There is only one way to learn, and this way is through other people.

Social learning is what has helped humans develop through generations. It’s what helped pass down ideas of the greatest thinkers in history, be them philosophers, scientists, or mathematicians. It’s the reason why you’re able to read this sentence at this very moment.

The ability to share information and learn something together is a strong human nature that makes us different from other animals. That makes social learning humanity’s main advantage over other species, including primates.

People teach people, regardless of the setting or the means.

The Ratchet Effect happens when cultural information is learned, and then modified/improved according to a person’s own values. The reason it’s called The Ratchet Effect is because cultural information can’t be unlearned — it can only be changed and improved upon.

“(…) you understand an idea not when you’ve memorized it, but when you know why its specific form was chosen over all the alternatives. Only once you’ve traveled the roads that were earnestly explored but ultimately rejected can you grasp an idea firmly and see it clearly, with all the context that supports it.”

Knowing is one thing. Exploring is another. And both are crucial for learning and understanding.

Unless they’ve mastered both theory and practice — the practice being the true social learning aspect of knowledge — they haven’t fully learned anything.

Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory says exactly that: humans’ learning and behavior is based on “observing, modelling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.”

social learning goes to show that people learn better and attain more information by teaching others.

It’s pretty interesting how deep discussions can go when you’re willing to learn and share your point of view.

since the number of perspectives directly connects with one’s understanding and depth, we should all consider learning socially.

Writing things down is essential for learning.

Never underestimate people’s intelligence. You can always learn something new by reading, observing, and listening — no matter whose words you’re reading, who you’re observing, or who you’re listening to.

Give people a chance to teach you things. You’d be surprised with how much you can learn from a simple passage or conversation.

The takeaway: allow yourself to learn from people, whoever they might be. Pay attention. Observe. Discuss. Doubt. Look for a deeper meaning. Read between the lines. We’re social beings who can only go forward from here.