Ultralearning - How to Rapidly Learn and Master New Skills - (SUMMARY)

Summary

This video discusses Scott Young's book 'Ultra Learning,' which outlines a self-directed, intense strategy for skill acquisition. It covers nine principles including meta learning, directness, drill, retrieval, feedback, retention, intuition, and experimentation, aiming to accelerate learning and outsmart the competition.

Takeaways

• 📚 Scott Young is known for his intense self-directed learning projects, including completing a four-year MIT computer science curriculum in a year and learning to draw in a month.
• 🚀 His book 'Ultra Learning' compiles principles for effective self-guided education, providing strategies for mastering new skills and knowledge.
• 🎯 Ultra learning is defined as a self-directed and intense learning strategy, focusing on acquiring skills and knowledge efficiently.
• 🗺️ The book outlines nine principles for ultra learning: meta learning, focus, directness, drill, retrieval, feedback, retention, intuition, and experimentation.
• 🔍 Meta learning involves planning the learning journey, identifying bottlenecks, and selecting appropriate study methods.
• 🎯 Focus emphasizes overcoming procrastination and distractions, and understanding when to be highly alert or less so for optimal learning.
• 🛠️ Directness suggests tailoring learning to the context of use, focusing on what is necessary for the skill rather than what is comfortable.
• 🔨 Drill is about breaking down topics, identifying weak areas, and concentrating study efforts to improve overall performance.
• 📝 Retrieval encourages frequent testing to enhance learning, as the act of recalling information helps solidify it in memory.
• 🔍 Feedback stresses the importance of receiving immediate and accurate responses to self-tests to improve learning.
• 🔄 Retention discusses methods to combat forgetting and to retain learned information effectively.
• 🧠 Intuition and experimentation are highlighted as important for developing a deep understanding and finding unique learning paths, especially at advanced levels.
• 🎨 The story of Vincent van Gogh illustrates the power of experimentation and persistence in developing a unique style and mastery, even when starting late.
• 📘 'Ultra Learning' offers a nuanced approach to self-improvement, with practical advice and examples, encouraging readers to engage with the material deeply.

Q & A

What is 'Ultra Learning' as defined by Scott Young?

Ultra Learning is defined by Scott Young as a strategy for acquiring skills and knowledge that is both self-directed and intense.

What is the significance of the book 'Ultra Learning' in the context of self-improvement literature?

Unlike many self-improvement books that push a single thesis, 'Ultra Learning' provides nuanced advice through nine principles, offering a more comprehensive approach to learning.

What does the principle of 'Meta Learning' involve according to the transcript?

Meta Learning involves mapping out your learning journey before you begin, focusing on the why, what, and how of your project, recognizing bottlenecks, and identifying study methods to focus on.

How does the principle of 'Directness' apply to learning a new language like Spanish?

The principle of Directness suggests tailoring your learning project to match the context in which you plan to use the skill, such as speaking Spanish by directly engaging in conversations rather than focusing on less relevant metrics like language app levels.

Can you explain the 'Drill' principle in the context of learning?

The 'Drill' principle is about breaking down big topics into smaller parts, identifying the weakest area, and studying it intensely to improve overall performance, essentially removing bottlenecks in performance.

What role does 'Retrieval' play in the learning process as described in the transcript?

Retrieval emphasizes the importance of testing oneself as a means of learning, suggesting that the act of recalling information helps the brain process it more effectively.

Why is 'Feedback' crucial during the testing phase of learning?

Feedback is crucial because it allows learners to correct their mistakes and understand their progress immediately after attempting to answer questions or complete tasks.

What does the 'Retention' chapter discuss in terms of holding onto learned information?

The 'Retention' chapter discusses different ways and reasons we forget information and provides tips on how to better retain what has been learned.

How does the 'Intuition' chapter relate to problem-solving and understanding of a topic?

The 'Intuition' chapter explores the importance of developing a deep understanding of a topic through pattern recognition and true comprehension, as opposed to superficial recall of facts.

What is the 'Experimentation' principle and why is it important for advanced learners?

The 'Experimentation' principle encourages learners to find their own unique learning path and styles as they advance, as educational resources become more limited and one-size-fits-all approaches may no longer apply.

What is the Fineman technique for studying as mentioned in the transcript?

The Fineman technique involves writing down a concept or problem and explaining it as if teaching someone else, which helps in developing a deeper intuitive understanding of the topic.

How can readers access additional content related to 'Ultra Learning'?

