192. Learn Faster, Learn Better: Scott Young, Author of “Get Better at Anything” [reads] "The Principles of Teaching Based on Psychology" by Edward Thorndike
May 7, 2024
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Scott Young, bestselling author and autodidact, discusses mastery, specific building blocks of the mind, the long road to improvement, the mystery of talent, and the hunger for finding more gaps in learning. The conversation explores internal motivations, incredible learning achievements, the essence of writing, balancing discipline in challenging projects, rethinking formal discipline in learning, and the path to continuous improvement.
Mastery is a journey towards unique style and voice, emphasizing commitment to excellence.
Skill acquisition focuses on specific building blocks for mastering complex abilities, highlighting incremental learning.
Deep dives
Drive Towards Intrinsic Motivation
Dan Pink's book 'Drive' shifted focus from external motivators like money to internal factors like purpose, autonomy, and mastery as long-term drivers of motivation. Mastery, emphasized for its time-consuming nature, separates those who persevere on their journey towards excellence. The podcast highlights staying committed as individuals develop their unique style and move closer to mastery, emphasizing the importance of purpose, autonomy, and mastery over mere monetary incentives.
Scott H. Young's Learning Journey
Scott H. Young shares insights from his autodidactic journey, starting by challenging himself with the MIT computer science curriculum in 12 months using online resources. Despite facing initial skepticism and hate mail, he completed this challenge, leading to further feats like learning multiple languages and achieving accomplishment in various disciplines. His drive for constant learning and growth propelled him to become an author, with a focus on continuous improvement and deliberate practice in various domains.
Importance of Writing and Self-Identity
Scott H. Young reflects on his passion for writing, which initially stemmed from a desire for creative autonomy and personal expression. Writing has become an integral part of his identity, aiding in idea articulation, refinement, and self-expression. He touches on the evolving role of writing in his life, emphasizing its value in expressing thoughts, fostering creativity, and developing a deeper understanding of self. Young discusses the intrinsic connection between writing as a medium of expression and the refinement of thoughts and ideas over time.
Building Blocks of Skill Acquisition
Thorndike's insights on skill acquisition underscore the importance of specific building blocks over generalized disciplines. The podcast delves into the gradual acquisition of skills, emphasizing the unique components that form the foundation for mastering complex abilities. The progression from conscious incompetence to fluency in a skill is attributed to identifying and honing these building blocks, which lead to increased efficiency and automaticity in performance. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of skill development sheds light on the incremental nature of learning and the intrinsic components that drive proficiency.
Scott is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, a podcast host, computer programmer, and an avid reader. He’s also an autodidact, who spends his time teaching people how to learn. Scott is the author of “Ultralearning” and “Get Better at Anything,” and he has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more.
Scott reads two pages from “The Principles of Teaching Based on Psychology” by Edward Thorndike. [reading begins at 20:30]
Hear us discuss:
"Mastery is a journey that diverts and separates individuals, leading them towards their unique style, voice, and signature move." [01:58] | "The mind is made of specific building blocks, not broad faculties." [26:14] | "The road to improvement is long but sure." [30:26] | "The mysteriousness of talent is that when you get someone who is a real skilled practitioner, they often can't even articulate what the building blocks are." [43:27] | "I feel I'm hungry to find more gaps, not fewer." [44:56]
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