How to learn faster with the Feynman Technique

The Feynman technique helps you simplify complex processes and relationships. This makes it easier for you to understand, remember, and explain them to others.

In the Feynman technique, you describe a concept as simply as possible. You try to explain the concept in a way that a child or a layperson would understand. This can be done either in writing or by actually explaining it to someone, allowing you to receive feedback on whether the explanation is clear. You will also get questions about parts that are still unclear. This way, you can delve deeper into the topic and gain new perspectives. The technique is named after physicist Richard Feynman, who was able to explain complicated processes very simply using this method.

So, if you want to learn and understand a complicated concept, you should explain it as simply as possible without looking in a book, on the internet, or in your notes. Only consult these aids if you get stuck at some point. Avoid using technical jargon in your explanation; instead, replace it with descriptions that a child or a layperson would understand. Use suitable analogies, drawings, and sketches to visualize and explain the concept more easily. Continually ask yourself “Why?” to truly understand and justify the components and relationships of the concept. Additionally, demonstrate the concept with at least one example.

Once you have finished your description, go through it again and look for areas that you can simplify further. You may use reference materials during this process but ensure that you restate the information in your own words rather than copying it verbatim.

Next, add the description to your knowledge base and review it regularly. Initially, try to explain the concept again without looking at your original explanation. Make bullet-point notes and then compare them with your original description. Pay particular attention to the areas you could not explain clearly. You can also enhance your description if new aspects or explanations come to mind during the review.

Example: Business Cycle

The business cycle describes the overall economic development of a country. This development occurs in specific cycles, consisting of an expansion phase and a contraction phase.

Economic development is dependent on the utilization rate of production capacities. For instance, when companies increase their production due to rising demand and subsequently hire more workers, households have more money available for spending. This, in turn, leads to increased demand, which repeats the cycle and stimulates the economy.

However, once the production capacities of companies are fully utilized, further increases in production are only possible through investments in new production facilities. This leads to rising product prices, making it less affordable for people. Due to the decreased demand, companies reduce their production and require fewer workers. The resulting layoffs leave households with less money, further decreasing demand. This leads to an economic downturn.

This cycle of economic expansion and contraction repeats approximately every 10 years, and the business cycle is divided into four phases.

In the expansion phase, an economic upswing occurs. This expansion phase is followed by a boom until market saturation occurs. After reaching an economic peak, a recession eventually sets in. T