Readers can access additional content by preordering the book before its release, emailing Scott Young a copy of their receipt, and receiving extra content in the form of e-books and videos.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Ultra Learning

This paragraph introduces the concept of 'Ultra Learning' as defined by Scott Young, a writer known for his unconventional learning projects, such as completing a four-year MIT computer science course in under a year. The paragraph sets the stage for discussing the principles of Ultra Learning as outlined in Young's book titled 'Ultra Learning: Accelerate Your Career, Master Hard Skills, and Outsmart the Competition.' The book is described as offering nuanced advice through nine principles, rather than a single thesis stretched across its pages. The paragraph also mentions Young's blog, where he has previously discussed these learning principles.

05:02

🎯 The Nine Principles of Ultra Learning

This paragraph delves into the nine principles of Ultra Learning as presented in Scott Young's book. It starts with 'Meta Learning,' which emphasizes the importance of planning and assessing the learning journey, including understanding the 'why,' 'what,' and 'how' of the project. 'Directness' is about focusing on what is necessary for the skill's application rather than what is comfortable. 'Drill' involves breaking down topics into parts and concentrating on improving weak areas to enhance overall performance. 'Retrieval' suggests that testing oneself is a crucial part of the learning process, as it forces the brain to process information more deeply. 'Feedback' highlights the need for immediate and thorough feedback on one's attempts to answer questions or solve problems. 'Retention' discusses methods to prevent forgetting what has been learned. 'Intuition' focuses on developing a deep understanding of a topic rather than just memorizing facts. 'Experimentation' encourages finding one's unique learning style as resources become scarce at higher skill levels.

10:03

🛠️ Applying Ultra Learning Principles

The final paragraph discusses the application of Ultra Learning principles, using the story of Vincent van Gogh as an example. Despite starting late and having a troubled career, van Gogh managed to create some of the world's most renowned paintings through hard work and experimentation with various styles. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of not just replicating others' methods but finding one's own path. It also mentions a promotional offer for Young's book, which includes additional content for those who preorder, and invites readers to share their Ultra Learning projects and experiences with Scott Young's work.

Keywords

💡Ultra Learning

Ultra learning is defined as a self-directed and intense strategy for acquiring skills and knowledge. It is the central theme of the video, which discusses the principles and methods for effective self-improvement. The script mentions that Scott Young, the subject of the video, has undertaken various learning projects, such as learning MIT's computer science curriculum in a year, which exemplifies the concept of ultra learning.

💡Scott Young

Scott Young is a writer and the main character in the video script. He is known for his ambitious learning projects, such as completing a four-year MIT computer science course in under a year. His experiences and insights form the basis of the video's discussion on ultra learning and the principles he has developed for effective self-directed education.

💡Meta Learning

Meta learning is one of the nine principles discussed in the video, focusing on planning and assessing the learning process. It involves mapping out the learning journey, identifying bottlenecks, and choosing appropriate study methods. The script illustrates this concept by suggesting that learners should spend 5-10% of their time on research and assessment, emphasizing the importance of planning in the learning process.

💡Directness

Directness is a principle that emphasizes focusing on what is important rather than what is comfortable. It suggests tailoring the learning project to match the context in which the skill will be used. The script uses the example of learning Spanish, where the direct approach would be to start speaking Spanish rather than focusing on accumulating language learning app levels.

💡Drill

Drill is a principle that involves breaking down complex topics into smaller parts and focusing on improving the weakest areas to enhance overall performance. The script describes this as identifying and removing bottlenecks in performance, such as focusing on vocabulary when learning a language, which is crucial for speaking but might be a learner's weak point.

💡Retrieval

Retrieval is a principle that highlights the importance of testing oneself as a means of learning. The script points out that the act of recalling information, such as through problem-solving or writing summaries, is more effective for learning than simply reading or listening to lectures. It emphasizes the value of self-testing in the learning process.

💡Feedback

Feedback is a principle that stresses the need for immediate and thorough responses to self-testing in order to improve learning. The script explains that feedback should be received as soon as possible after attempting to answer a question, which helps in understanding and correcting mistakes. It also discusses the importance of attempting to answer questions before checking the book.

💡Retention

Retention is a principle that deals with the ways and reasons we forget information and provides tips on how to hold onto what has been learned. The script discusses the difference between true understanding and superficial recall, suggesting that deeper understanding leads to better retention. It also mentions the importance of not fooling oneself into thinking one understands something when they do not.

💡Intuition

Intuition is a concept related to problem-solving and understanding, discussed in the context of retention. The script suggests that developing an intuitive understanding of a topic, as opposed to merely memorizing facts, leads to better retention and problem-solving abilities. It also mentions the use of concrete examples over abstract ones to develop intuition.

💡Experimentation

Experimentation is a principle that encourages learners to be creative and find their own unique learning paths, especially as they advance beyond beginner material. The script uses the example of Vincent van Gogh, who taught himself painting and developed his own style through experimentation, highlighting the importance of finding one's own method in the learning process.

