The Only Skill that Matters: The Proven Methodology to Read Faster, Remember More, and Become a SuperLearner

by Jonathan A. Levi

Here are some questions I encourage you to spend time considering before diving into any learning project. Why am I learning this information, and how and when will I actually use it? You probably noticed that this first question immediately checks off a few of Dr. Knowles’s requirements. But beyond that, it also helps us determine just what we’re going to focus on in the first place. Chances are, you’re not learning Russian to communicate with construction workers, right? In that case, learning words like трубка (tube) is probably not worth your time. If, however, you’re learning Russian to travel in the former USSR, then you should probably prioritize basic grammar. (Heads up: I also suggest learning practical words like “exit” and “entrance.”) What level of understanding or knowledge do you need? One question that I’ve long felt is missing from the preparation conversation is that of depth. After all, there are many levels of understanding and knowledge. The ability to remember a list of facts is very different from the ability to think originally on the subject. So ask yourself: To what level do you need to know the information you are learning? Do you need to be able to recite other people’s works word-for-word and challenge them for your PhD thesis? Or, do you simply need to know where to look something up the next time a patient presents those symptoms? The depth to which you need to know something dramatically changes the way you should approach learning it—and how...