Learn the Method of Learning
Focus on learning how to learn effectively, as emphasized by Charlie Munger, rather than just acquiring knowledge.
THE IDEA
Learn the Method of Learning
As Charlie loves to put it from Alfred North Whitehead: 'Just as civilization can progress only when it invents the method of invention, you can progress only when you learn the method of learning.'
A question from Outstanding Investor Digest raises the issue of adding value in a profession. The response is not included in this excerpt.
Reporter: 'At the end of your article in Outstanding Investor Digest, you mentioned that only a select few investment managers actually add value. Since you’re speaking to an audience of future lawyers, what do you encourage us to do in order to be able to add value in our profession?'
When to use it
Career development: Transitioning to a new field by first learning how experts in that field learn and think.
Education: Designing curricula that explicitly teach students learning strategies and metacognition.
Business: Improving team performance by fostering a culture of learning how to learn from successes and failures.
Personal growth: Adopting a systematic approach to self-improvement by identifying and refining learning methods.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Investing Education
An aspiring investor studies the methods and mental models of successful investors like Charlie Munger, focusing on the underlying principles of decision-making rather than seeking specific stock tips.
Learning a New Language
Instead of memorizing vocabulary lists, a learner first researches effective language acquisition techniques (like spaced repetition and immersion) to optimize their study process.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What is your current approach to learning? Are you focused on the method or just accumulating facts?
How can you apply the method of learning to a new skill you want to acquire?
In what areas of your life can you improve by studying the underlying methods of those who excel?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- The Art of Being Rational Charlie Munger