Scott Young, a pioneering self-education advocate known for tackling MIT's curriculum independently, shares his unique insights on mastering any skill. He reveals three essential elements for improvement: observing others, engaging in targeted practice, and obtaining constructive feedback. Scott dives deep into his transformative experiences, including his Year Without English project, emphasizing the power of self-directed learning. He also discusses the interplay between innate talent and effort, urging listeners to embrace a growth mindset for sustained progress.
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insights INSIGHT
The Mystery of Learning
Learning is a mysterious process, despite formal education.
We lack a foundational "learning class" that explains how learning works.
insights INSIGHT
The Low Bar to Greatness
The bar for achieving greatness through learning is surprisingly low.
Applying oneself to interesting topics yields significant benefits, yet educational systems haven't progressed as rapidly as other fields.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Scott's Learning Challenges
Scott Young completed MIT's computer science curriculum in one year without attending classes.
He learned four languages in a year by immersing himself in different countries, avoiding English.
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Welcome to episode #948 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.
Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #948. Scott Young is the kind of person who doesn’t just ask, “How do I get better at this?” He asks, “How do we really learn anything?” That question led him on some fascinating paths - like the time he decided to tackle MIT’s computer science curriculum without ever setting foot in a classroom. No big deal, right? It’s this relentless curiosity that drives Scott’s work, and he’s made it his mission to break down the mystery behind learning and mastery. In this conversation, Scott digs into his latest book, Get Better at Anything - 12 Maxims for Mastery. This isn’t your standard “how-to” guide. Scott’s approach is both simple and profound: learning doesn’t have to feel like you’re banging your head against a wall. He argues that three things really matter when it comes to leveling up - seeing how others do it, putting in the right kind of practice, and getting feedback that’s actually useful. If you nail these three, progress follows. It’s that simple… but, of course, the devil is in the details. Scott’s no stranger to experimentation. From his MIT Challenge to learning four languages in a year during his Year Without English project, he’s someone who lives what he preaches. He’s constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible with learning, and his insights into how we can accelerate our progress - whether at work, in our personal lives, or even in the smallest tasks—are both practical and inspiring. We also touch on some big questions, like how AI might change the way we learn and work. Is AI the future of education? Scott’s got a way of making the complex simple, and our chat is packed with insights that make you rethink how you approach learning. If you’ve ever struggled to get better at something or wondered if there’s a more effective way to improve, Scott’s ideas are definitely worth hearing. Scott was on the show a few years back to dicuss his first book (which is another “must-read” titled, Ultralearning). Scott also has an amazing program with another one of my favorite thinkers, Cal Newport, titled Life Of Focus for you to check out. Enjoy the conversation...
Six Pixels of Separation Podcast