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The Next Big Idea Daily

S31 E5: “Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning” by Tom Vanderbilt

Sep 8, 2023
Tom Vanderbilt, author of 'Beginners' and expert on the benefits of becoming an adult beginner, explores the power of the beginner's mind and the transformative joy of lifelong learning. He emphasizes the importance of learning new skills and discusses the significance of failure and experimentation in science. Vanderbilt offers insights on overcoming obstacles to learning and highlights the brain's capacity for lifelong learning.
13:59

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Being a beginner can enhance creativity by providing a fresh perspective and breaking free from preconceived notions.
  • Learning new skills as an adult can increase brain plasticity, bridging the gap with younger learners and promoting personal growth.

Deep dives

The Power of Being a Beginner

Being a beginner can provide a fresh perspective and lead to innovative solutions. Adults often have preconceived notions that hinder their ability to think creatively, while children, like five-year-olds, outperform them due to their lack of fixed associations. Learning new skills, even if seemingly unrelated to one's career, can enhance creativity and push individuals beyond their limitations.

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