attention in math first step is exactly
that it's called extor I mean ownership
own what you learn the tiny dudes in
your brain Warehouse isn't going to
carefully care for the packages being
delivered unless the big boss upstairs
says it's important to do so if it
wasn't apparent already you are the big
boss upstairs the quickest way to
ownership is to have a specific problem
you want to solve ask yourself what new
superpower or door will I unlock if I
serious ly learn this answer may not be
obvious nor may it be immediate but if
you take the time to ponder this and
come up with something that truly
motivates you everything that enters
your brain next is going to have immense
purpose if your plan is to take over the
world is knowing geography going to be
helpful how are you going to Corner the
transatlantic Pokemon card Market if you
don't even know where the Atlantic Ocean
is oh no second step is called the
jigsaw there are many iterations and
ways to do the jigsaw but the idea is
simple if you want to memorize a
1000piece jigsaw puzzle you don't
painstakingly memorize 1,000 little
pieces one by one you put together the
jigsaw puzzle first and then memorize
the one cohesive scene in front of you
1,000 individual data points reduced to
just one elegant and efficient another
words there's an order of operations
when you learn it's kind of like a set
of Russian nesting dolls the first layer
is the big picture 50,000 ft aerial view
see the forest before you study the
trees little by little do you then
weighed into the finer details a great
practical way to do this is what I call
the El 515 2565 concept and in that
order can you explain it to a 5-year-old
a 15-year-old a 25-year-old with a
masters a 65-year-old with a PhD a
100-year-old with late stage dementia
sitting in Hospice Care in need of a
diaper change build the framework in
Foundation first before filling in the
details there's a reason you need to
feed your brain this way to explain
imagine there's a girl in front of you
because you realize she's one human and
two alive you know she's marriage
material this opportunity may not come
again timidly you ask for her number and
wow she gives it to you
61745
88 her number is now a tiny little
package in your head it sits in
short-term memory the tin tiny receiving
area of your brain at the front of the
warehouse unfortunately if you don't
process this package soon it's going to
get lost in the never-ending stream of
deliveries coming into short-term memory
how do you move something from
short-term memory to long-term memory
you can't just hand it off to the dudes
in the back of the warehouse because
separating short-term memory and
long-term memory is what I call the
bottleneck of stupid the bottleneck of
stupid sounds stupid but is in fact a
very good thing if it were not for this
barrier the millions of packages being
delivered into your Consciousness every
second would soon overwhelm your hard
drives overriding and erasing everything
you hold dear because you're motivated
to remember this girl's number you put
the package on a tiny workbench called
working memory it's called working
memory because it's here that you get to
work unfortunately this workbench has
only four to seven slots a limitation no
one can overcome this is why you can
only recall a few items on your grocery
list at a time why this girl's 10-digit
number is stressed ing your brain out
it's also fundamentally why you must
limit distractions having a distraction
is you taking a slot out of service and
literally dumbing down your brain at
this point what do most people do they
brute force it they tend to smash the
package through the bottleneck of stupid
repeating it 50 times in their heads
hoping it will stick unfortunately brute
force will not overcome the limitations
of working memory but the third step of
learning will it's called chunking
combine what you want to learn into more
digestible bite-sized chunks by doing so
you can ctively fit larger items into
the few slots you have check it your
girl's number isn't some random 10
digits it's actually just three things
617 is the area code for Boston I.E a
pair of Red Socks
588 is actually just boobs written on a
calculator upside down and 40 is the 40
year-old virgin you'll soon become if
you don't freaking lock down this girl's
number now collapse that into one
perfectly concise image Steve Carroll
from 40-Year-Old Virgin wearing a pair
of Red Socks fining a calculator the
more fun you have with it and the more
emotionally ceiling it becomes the more
likely it will stick furthermore this is
how your brain encodes and retrieves all
information anyway it's that Russian
nesting doll phenomenon again something
needing 10 Slots of memory collaps into
three slots collapses into one for
example when you first learn a word you
need all the slots of working memory to
piece together the letters a p p l e
when you become more fasile with it your
brain chunks it together into one word
for efficiency Apple eventually even the
word itself just becomes part of a
larger chunk which in turn becomes part
of another the concept itself can even
be borrowed and associated with other
ideas this is how you scale information
and how intelligence is built you either
build a more massive library of chunks
to choose from or increase how flexibly
you can manipulate the chunks you
already have a true Master like Leonardo
da Vinci studies material in such an
interconnected way that he's able to
chunk material in C associations the
average person cannot this is how he's
able to fit an entire library of
knowledge into one slot flexibly
expanding and collapsing any part of it
instantaneously quickly zeroing in on
the specific concept of Interest he does
the same with the other slots and thus
is able to elegantly manipulate larger
swats of data despite just having around
five SL lots too because he's able to
compare and contrast among five entire
libraries worth of knowledge expanding
and collapsing them like a windal god
he's able to make connections between
disciplines and see things no one else
could possibly imagine there's no reason
why you can't build your brain in the
same way too speaking of building up
