The Power of Obvious Advice and Smart Note-Taking in Learning

The Power of Obvious Advice and Smart Note-Taking in Learning

Mistaking learning with cramming is a common misconception deeply ingrained in our educational culture. We often believe that acquiring knowledge means knowing everything. However, true wisdom lies in our ability to make sense of information by drawing from an extended resource of interpretation schemes. Having multiple perspectives on a subject strengthens our understanding and allows us to connect ideas more effectively.

In his book "How to Take Smart Notes," Sönke Ahrens emphasizes the importance of discerning what is worth writing down and what is not. Every time we read something, we make a decision regarding the value and relevance of the information. By actively engaging with the material and carefully selecting what we note, we enhance our learning process.

Scott H Young, in his article "Good Advice is 'Obvious'," challenges the notion that obvious advice is useless. In fact, he argues that even if advice seems apparent, it can still be incredibly valuable. Often, what we consider obvious is a departure from our intuitions. Our intuitions can be fuzzy and clouded, leading us to overlook simple solutions. Young suggests that we should focus on the basics and not dismiss seemingly obvious advice, as it may hold the key to our success.

Young shares an anecdote about James Clear, the bestselling author of "Atomic Habits," who achieved remarkable success through relentless promotion. Clear's strategy involved appearing on over 200 podcasts within the first six months of his book's launch, with approximately 80 released in the first week alone. While this may seem like common knowledge in the world of marketing, very few people actually implement this approach. The lesson here is that the basics, when executed consistently and diligently, can yield exceptional results.

Knowledge acquisition is not always about discovering secrets or uncovering groundbreaking concepts. Instead, it often revolves around understanding the relationships between nodes of information and recognizing the most plausible explanation for how things work. By resurfacing these relationships and making connections, we can deepen our understanding and retain information more effectively.

Incorporating these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace multiple perspectives: When learning something new, seek out different viewpoints and interpretations. Engage in discussions, read diverse sources, and actively listen to others' insights. By doing so, you broaden your understanding and develop a more comprehensive knowledge base.

• 2. Focus on the basics: Don't dismiss obvious advice or overlook simple strategies because they seem too straightforward. Often, these fundamental principles hold the key to success. Mastering the basics provides a solid foundation upon which you can build more complex ideas and skills.

• 3. Make connections: Actively seek opportunities to connect ideas and concepts. Take notes, jot down thoughts, and highlight relationships between different pieces of information. By doing this, you create a web of knowledge that allows you to retrieve and reinforce your understanding more effectively.

In conclusion, learning goes beyond simply acquiring information. It involves actively engaging with the material, selecting valuable insights, and making connections between different ideas. Obvious advice should not be dismissed, as it often challenges our intuitions and offers simple yet effective solutions. By incorporating these principles into our learning process, we can enhance our understanding and truly make the most of the knowledge we acquire.