Learning in Public: The Most Effective Way to Learn

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Hatched by Glasp

Sep 03, 2023

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Learning in Public: The Most Effective Way to Learn

In our pursuit of knowledge, many of us tend to learn in solitude, immersing ourselves in books, online courses, or other forms of self-study. While this individual approach to learning can be beneficial, it often lacks an important aspect: an immediate, mutual exchange of information. Learning "solo" may limit our growth potential and hinder our ability to fully grasp and apply the knowledge we acquire. That's where the concept of learning in public comes in.

Learning in public refers to the act of sharing your learning journey with others, whether it be through online communities, social media platforms, or in-person interactions. By opening ourselves up to this form of learning, we not only invite valuable feedback and insights from others but also create opportunities for deeper exploration of our interests.

One of the first steps in learning in public is finding people who share similar interests. Humans have an innate desire to feel included and validated in their choices. When we connect with like-minded individuals, we create a sense of belonging that motivates us to delve even deeper into our areas of interest. Engaging with others who are passionate about the same subjects can also expose us to new perspectives and knowledge that we may have overlooked on our own.

Receiving feedback is another crucial aspect of learning in public. As Bill Gates once said, "We all need people who will give us feedback. That's how we improve." When we establish a community or become part of an already established one, we gain access to valuable feedback from individuals who genuinely care about our growth. These people can provide constructive criticism, offer alternative viewpoints, and help us identify areas for improvement. Embracing feedback is a humbling experience that allows us to refine our understanding and skills.

Humbling ourselves is a necessary mindset when engaging in learning in public. It's easy to fall into the trap of assuming that we know everything there is to know about a particular subject. However, when we interact with individuals who may know less than us, we have an opportunity to challenge our own assumptions and broaden our understanding. The curse of knowledge, a cognitive bias where we assume others possess the same knowledge as us, can be overcome by engaging in discussions with those who may be less knowledgeable. In the process of teaching others, we often find ourselves learning new things and gaining a fresh perspective.

One of the most profound aspects of learning in public is the ability to leave a legacy. Throughout history, the greatest minds have shared their mistakes, wins, progress, and roadblocks for future generations to learn from. By documenting and sharing our learning journey, we contribute to the collective knowledge of humanity and leave a lasting impact. This act of leaving a legacy is not only beneficial to others but also to ourselves. It forces us to critically evaluate our own progress and reflect on our growth. Additionally, by sharing our insights and observations, we have the power to change someone's path for the better with a single remark or viewpoint.

Now, let's shift our focus to the concept of "aiming" in the context of learning. Kyūdō, the Japanese martial art of archery, offers a unique philosophy where aims matter more than goals, and success is found in the process itself. In Kyūdō, the master encourages the practitioner to forget about the goal of hitting the target and instead focus on the way they aim. The way they hold the bow, their stance, and their breathing while releasing the arrow are all crucial elements of the process. This philosophy applies to life as well – the goal is the target we want to achieve, while the aim is the course we set to reach that target.

By letting go of our obsession with outcomes and shifting our focus to our aims, we can break free from the arrival fallacy – the belief that reaching our goals will bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment. True success lies in enjoying the process, appreciating the journey, and continually aligning our actions with our aims. A good archer is not known by their arrows but by their aim.

To incorporate this philosophy into our learning in public journey, we can use the acronym AIMS: Aspiration, Implementation, Metacognition, and Success. Aspiration refers to setting meaningful goals and aims that align with our passions and interests. Implementation involves taking consistent action to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be. Metacognition, or thinking about our thinking, allows us to reflect on our learning process, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments as needed. Success, in the context of learning in public, is not merely achieving external recognition or validation but finding joy and fulfillment in the continuous pursuit of knowledge.

In conclusion, learning in public offers a powerful and effective way to learn and grow. By connecting with like-minded individuals, receiving feedback, humbling ourselves, leaving a legacy, and embracing the philosophy of aiming, we can unlock our full learning potential. Learning is not an isolated endeavor but a collaborative and dynamic process that thrives on community, feedback, and shared experiences. So, step out of your comfort zone, share your knowledge, and embrace the transformative power of learning in public.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Seek out online communities or forums that align with your interests and actively engage in discussions. Embrace the feedback and insights from others to expand your understanding and challenge your assumptions.
  • 2. Document and share your learning journey through blog posts, social media, or other platforms. By leaving a legacy, you not only contribute to the collective knowledge but also gain a deeper understanding of your own progress.
  • 3. Shift your focus from outcome-oriented goals to the process-oriented aims. Embrace the philosophy of aiming in all aspects of your life, finding joy and fulfillment in the continuous pursuit of knowledge and growth. Remember, success is not defined solely by external achievements but by the alignment of your actions with your aims.

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