your brain the perfect way to do so is
with skillshare I've been looking to get
better at doodling and all things
procreate the animation app I use to
draw these little stick friends before
Brooks's class I was using my own slow
manual workarounds to get the effects I
wanted thanks to her intro to procreate
class I now know how to use masks and
other cool new features I never knew
existed speeding up my workflow like a
pro skillshare is not just limited to
Art it's actually the largest online
community with thousands of classes led
by industry Pros you have classes on
writing film making entrepreneurship
productivity and much more their
learning paths are handpicked classes
meant to upgrade your brain from the
ground level so it doesn't matter if if
you're just getting started or a more
advanced learner first 500 people to use
my link in the description will receive
a 1-month free trial of skillshare get
started today thanks to skillshare for
sponsoring this video fourth step is to
let your mind wander conventional
thinking has given daydreaming a bad rep
they tell kids to stop messing around to
snap to attention and to stay laser
focused on the task at hand it's always
about focus focus in pursuit of
superhuman levels of attention and
discipline unfortunately to much of a
good thing can be bad in Focus mode you
stick with one section of your brain
Library zeroing in on the one book on
the Shelf you force yourself to read and
reread it convinced that the answer to
the problem is somewhere there this is
the definition of narrow-mindedness
luckily there's another way the opposite
of focus mode is defuse mode in the
diffuse mode of thinking you broaden
your thought processes when you let your
mind wander you inadvertently scroll
through your entire Library scanning
multiple shelves sections you didn't
even know existed and in doing so you
end up taking lessons from the hundreds
of books you've read over your lifetime
some random idea you learned ages ago
the exact key you need now is sitting in
that amorphous blob of thoughts waiting
for you to find it again this all
happens unconsciously when you engage
the diffuse mode it's kind of like
hitting the search button and scanning
your entire brain for nuggets moreover
as the brain scans it begins seeding and
indexing this idea you just learned
throughout your brain as as relevant
associations come up making it that much
harder to forget what you just learned
that's why when a concept just doesn't
make sense Don't Force It simply step
away when you let go mentally you engage
the default mode Network a super highway
connecting almost every region of your
brain as we've discussed in a previous
video your brain is really a small
Universe you don't realize it but
somewhere in this brain universe is your
Eureka moment it's literally in your
head you just have to find it ponder
over it in the background give it some
time and it will come that's why Eureka
moments happens when you least expect it
in the shower on the toilet when someone
mentions something completely random
this is how you think outside the box
how you literally use your entire brain
bottom line is this Learning Happens not
just when you focus on the task not just
when you sit down to learn learning
happens even when you step away when you
rest when you disengage to optimize your
own learning you must learn how to do
both fifth step is space repetition the
first time I used space repetition was
in medical school drinking from a fire
hose of information I needed a
systematic way to ensure I didn't forget
what I learned space repetition was the
answer the concept is stupidly simple to
not forget you must review the more you
review the less you'll forget that's it
really everything stored in your brain
lives on What's called the forgetting
curve it's like that girl you met
earlier her number her face her shoelace
it was all fresh in your mind when you
just met her wait a few days later and
the memory of it all becomes a bit more
hazy are you sure you met a girl she
gave you her number really are you sure
it wasn't a cardboard cutout of a girl
or maybe it was a girl dog or a tree in
the shape of a girl or maybe you just
imagined it all think man why would a
girl ever want to talk to you and dude
boobs boobs was literally her number how
stupid is that as you work yourself up
into a schizoph FRC frenzy the only way
in which you can assure you aren't going
crazy is by seeing her again seeing her
again resets the forgetting curve and
this time the memory is a bit more
robust it takes a little bit longer
before you again begin to forget descend
into delusional paranoia the beauty of
space repetition is that there's
software now that takes care of
everything for you give each package of
information a rating of how difficult it
was to remember and the software
calculates the space intervals for you
things that you remember well you study
at a less frequent Cadence things that
are harder to remember are pushed to you
more frequently there's some other
Nuance weaknesses to space repetition
I'll reserve for a future video but the
basic Essence is sound spoiler alert it
almost resulted in me failing medical
school in short these five simple steps
should get you 90% of the way there
first is to take ownership of what you
want to learn have a specific problem
you want to solve and when you do you'll
naturally learn the most efficient tools
needed to solve it second is the jigsaw
efficient learning meets understand
understanding the big picture first
before diving into the details be able
to explain the concept to a 5-year-old
before trying to explain it to a patient
with dementia third step is chunking and
understanding how to go beyond the
limits of your working memory fourth is
to regularly intermix Focus sessions
with diffused Mones of thinking to
solidify what you learn fifth is to
regularly revisit what you learn using
space repetition until it too feels like
the back of your hand there's a secret
six step actually but because it's so
important I've reserved an entire video
for itself when it's ready I'll link it
here at any rate I hope this video was
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