💡Fineman Technique

The Fineman Technique is a study method recommended by Scott Young, named after Richard Fineman. It involves writing down a concept or problem and then explaining it as if to another person. The script describes this technique as effective in developing a deeper understanding of a topic, as it forces the learner to clarify their thoughts and understand the material at a more intuitive level.

Highlights

Scott Young, a writer and blogger, is known for his self-directed learning projects, including completing a four-year MIT computer science course in under a year.

Young's book 'Ultra Learning' provides strategies for intense, self-directed skill acquisition.

Ultra learning is defined as a self-directed and intense learning strategy.

The book offers nuanced advice through nine principles for effective learning.

Meta learning involves mapping out the learning journey and identifying necessary study methods.

Focus on overcoming procrastination and avoiding distractions to maintain mental arousal.

Directness in learning means tailoring the project to match the context of skill use and focusing on what's necessary.

Drill involves breaking down topics, identifying weak areas, and studying them intensively.

Retrieval practice emphasizes the importance of testing oneself to enhance learning.

Feedback is crucial for self-testing, requiring immediate responses to one's answers.

Retention strategies help in holding onto learned information over time.

Intuition and pattern recognition are key to solving problems versus rote memorization.

The Fineman technique for studying involves explaining concepts to deepen understanding.

Experimentation encourages finding unique learning paths as one becomes more skilled.

Vincent van Gogh's story illustrates the power of experimentation and self-teaching in art.

The book 'Ultra Learning' is not a single thesis but a series of steps and explanations.

Pre-ordering the book provides extra content in the form of e-books and videos.

The review encourages readers to engage with the book for a deeper understanding of ultra learning.

