The Feynman Learning Technique
How to remember anything and improve your memory
Richard Feynman was an author, noble prize winner, and scientist who always advocated that:
If you want to understand something well, try to explain it simply.
He became very famous for the way he simplified complex concepts to simpler ones where even a 12-year old kid could understand the particularities of quantum mechanics.
When Feynman was 15, he taught himself trigonometry, advanced algebra, infinite series, analytic geometry, and both differential and integral calculus.
Albert Einstein once said:
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
So, how do can we implement the Feynham Technique to improve our memory?
1. Identify the topic/subject
This may be a new concept from a blog, book, or even a piece of information from college/school that you need to learn.
2. Teach it to a child or to your parents
By explaining a complex concept to a child or to someone who has very little knowledge about the background information involved, you are forced to use plain, simple language, avoiding jargon.
Don’t cop out and limit your explanation to a simple definition or a vague overview; challenge yourself to work through different examples of the concept.
“If you want to master something, teach it.” — Richard Feynman
3. Identify gaps in your knowledge and re-read about it
I would be surprised if you perfectly understood and remembered a new concept first try.
Therefore, after you have tried your best to explain an idea, go back to the source of information whether that’s a book, lectures, or a blog, and fill in the gaps in your knowledge. This is a form of active recall.
4. Use analogies and simplify
Once you have built this foundation of knowledge and are able to talk about it in a simplified way, piece all the information together and essentially form a story. If you talk about a complex concept in an intriguing way using analogies and metaphors, not only will it be easier for you to remember but also for the next person.
Have a great week!
Abdullah!
