OUT & ABOUT: Unschooling: Learning Off the Beaten Path (Expat Money 291)

25 snips

Jul 3, 2025

In this discussion, Joshua Sheats, a financial planner and host of a popular podcast, dives into the world of unschooling and alternative education. He highlights how self-directed learning can nurture genius, sharing an inspiring story of a psychologist who raised chess champions. The conversation also explores language acquisition in homeschooling, emphasizing immersive methods over rote memorization. Joshua advocates for personalized education, blending interests with structure for holistic development, and discusses the economic benefits of multilingualism.

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ANECDOTE

Chess Genius Homeschool Experiment

Laszlo, a Hungarian psychologist, homeschooled his three daughters to become world-class chess players.
This proves genius-level skill in certain fields can be predictably taught with the right methods.

INSIGHT

Kind vs Wicked Learning Environments

"Kind" learning environments like chess allow predictable genius performance, while "wicked" environments do not.
Hyper-specialization alone isn’t ideal; maintaining broad knowledge matters.

ANECDOTE

Self-Taught Polymath Success

Mikkel Thorup shares his self-driven success in many fields including martial arts and longevity biohacking.
His achievements prove interest-based, autodidactic learning can reach expert levels.

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For the Love of Physics

Walter Llewellyn

Expats Guide On Moving To Mexico

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Mikkel Thorup

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process of relocating to Mexico, covering various aspects from visa requirements and legal considerations to practical tips on finding accommodation, navigating the healthcare system, and integrating into the local culture. The book offers insights into the financial aspects of living in Mexico, including cost of living comparisons, tax implications, and investment opportunities. It also explores different regions of Mexico, highlighting their unique characteristics and suitability for various lifestyles. Readers will find valuable information on setting up a business, learning Spanish, and building a support network in their new home. The guide aims to equip expats with the knowledge and resources they need for a smooth and successful transition to life in Mexico.

Range

Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

David Epstein

In this book, David Epstein examines the success of generalists in various fields, including sports, arts, music, invention, forecasting, and science. He argues that generalists, who often find their path late and juggle multiple interests, are more creative, agile, and able to make connections that specialists cannot. Epstein uses stories and research studies to show that wide sampling and late specialization can be more valuable than early specialization, especially in complex and unpredictable environments. He also discusses the distinction between 'kind' and 'wicked' learning environments and the importance of balancing specialization with range for long-term success[2][4][5].

Peak

Secrets from the New Science of Expertise

Anders Ericsson

Robert Pool

This book summarizes Anders Ericsson's 30-year research on the acquisition of expertise. It introduces the concept of 'deliberate practice,' a specific learning method used by experts to achieve superior performance. The authors distinguish between different types of practice, such as naive practice, purposeful practice, and deliberate practice, emphasizing the importance of mental representations in achieving expertise. The book also addresses the misconception of the '10,000-hour rule' popularized by Malcolm Gladwell and provides practical tips for improving skills in various areas[1][2][5].