What is the first step to test your understanding actively?
Ask: “Can I solve a problem with this right now?”
This encourages immediate application of new ideas.
What does it mean to explain without jargon?
Force yourself to explain concepts in plain, everyday language
If you can’t, you don’t fully understand it yet.
When writing the boundaries of important ideas, what should you note?
- What it is
- What it is not
- When it fails or doesn’t apply
This helps clarify the concept’s scope and limitations.
What is retrieval practice?
Close your notes and recall key ideas from memory before rereading
This technique strengthens memory retention.
What is the purpose of the self-teach test?
Ask: “Could I accurately teach this to someone else without hiding behind fancy words?”
This assesses your understanding of the material.
What should you remind yourself regarding decoupling worth from being right?
My value isn’t tied to being correct in this moment
This promotes a growth mindset and reduces fear of failure.
What is the best attitude regarding corrections?
Treat corrections as data
When corrected, say internally: “This is useful information, not a defeat.”
What should you do before sharing a strong view according to the eighth principle?
Pre-declare uncertainty
Before sharing a strong view, say: “I may be wrong about this…”
What does the ninth principle encourage regarding changing your mind?
Build pride in updating
Celebrate when you change your mind well, not when you never need to.
What is the steelmanning rule?
Restate the other person’s point clearly
Before disagreeing, restate the other person’s point so clearly they would say “Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”
According to the eleventh principle, what should you do when hearing a new idea?
Delay judgment
Wait at least 60 seconds (or ask clarifying questions) before evaluating or opposing it.
What should you ask yourself when feeling witty or hyper-analytical according to the twelfth principle?
Am I solving the problem or dodging vulnerability?
Catch cleverness as avoidance.
What should you practice saying to admit confusion or needing a simpler explanation?
I don’t know
Make it a habit to openly admit confusion or needing a simpler explanation.
When someone offers guidance or structure, what should you do before critiquing or modifying it?
Try their method first
Follow their approach fully before critiquing or modifying it.
What should you do when something feels obviously right, offensive, or validating?
Slow down on strong emotions
Deliberately slow down and ask: ‘What evidence would change my mind?’
What should you notice when pride, fear, politics, status, or resentment is activated?
Check emotional stakes
Increase caution when these emotions are activated.
After using an analogy, what should you explicitly ask?
Where does this analogy break down?
Identify the exact mappings of the analogy.
Before deep thinking or important judgments, what should you check about your physical state?
Check your physical state
Note if you’re tired, hungry, rushed, or irritated.
What does it mean to accept boring practice?
Deliberately invest time in repetition, ambiguity, and slow buildup even when it feels unexciting
This approach emphasizes the importance of consistent practice for mastery.
What should you do when you dissect partial truths?
Ask: What part is true? What’s overstated? What’s missing? Under what conditions is it more/less true?
This method encourages critical thinking and analysis of claims.
When separating content from feelings, what question should you ask when corrected?
Is the correction wrong, or do I just dislike how it feels?
This helps to differentiate between factual errors and emotional responses.
What are mode switches in personal interactions?
Personal warning signs such as interrupting, talking faster, dismissing quickly, caring more about tone than substance
Recognizing these signs can help improve communication and self-awareness.
What is a ‘change my mind’ question?
What evidence would change my mind? What would I expect if I were wrong?
This encourages open-mindedness and critical evaluation of one’s beliefs.
What does it mean to do real-world tests?
Move quickly from ‘I think I get it’ to actually testing, predicting, solving, or explaining with feedback
This approach emphasizes practical application of knowledge.
