# Beginner’s Guide to the Feynman Technique ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XdM0k6EL7Dw/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=0s) - The video discusses Richard Feynman's unique approach to learning, which can help master anything [(00:00:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=4s). - [[Richard Feynman]] was a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who revolutionized the understanding of quantum mechanics and particle physics [(00:00:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=13s). - Feynman also pioneered [[Quantum computing | Quantum Computing]] and introduced the concept of nanotechnology [(00:00:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=22s). - Despite his numerous accomplishments, Feynman considered himself an ordinary person who studied hard [(00:00:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=29s). - Feynman believed that anyone could learn complex subjects if they applied enough effort [(00:00:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=34s). - What set Feynman apart was his systematic way of learning new things, rather than innate intelligence [(00:00:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=42s). - Feynman's method of learning is known as the [[Learning by teaching | Feynman Technique]], which is a four-step process [(00:00:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=49s). ## What is the Feynman Technique [(00:00:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=50s) - The Feynman Technique is based on Richard Feynman's rejection of rote memorization, believing that learning should be an active process of trial and error, discovery, and free inquiry [(00:00:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=54s). - Feynman held that if you couldn't explain something simply and clearly, you didn't understand it enough, which is a key principle of the Feynman Technique [(00:01:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=62s). - The active process of discovery and inquiry is at the heart of the Feynman Technique [(00:01:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=66s). - The [[Learning by teaching | Feynman Technique]] can be broken down into four steps, with the first step being to select a concept or topic that you're interested in learning [(00:01:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=73s). ## Four steps of the Feynman Technique [(00:01:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=79s) - To apply the Feynman Technique, start by selecting a topic of interest and writing it at the top of a blank page, ensuring the topic is small enough to fit all findings onto a page or two [(00:01:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=79s). - Teach the topic to yourself or someone else by writing out everything you know about it, as if explaining it to yourself or another person, to achieve true understanding through an active process [(00:01:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=89s). - If stuck or noticing gaps in understanding, return to source material such as books, lecture notes, or podcasts to fill in the gaps and ensure a deeper understanding of the material [(00:01:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=113s). - Simplify explanations and create analogies by streamlining notes and explanations until the topic seems obvious, making it feel more intuitive and allowing for a deeper understanding of the topic [(00:02:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=142s). ## Outro [(00:03:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=183s) - The [[Learning by teaching | Feynman Technique]] can be applied to complex topics by breaking them down, teaching them, and simplifying them, and more information on this can be found in a linked resource in the description box below [(00:03:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=184s). - Viewers are encouraged to try the Feynman Technique and share their experiences in the comments section, with one lucky commenter who is also a subscriber to the channel winning a free year of Todoist Pro [(00:03:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=195s). - The video creators appreciate feedback and would like viewers to give the video a thumbs up and consider subscribing to the channel, as it means a lot to them [(00:03:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=205s). - [[Richard Feynman]] firmly believed that anyone could learn complex concepts, unlike rote memorization, which the Feynman Technique rejects [(00:03:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=222s). - The video ends with a musical note and a farewell message [(00:04:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdM0k6EL7Dw&t=245s).