Transcripts

if you wanted to learn a new language or

how to draw or perhaps even an entire

university degree on your own how would

you go about doing it for about a decade

I've been following the blog of a writer

called Scott Young who talks a lot about

these topics

Scott is probably most famous for his

project to learn the entire four-year

MIT computer science course by himself

in under a year but he's also done

projects where he's taught himself to

draw in a month and spent a year without

speaking English to force himself to

learn four new languages in a sense what

drives Scott to undertake these learning

projects seems to be a passion for

understanding the principles of how we

learn as much as the actual learning

itself for years he's written about

these principles on his blog but

recently he finally combined them all

into a single book which if you haven't

guessed it already is going to be the

subject of this video the book is titled

ultra learning accelerates your career

master hard skills and outsmarts the

competition and I've just finished

reading it so wanted to give you guys a

rundown Scott defines ultra learning as

a strategy for acquiring skills and

knowledge that is both self-directed and

intense now frequently self-improvement

books tend to push a single thesis

stretched out to fill a publishers

demand of 300 pages but this is not the

case with ultra learning so it's a

little difficult to know how to

summarize it what ultra learning does is

provide nuanced advice through nine

principles those are meta learning focus

directness drill retrieval feedback

retention intuition and experimentation

meta learning meta learning focuses on

mapping out your learning journey before

you begin the why what and how of your

project

recognizing bottlenecks and identifying

which study methods you'll need to focus

on this research and assessment phase

should occur at the beginning but be

repeated as often as is necessary

throughout the project

across the whole project it should

account for about five to ten percent of

your total time focus here methods for

overcoming procrastination and avoiding

distraction are given as well as some

interesting points on the topic of

mental arousal that is how wide and

alert you are feeling there are certain

times when it helps to be highly alert

and others where it's actually more

beneficial to be less so directness this

could be boiled down to doing what is

important not what is comfortable the

directness principle says you should

tailor your learning project to match

the context in which you plan to use the

skill you do this by assessing what is

most necessary to learn and learning it

by heading directly towards what your

goal is not skirting around the edges by

doing what is comfortable so if you want

to speak Spanish then your assessment

for success is whether you can speak to

someone in Spanish not how many duolingo

Lingus you have or which level you've

reached that being the case the direct

thing to do is to go out and start

speaking to people in Spanish either

face-to-face or via Skype frequently we

try to improve in a general fashion

levelling up in all areas when in truth

it's a few specific ones which are

holding us back we do this because it

just takes so much less effort in the

short term however we don't consider the

time it wastes in the long run ultra

learning by contrast is very much about

putting conscious thought into what you

focus on so as to get where you're going

in the most efficient manner and

actually achieve what you set out to

achieve drill this is about breaking big

topics down into constituent parts then

identifying which part you are worst at

and studying it intensely in order to

drastically improve your overall

performance you could think of it as

identifying and removing bottlenecks in

performance it follows on from

directness assume you've tried speaking

to someone in Spanish but really

struggled now it's time to work out why

you struggle

what is your bottleneck a bottleneck is

both what you're not good at and also

what's key to progression maybe your

grammar is good but your pronunciation

and vocabulary are both bad well you

could improve both but you notice even

though your pronunciation is bad people

can understand you that means it's not

really an immediate bottleneck so you

identify your bottleneck to be your

vocabulary at which you are both bad and

at your current level unable to work

around since you know your aim is to

speak and your vocabulary is the single

biggest thing stopping you speaking it's

time to drill vocabulary an hour spent

doing so will be multiple times more

valuable than an hour spent elsewhere

the chapter on drill goes into detail on

different methods for breaking apart a

topic and for drilling each part as well

as when and when not to use them as an

example flashcards might be your go-to

method for drilling things however while

they might be good for learning syntax

they tend not to be good for learning

concepts retrieval the way our education

system tends to work is that first you

learn the material and then you take a

test to get a grade but in reality the

testing phase itself is what provides

most of the learning the principle here

is to keep testing your ability to make

your brain properly process the

information I remember telling myself in

high school that I didn't need to do the

problem questions at the end of the math

chapter because I had already read the

chapter and thoroughly understood it of

course in reality I had only a

superficial grasp and when someone

challenged me on it I couldn't answer

the questions in the words of Richard

Fineman the first principle is that you

must not fool yourself and you are the

easiest person to fool the

Terron retrieval goes on to give a

variety of methods for testing beyond

just sitting an exam such as writing out

everything you can remember from a

chapter using flashcards rephrasing what

you've just read or creating challenge

questions for yourself while you read a

chapter feedback the most important

principle here is that whenever you test

yourself you should receive feedback on

your answers as soon as possible

with the caveat that you have to

actually thoroughly attempt to answer

the question first not simply check the

book immediately the chapter also

details different types of feedback in

criticism you might get and how to

process them as well as where the

positive feedback is good or bad

retention this chapter dives into the

different ways and reasons we forget and

provides tips on how you can hold on to

what you've spent so much time learning

in tuition this chapter deals with

intuition and pattern recognition as

modes of solving problems versus general

memory it deals with true understanding

of a topic versus a superficial ability

to recall facts and it deals with being

true to yourself about what you truly

know and understand about something it's

one of the more abstract chapters which

is difficult to quickly convey but a

summary of the chapter would be don't

give up on hard problems easily prove

things in order to understand them

properly use concrete examples over

abstract ones and don't fool yourself

into thinking you understand what you

don't truly understand one of my

childhood heroes Richard Fineman also

features quite prominently in it as well

as a method Scott has long recommended

which he calls the Fineman technique for

studying in short this method is write

down a concept or problem write out an

explanation of it as if explaining it to

someone else when you get stuck go back

to the book that seems incredibly simple

but the act of explaining something has

the effect of creating a deeper

intuitive understanding of a topic to

develop

more so than just listing some facts or

applying a formula does in a test in

fact I remember discovering the

effectiveness of this technique at age

17 when I had fallen so far behind in my

statistics class that I could barely

answer a single question in tests none

of it made sense to me so I read and

summarized the textbook as if I were

explaining it to myself as a 2nd person

in a week went from bottom to top of the

class because I developed a proper

understanding of what we were doing and

became able to prove the derivations of

the techniques and not just plug in the

numbers experimentation as your skill at

a topic develops the number of

educational resources available to you

tends to diminish as you move beyond all

the beginner material this being the

case you need to get more creative in

what you do furthermore at the peak of

performance experts tend to develop

their own unique styles and there

becomes no one style that is regarded as

the best essentially you have to start

experimenting to find your own path as

if you want to be successful you cannot

just replicate what other people have

done a chapter also tells the story of

Vincent van Gogh who only began to learn

how to paint at age 26 after a failed

career as an art dealer he was to all

accounts not especially naturally

talented and was starting to learn at a

very late age even worse he antagonized

and fell out with practically everyone

he worked with so ended up having to

essentially teach himself however by his

death at age 37 just 11 years later he

had created a number of what are now

considered the greatest paintings in the

world this came about firstly by his

prodigious work ethic but secondly by

the fact that he experimented with

hundreds of different styles many of

which were complete disasters until he

eventually found his own and went on to

create a unique brand of art ultimately

this book is not a single thesis or if

it has a thesis it's that ultra learning

gets a good thing

really the book is a series of steps and

explanations and is filled with far more

nuance than I can do justice to in a

short review as such I do recommend you

read it for yourselves it's being

released on hardback an audio form on

August the 6th but if you preorder

before it comes out and email Scott a

copy of your receipt he'll send you a

bunch of extra content in the form of

e-books and videos you can find a link

to that promotion in the description by

the way while this is a ringing

endorsement of the book it's not in any

way sponsored by it the only revenue I

receive is via the regular Amazon

affiliate links finally let me know in

the comment section if you're working on

any ultra learning project right now and

how you are coping as well as whether

you are a reader of Scott's blog or have

come across him before and if you like

this style of content then let me know

that too

you