A few weeks ago, I sat beside Andy Matuschak to record how he reads a textbook.Even though my own job is to learn things, I was shocked with how much more intense, painstaking, and effective his learning process was.So I asked if we could record a conversation about how he learns and a bunch of other topics:* How he identifies and interrogates his confusion (much harder than it seems, and requires an extremely effortful and slow pace)* Why memorization is essential to understanding and decision-making* How come some people (like Tyler Cowen) can integrate so much information without an explicit note taking or spaced repetition system.* How LLMs and video games will change education* How independent researchers and writers can make money* The balance of freedom and discipline in education* Why we produce fewer von Neumann-like prodigies nowadays* How multi-trillion dollar companies like Apple (where he was previously responsible for bedrock iOS features) manage to coordinate millions of different considerations (from the cost of different components to the needs of users, etc) into new products designed by 10s of 1000s of people.Watch on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast platform. Read the full transcript here. Follow me on Twitter for updates on future episodes.To see Andy’s process in action, check out the video where we record him studying a quantum physics textbook, talking aloud about his thought process, and using his memory system prototype to internalize the material.You can check out his website and personal notes, and follow him on Twitter.CometeerVisit cometeer.com/lunar for $20 off your first order on the best coffee of your life!If you want to sponsor an episode, contact me at dwarkesh.sanjay.patel@gmail.com.Timestamps(00:00:52) - Skillful reading(00:02:30) - Do people care about understanding?(00:06:52) - Structuring effective self-teaching(00:16:37) - Memory and forgetting(00:33:10) - Andy’s memory practice(00:40:07) - Intellectual stamina(00:44:27) - New media for learning (video, games, streaming)(00:58:51) - Schools are designed for the median student(01:05:12) - Is learning inherently miserable?(01:11:57) - How Andy would structure his kids’ education(01:30:00) - The usefulness of hypertext(01:41:22) - How computer tools enable iteration(01:50:44) - Monetizing public work(02:08:36) - Spaced repetition(02:10:16) - Andy’s personal website and notes(02:12:44) - Working at Apple(02:19:25) - Spaced repetition 2 Get full access to Dwarkesh Podcast at www.dwarkeshpatel.com/subscribe

From language and writing to the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, computers and Adobe Photoshop, our species has a history of inventing tools for augmenting our own intelligence. But what comes next? Andy Matuschak is a developer and designer. He helped build iOS at Apple, founded and led Khan Academy's R&D lab, and now works as an independent researcher investigating 'tools for thought' — that is, technologies that can transform human cognition and creativity. Full episode transcript available at: thejspod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read the full transcript here. How can we accelerate learning? Is spaced repetition the best way to absorb information over the long term? Do we always read non-fiction works with the goal of learning? What are some less common but perhaps more valuable types of information that can be put on flash cards? What sorts of things are worth remembering anyway? Why is it important to commit some ideas to memory when so much information is easily findable on the internet? What benefits are derived from being involved in all stages of a project pipeline from concept to execution (as opposed to being involved only in one part, like the research phase)? Why should more researchers be involved in para-academic projects? Where can one find funding for para-academic research?Andy Matuschak invents tools that expand what people can think and do. His current research focuses on a new written medium which makes it much easier to remember what you read. In previous roles, Andy led R&D at Khan Academy and helped build iOS at Apple. You can read more about his work at andymatuschak.org and follow him on Twitter at @andy_matuschak. StaffSpencer Greenberg — Host / DirectorJosh Castle — ProducerRyan Kessler — Audio EngineerUri Bram — FactotumJanaisa Baril — TranscriptionistMusicBroke for FreeJosh WoodwardLee RosevereQuiet Music for Tiny Robotswowamusiczapsplat.comAffiliatesClearer ThinkingGuidedTrackMind EasePositlyUpLift[Read more]

Andy Matuschak joins Mark and Adam to talk about rituals for deep thought, how to develop an inkling over time, and the public goods problem of research. Discuss this episode in the Muse community Follow @MuseAppHQ on Twitter Show notes Andy Matuschak: homepage Twitter Patreon How can we develop transformative tools for thought? Michael Nielsen Bret Victor on representation of thought Quantum Country spaced repetition Anki IDEO iBooks deliberate practice Solitude and Leadership LiquidText evergreen notes exponential backoff Heroku haiku names positivism and existentialism deontological ethics intelligent tutoring systems ALEKS Working in Public: The Making and Maintenance of Open Source Software Ivan Sutherland / Sketchpad Palladium Magazine mechanical keyboards on Reddit Pricing niche products: Why sell a mechanical keyboard kit for $1,668? tech transfer Genentech and recombinant DNA Dolby Pixar Why does DARPA work?

Andy is a software engineer, designer, and researcher working on technologies that expand what people can think and do. In past lives he helped build iOS at Apple and led R&D at Khan Academy. Now as an independent researcher, his methods bridge the gap between academia and Silicon Valley.

Andy Matuschak, an independent researcher focused on user interfaces and cognitive capabilities, shares insights on the nature of learning in today's digital landscape. He critiques traditional reading methods and emphasizes the need for dynamic learning strategies. The conversation highlights challenges in mastering complex concepts, the significance of intrinsic motivation, and innovative tools for memory retention, such as playful metaphors and spaced repetition techniques, to enhance understanding in an era influenced by social media.

Today we're joined by Andy Matuschak and George Zonnios to discuss spaced repetition software. They touch upon its applications in personal learning and classrooms, the implementation of SRS in education, and the use of SRS for learning and studying. They also talk about their project, Quantum Country, which aims to make learning quantum computing accessible. Additionally, they explore the idea of converting ancient books into SRS resources and discuss their influences and hopes for the future of SRS.

Tasshin talks with Andy Matuschak (@andy_matuschak) about memory, spaced repetition software, working for Apple and Khan Academy, independent research, meditation, and more. Andy on Twitter Andy's Website Andy's Notes Andy's Patreon Quantum Country Orbit If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting Tasshin and the Reach Truth Podcast on Patreon.

Andy Matuschak (@andy_matuschak), joins Erik on this episode. He is a technologist, designer and researcher. They discuss:- The key thread throughout his work and what he’s trying to accomplish.- Why people read books despite remembering little of what they read.- What books should look like and the features they should have in the digital age.- Why spaced repetition is so powerful.- His requests for startups in the space.Remember to apply for the winter vintage of our Network Catalyst accelerator! It is a personalized program that features masterclasses from some of the best in Silicon Valley and a dedicated network leader focused on making the introductions you need to turbocharge your company. You can participate in-person in San Francisco or virtually from anywhere around the world. Find out more and apply at villageglobal.vc/networkcatalyst.Thanks for listening — if you like what you hear, please review us on your favorite podcast platform. Check us out on the web at villageglobal.vc or get in touch with us on Twitter @villageglobal.Venture Stories is brought to you by Village Global, is hosted by co-founder and partner, Erik Torenberg and is produced by Brett Bolkowy.

Andy Matuschak invents tools that expand what people can think and do. His current research focuses on a new written medium which makes it much easier to remember what you read. In previous roles, Andy led R&D at Khan Academy and helped build iOS at Apple. Website: andymatuschak.org Twitter: @andy_matuschak   For show notes and transcript visit: https://kk.org/cooltools/andy-matuschak-software-engineer-and-researcher/   If you're enjoying the Cool Tools podcast, check out our paperback book Four Favorite Tools: Fantastic tools by 150 notable creators, available in both Color or B&W on Amazon: https://geni.us/fourfavoritetools