Think Like A Genius
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
by Richard Feynman
Memoir/Science
TL;DR
This book is basically a masterclass in not giving a f*ck about conventional wisdom and figuring sh*t out for yourself. Feynman's whole vibe is about first-principles thinking – breaking down problems to their absolute core, like dismantling a broken vape to see why it's not hitting. He teaches you to embrace curiosity like a golden retriever with a new squeaky toy, challenge authority even if they're wearing fancy suits, and learn by doing instead of just memorizing. It's all about playful experimentation and relentless problem-solving, whether it's physics or picking locks.
Action Items
Pick one small, annoying thing today (like why your phone battery dies so fast or why your favorite app crashes). Instead of just complaining, try to actually figure out why it's happening. Google the core components, watch a quick YouTube breakdown, or just poke around in the settings. Don't just fix it, understand it.
Got a task you're dreading or a problem you're stuck on? Spend 15 minutes just 'playing' with it. Try the dumbest, most unconventional solution you can think of. If you're writing, try writing the worst possible first sentence. If you're coding, try breaking the code on purpose. See what happens.
Next time you see a viral TikTok trend, a 'life hack' video, or a news headline, don't just scroll past or accept it. Take 2 minutes to Google the source, check for counter-arguments, or just ask yourself, 'Is this actually true, or is it just clickbait/BS?'
In your next conversation or meeting, if someone mentions something you don't fully grasp, don't nod along. Just say, 'Wait, can you explain that like I'm five?' or 'I'm not sure I totally get that part, can you break it down?' It's okay to look dumb for a second to actually learn something.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - The 'Why Not?' Mentality: Hacking Life with Pure Curiosity
Feynman's whole deal was basically asking 'why not?' to everything. He wasn't about memorizing facts; he was about understanding the damn gears behind the machine. Imagine your brain as a super-powered gaming PC, and most people just play the pre-installed games. Feynman was out here modding the OS, building custom rigs, and even trying to code new games from scratch. He shows you that true learning comes from messing around, breaking things, and then figuring out how they work, not just reading the manual. It's about owning your curiosity and letting it lead you down the weirdest, most interesting rabbit holes, even if society thinks you're a weirdo.
Key Methods and Approaches
The 'Figure It Out Yourself, Dummy' Approach
(AKA: First Principles Thinking)
Description:
Don't just accept what you're told. Break down problems to their absolute simplest, most fundamental truths.
Explanation:
Imagine you're trying to fix a broken Wi-Fi. Most people just restart the router or call tech support. Feynman would be like, 'Nah, let's trace the damn signal, check the power supply, see if the actual electrons are flowing.' It's about dismantling the whole damn thing to understand how each tiny piece works, instead of just slapping a band-aid on it. It's like building a Lego castle from scratch, not just following the instructions.
Examples:
Trying to understand crypto? Don't just read articles; try to code a simple blockchain yourself.
Learning a new skill like cooking? Don't just follow recipes; understand why ingredients react the way they do.
Debating a political issue? Don't just parrot talking points; dig into the historical context and economic principles.
Today's Action:
Pick one small, annoying thing today (like why your phone battery dies so fast or why your favorite app crashes). Instead of just complaining, try to actually figure out why it's happening. Google the core components, watch a quick YouTube breakdown, or just poke around in the settings. Don't just fix it, understand it.
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