Maximizing Learning Speed by Minimizing Assumptions
Renowned AI researcher and developer of the Keras library, François Chollet, recently posted a thought-provoking tweet: “You maximize your learning speed by minimizing your assumptions about how much you already know.” The sentiment is both profound and paradoxical, requiring some unpacking to fully understand. In this article, we’ll explore the core ideas behind Chollet’s message, as well as the potential implications for learners of all kinds.
Embracing Beginner’s Mindset
At the core of Chollet’s tweet is an ancient concept found in many Eastern philosophies: the “beginner’s mindset” or “Shoshin” in Japanese Zen Buddhism. It refers to an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level. In other words, it’s about keeping your mind free from the assumption that you already understand everything. Quite a powerful concept !
By minimizing your assumptions about how much you already know, you open your mind to new perspectives, techniques, and knowledge. You become more receptive to the possibility that there are things you do not understand, which…
