Interesting interview.

I think he's overestimating the value of remembering everything you've ever learned though, and underestimating the cost involved in achieving it (review time among other things). There is value in being selective about what to spend time remembering. Especially entering a time where information is becoming ubiquitous and instantaneously available on demand anyway. I think it's more useful to be able to process/analyze and effectively search/filter data than be able necessarily to just retain it.

Last edited by nadiatims (2012 October 02, 5:53 am)

nadiatims wrote:

I think he's overestimating the value of remembering everything you've ever learned though, and underestimating the cost involved in achieving it (review time among other things). There is value in being selective

Well, I think "we all" are overestimating and underestimating these things on a regular basis. We waste time when we fail to filter out the less important information and forget to review what's important and let it decay.

So the system they're discussing is where the computer knows what you've learned (400 Physics modules) and your brain's decay rate for that information. You are still free to ignore the suggestion to review, of course, but you'll know you're making a choice to let that info decay. It becomes a more conscious choice what knowledge you want to keep fresh in your head. You'll also think twice about taking on new learning if you're not willing to take on new reviews. You'll see those reviews pile up and you'll realize your resources are limited. Maybe this will help us focus on what's important.

nihongonotame wrote:

Thanks for sharing, so it's called "the flow"

What Nolan was referring to is a book called "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience".