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I've learned too much stuff in 2016. My goal for 2017 is to learn fewer things and actually understand what I've learned better.

echelon 10y ago
What did you learn this year? :)
dwaltrip 10y ago
Sounds like exposure vs actually learning something deeply. However, both activities are very valuable. Without looking at many things, how else can we know what is worth spending time to learn or do well? I currently feel that alternating between the two is good for a while. Perhaps later in life I will know enough to confidently work on one thing for many years :) I've also found the tree trunk of knowledge model to be very powerful (I believe I heard of it on waitbutwhy.com). The best learning and understanding comes when we build it up in a tree like fashion, where each leaf or branch is supported by a stronger, more fundamental conceptual branch. At the core is the trunk & roots, which are the deep, underlying principles supporting the entire tree of concepts/knowledge/ideas. Without a strong trunk to build off of, concepts and bits of knowledge float alone, ungrounded, and can wither or rot more easily.
- hota_mazi 10y ago
  Yes. I sound a bit more negative than I really am. I think both kinds of learnings (deep and broad) are useful, you just need to make sure you adjust your brain and technique of actually assimilating things to the type of learning you are doing. I've learned quite a few languages/libraries/frameworks/methodologies this past year and while I don't feel like I'm an expert (or even reasonably well versed) in either of these, this broad exposure to vastly different things has stretched my brain in positive ways. I'd just like to switch that trend for next year.
  - dwaltrip 10y ago
    No worries, your post didn't come off as negative. I just took it as an opportunity to ramble for a bit. Hope your 2017 goes well!
criddell 10y ago
This might sound stupid, but do you ever feel like when you learn something new, you forget something old?
- FLGMwt 10y ago
  Heh, for me it's usually the opposite. Learning Ruby opened up C# for me in a big way. Though I guess that's still pretty similar concepts. I don't know if my poor math and history retention is a result of me picking up knitting :p
  - Mz 10y ago
    Knitting is the work of the devil! (I only say that because I cannot figure it out.)

echelon 10y ago

What did you learn this year? :)

dwaltrip 10y ago

Sounds like exposure vs actually learning something deeply. However, both activities are very valuable. Without looking at many things, how else can we know what is worth spending time to learn or do well? I currently feel that alternating between the two is good for a while. Perhaps later in life I will know enough to confidently work on one thing for many years :) I've also found the tree trunk of knowledge model to be very powerful (I believe I heard of it on waitbutwhy.com). The best learning and understanding comes when we build it up in a tree like fashion, where each leaf or branch is supported by a stronger, more fundamental conceptual branch. At the core is the trunk & roots, which are the deep, underlying principles supporting the entire tree of concepts/knowledge/ideas. Without a strong trunk to build off of, concepts and bits of knowledge float alone, ungrounded, and can wither or rot more easily.

hota_mazi 10y ago
Yes. I sound a bit more negative than I really am. I think both kinds of learnings (deep and broad) are useful, you just need to make sure you adjust your brain and technique of actually assimilating things to the type of learning you are doing. I've learned quite a few languages/libraries/frameworks/methodologies this past year and while I don't feel like I'm an expert (or even reasonably well versed) in either of these, this broad exposure to vastly different things has stretched my brain in positive ways. I'd just like to switch that trend for next year.
- dwaltrip 10y ago
  No worries, your post didn't come off as negative. I just took it as an opportunity to ramble for a bit. Hope your 2017 goes well!

criddell 10y ago

This might sound stupid, but do you ever feel like when you learn something new, you forget something old?

FLGMwt 10y ago
Heh, for me it's usually the opposite. Learning Ruby opened up C# for me in a big way. Though I guess that's still pretty similar concepts. I don't know if my poor math and history retention is a result of me picking up knitting :p
- Mz 10y ago
  Knitting is the work of the devil! (I only say that because I cannot figure it out.)