S31 E5: “Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning” by Tom Vanderbilt
Sep 8, 2023
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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.
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.
Lessons from Infants: Persistence and Adaptability
Infants learning to walk provide valuable lessons for adult beginners. They fall numerous times, but they persist and try new approaches. Infants demonstrate the importance of changing up practice, exploring different solutions, and embracing variability. Progress may not be linear, but infants continuously operate near the limits of their current skill level, contributing to faster learning and development.
Overcoming Mental Barriers and Embracing Learning at Any Age
Learning new skills can be hindered by mental barriers, stereotype threats, and overthinking. However, research shows that the brain remains capable of learning at any age. While it may take more effort for older adults to acquire new skills, engaging in continuous learning can increase brain plasticity and help bridge the gap with younger learners. Embracing the mindset of a beginner and venturing into new areas of interest can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
To write "Beginners," Tom Vanderbilt embarked on a yearlong quest of learning just for the sake of it. Along the way, he interviewed dozens of experts about the psychology and science behind the benefits of becoming an adult beginner. Today, he joins us to explain how anyone can get better at beginning again — and why it's worth it.
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