How to Learn Anything: The Feynman Technique in Action

Bridging the gap between 'I don't get it' and 'I could teach this'.

A few years ago, I injured my knee (because getting older is just so much fun). After a carousel of doctors’ appointments, I finally landed in the office of a specialist who pinpointed the issue. He launched into a detailed explanation of my injury, then asked if I had any questions.

"Well," I said, "my wife is going to ask me how this went, and I want to know what to say. So, if you don't mind, I'm going to repeat back to you what I just heard."

I then recapped his explanation as I understood it. The doctor chuckled and said, "Ah, so you're familiar with the Feynman Technique."

I wasn't. But I was intimately familiar with my wife asking me questions I couldn't answer.

Our wonder doc went on to explain that what I had just done was actually a powerful learning technique applicable to any new information. "What's the Feynman Technique?" you may ask.

Well, I'm glad you did.

What is the Feynman Technique?

The Feynman Technique, named after physicist Richard Feynman, is a powerful learning method designed to help you understand and retain complex information. While I flirted with this concept in a previous newsletter, it's time for a proper date with its brilliance.

At its core, it's about explaining a concept in the simplest terms possible - as if you were teaching it to someone else (or in my case, preparing to explain it to my wife).

This technique consists of four key steps:

1. Choose a topic: Pick the topic you want to learn or understand better.

2. Teach it to a child: Explain the concept in the simplest terms possible, if you don’t have access to a 12-year-old, pretend like you do. The idea here is to force you to break down complex ideas into their most fundamental parts.

3. Identify knowledge gaps and go back to the source material: While explaining, you'll likely stumble in areas where your understanding is a little fuzzy. Don't worry - this isn't a pop quiz, it's progress. Make note of these gaps and revisit your source material to fill them in.

4. Review and simplify: Go over your explanation again and see if you can make it clearer or shorter. If you're using $10 words, try to break them down. Remember, you are aiming for "ah, I get it" not "um, let me get a dictionary.”

How and Why the Feynman Technique Works

So why does this work? The Feynman Technique isn't just a clever study hack - it's based in cognitive science and learning theory. Here is why it is so effective:

1. Active Recall: When you explain a concept, you're engaging in Active Recall - retrieving information from your memory rather than passively reviewing it. This process strengthens neural connections which makes the information easier to recall in the future. Active Recall is like giving your brain a workout, building those mental muscles.

2. Simplification Forces Understanding: By explaining complex ideas in simple terms, you're forced to truly understand the core concepts. No more hiding behind jargon or nodding sagely while internally panicking. This process reveals gaps in your knowledge, showing you exactly where you need to focus your understanding.

3. Metacognition in Action: The Feynman Technique promotes Metacognition - thinking about your own thinking. (As I write this, I think I will have to devote an entire newsletter to Metacognition cause thinking about thinking is a big deal, but I digress). As you work through the steps, you become aware of what you know, what you don't know, and how you learn. Knowing how your mind works can really speed up your learning.

4. Overcoming the Illusion of Competence: It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you understand something when you really don't. The Feynman Technique helps you avoid this illusion of competence by challenging you to explain the concept clearly and completely.

5. Versatility and Adaptability: Whether you're studying quantum physics or learning to bake sourdough bread, the Feynman Technique can be applied. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for lifelong learning across various disciplines.

6. Enhancing Communication Skills: This method sharpens your ability to explain complex ideas clearly. As you practice the Feynman Technique, you're not just learning the material - you're also getting better at communicating it. This skill comes in handy in all sorts of situations, from casual conversations to professional presentations.

In Conclusion

The Feynman Technique isn't just another learning hack—it's an amazing tool that can transform how you absorb and retain information. By breaking down complex ideas into simple explanations, you're not just memorizing facts; you're building a deeper understanding that sticks with you long-term.

Whether you're grappling with advanced calculus or explaining your limp to your spouse after a doctor's visit, the Feynman Technique has you covered. The next time you face a challenging concept, channel your inner Feynman. Imagine explaining it to a curious 12-year-old (or to your concerned partner). You might be surprised at how quickly those complex ideas start to make sense—and how much easier they become to remember.

Give it a try this week. Pick a topic you've been struggling with and run it through the Feynman gauntlet. You might find yourself thinking, "Huh, I actually understand this now!"

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Quick Hits

• We’re hiring at Sporcle, and I’ve been preparing for interviews. I’ve had this in the works for a while, but I finally got it across the finish line: Interview Guide: Essential Questions for Effective Hiring. If you’re involved in hiring, check it out!

• If you feel so inclined, go ahead and give me a follow on Threads.

As always, thanks for reading and remember to be good. But if you can’t be good, don’t get caught.