This article was originally written in the weekly journal, but it would actually be better to present it as a standalone article.
Using Output to Strengthen Input#
This time I want to share a bit about the viewpoints in this post. This article mainly discusses "deepening understanding of learned content through writing" and introduces the benefits of this practice as well as "the importance of continuous writing." (Original article, HN comments)
Original Article - Excerpts and Thoughts?#
Deepening understanding through writing output: Writing down what you've learned is not only a way to record information but also a powerful tool for deepening understanding and revealing knowledge gaps. I actually mentioned this point in the comments of the article The Elegant Art.
Writing itself is also a learning process: For example, when we write about a topic, we often need to conduct sufficient research on that subject first; this research is the first step of learning. (I often don't do this well.)
In addition, writing allows for reflection on the topic, enabling learners to connect new information with existing knowledge. This integration helps create a more robust and interconnected understanding of the subject.
Writing frequently about various topics can enhance the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. This skill is invaluable in both professional and personal life. Writing about learning practices encourages the development of a growth mindset. It fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to engage with challenging topics.
Feynman Learning Technique#
This article also mentions the Feynman Learning Technique. The Feynman Learning Technique is also a "method of using output to strengthen input," which involves simplifying what you've learned and explaining it in your own words to others, thereby reinforcing your understanding.
We often find that during the explanation process, our explanatory language has issues, or we cannot express ourselves clearly in certain areas. In such cases, we can quickly identify our own knowledge gaps, achieving the effect of "rapid learning." This is also an alternative way to force yourself to learn. In this process, repeatedly review and refine your explanations until you can express concepts in the simplest way.
HN Comments - More Interesting than the Original?#
I really enjoy reading the comments on HN; it is filled with intense discussions about various hacker news topics, often on subjects that are still inconclusive. I feel that the level of engagement and depth of discussion there is much higher than on other websites. Is there a similar platform in China with such intense discussions? Or is it actually a case of survivor bias? After all, most posts on HN also have no comments or very few comments.
However, I found a few viewpoints in the comments that I agree with:
(This Simonw is very active on HN, and you can often see his posts~~)
- The value of TIL posts: Simonw mentioned that he started posting TIL posts a few years ago, and he believes the content of these posts aligns perfectly with his experiences. One great thing about TIL is that once you establish a solid habit in this area, writing them can be very quick: most of his TIL posts take between 15 minutes to half an hour to write.
- Worrying about looking stupid: Some users expressed concern that sharing what they learned today would make them look stupid. They mentioned an example of worrying that others would laugh at them for just learning basic content, such as HTTP error codes. Other users felt that this concern was unnecessary, as learning is a process, and everyone learns different things at different times.
- Value lies in self-understanding and future reference: He believes these posts bring significant value. He doesn't particularly care whether others read them; he feels the value lies in helping him better understand the material and being able to review them in the future.
- "If I see someone criticizing others for 'that's obvious, everyone knows that,' I would lose respect for that critic." +1 +1 +1, we should respect anyone who is continually learning new knowledge, no matter how basic it may be.