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#18 Naval Ravikant: The Angel Philosopher

The Knowledge Project

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Real Knowledge is Built from the Ground Up

Real knowledge is built from the ground up. Understanding complex concepts is not about using fancy words and big concepts, but rather being able to explain things in simple terms. True understanding is about algorithms and understanding how things connect to each other. A mark of a genius is being able to explain complicated things in simple ways. It's important to use precise words but not to use words that your audience doesn't understand or use them to show off. Randall Munro's book, Thing Explainer, explains complicated concepts using only the thousand most common words in the English language. Similarly, the book Thinking Physics uses simple physics puzzles that can be explained to both a 12-year-old child and a physics graduate student. Brilliant thinkers understand things at a very basic, fundamental level and are clear thinkers. It is important to understand the basics well and be able to derive complicated concepts from the basics. Dealing with reality is crucial in making effective decisions.

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