Welcome to my weekly newsletter, where I share three things I learned last week.
Every week, I consume various media, including articles, books, podcasts, YouTube videos, online courses, and more, to stay informed and continuously improve my knowledge and skills.
I share my learning journey's most exciting and insightful takeaways in this newsletter. Please feel free to forward this along to friends.“Writing requires the compression of an idea. When done poorly, compression removes insights. When done well, compression keeps the insights and removes the rest. Compression requires both thinking and understanding, which is one reason writing is so important.”
1. The Value of Writing in the Age of AI
The Article I read: Why Write?
Main Takeaways
The importance of writing goes beyond simply sharing ideas with others. Writing is a process that helps you understand and clarify your own thoughts and knowledge.
Through writing, you can discover what you know, what you don’t know, and how to think about a particular topic. It requires the compression of ideas, which is a valuable skill for problem-solving and critical thinking.
Great writing is about understanding the reader’s perspective and positioning your ideas in a way that resonates with them. This requires deep fluency in a topic, which can only be achieved through writing and thinking about it.
While tools like AI-generated writing may be convenient, they cannot replace the value of learning to think and write deeply.
In a world where clear thinking is becoming increasingly valuable, outsourcing our thinking to AI may actually put us at a disadvantage. So, don’t shy away from writing – it’s a powerful tool for self-discovery, problem-solving, and communication.
“The difference between skimming and reading with all our intelligence is the difference between fully activated reading brains and their short-circuited, screen-dulled versions.” ~ Maryanne Wolf
2. Deep reading is crucial for developing critical thinking, empathy, and understanding complex issues in today’s digital age.
The article I read: “Success in Circuit Lies”: How Do We Cultivate Deep Reading Processes in a Digital Age?
Main Takeaways
The digital age has truly transformed the way we read and absorb information. While technology has opened up new avenues for learning, it’s essential to remember the incredible power of deep reading and the unique impact it has on our minds and hearts.
In this fast-paced, screen-driven world, we often find ourselves skimming through content, missing the chance to truly connect with it.
But deep reading is so much more than just words on a page – it’s an opportunity to delve into the heart of a story, to question its truth, and to expand our understanding of the world around us.
Deep reading helps us develop vital skills like critical thinking, empathy, and knowledge integration, which are essential for a well-rounded life. It allows us to make connections, draw analogies, and truly understand the ideas presented to us.
In a world where misinformation is rampant, these skills are more important than ever to ensure we can navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.
Let’s celebrate the magic of books, and use them to explore the vast universe of knowledge, ideas, and perspectives.
By nurturing deep reading in the digital age, we’ll not only empower ourselves but also create a brighter, more empathetic, and intellectually enriched future for generations to come.
“Learning often involves going back and forth between these two different neural modes – focus mode and diffuse mode.” ~ Barbara Oakley
3. Expertise comes from consistent and intentional practice
The YouTube video I watched: The Science of Learning: How to Turn Information into Intelligence
Main Takeaways
Embarking on the journey of learning something new is nothing short of an exhilarating adventure for your brain. As you absorb and process fresh information, your mind becomes a dazzling light show of activity. And when you come across challenges or frustration, don’t worry – that’s when the magic really happens!
Picture this: you’re struggling with a concept, but after taking a break, everything suddenly clicks into place. What’s the secret? Your incredible brain has been working behind the scenes, crafting new ways to tackle the problem. This is your mind’s superpower in action.
You may have heard the saying, “practice makes perfect,” but let’s be honest – perfection is overrated. Instead, practice is the key to unlocking expertise. As you dedicate time and effort to practicing, your brain begins to memorize patterns, making once-difficult tasks feel effortless. So, whether you’re aiming to become a math whiz or a virtuoso musician, one ingredient is essential: practice.
But wait! Practicing the right way is crucial. Experiment with different problem-solving techniques until you discover what works best for you. This will help you forge valuable chunks of information or methods that you can rely on when facing new challenges.
And what about those moments when you feel completely stuck? Resist the temptation to peek at the answer! It may seem counterintuitive, but grappling with a tough problem without taking shortcuts is like a workout for your brain. You’re developing invaluable skills that will propel you through future challenges.
So, go ahead – ignite your brain by learning new things, embracing obstacles, and practicing with intention. As you do, you’ll strengthen your abilities and increase your chances of success in all aspects of life. Remember, your brain is an awe-inspiring powerhouse just waiting to be unleashed!
Thank you for joining me on this weekly learning journey. I hope you found the three things I shared insightful and valuable. Remember, continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth, and I’m honored to be a part of your learning process.
I wish you a great week filled with new opportunities, growth, and joy. And if you received this newsletter forwarded by a friend, subscribe to get your own copy every week. Just click the link below and enter your email address, and you’ll be all set.
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Thank you for being so supportive, and I’ll see you next week with more exciting insights to share!
Best regards,
~ Nathan
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