What is learning really about? At its core, learning is about building an inventory of knowledge and tools that you can later draw upon to solve problems, think creatively, and make meaningful connections.
This idea stems from books like Moonwalking with Einstein, podcasts, and real-world experiences. Whether you’re a writer, musician, scientist, or educator, learning is about gathering resources that can be combined in new and innovative ways.
Learning as an Inventory System
Think of your mind as a toolbox. Every time you learn something new—a mathematical formula, a historical event, or a storytelling technique—you add another tool to your collection. The more tools you have, the more problems you can solve and the more creative solutions you can generate.
For example:
- A writer builds their inventory by reading widely—learning about different cultures, storytelling methods, and character development techniques.
- A musician collects musical styles, chord progressions, and improvisational techniques to create new sounds.
- A scientist gathers knowledge of theories and experiments, using them to make groundbreaking discoveries.
The Founding Fathers understood this principle well. Many were voracious readers, recognizing that diverse reading helps build a deep and varied intellectual inventory. The more perspectives you absorb, the more creative and effective you become.
Memory and Learning: The Role of Past and Future Memories
In Moonwalking with Einstein, the author explores memory as a storage system for knowledge and experiences.
- Past memories are the foundation for our inventory—they contain all the facts, skills, and experiences we’ve accumulated.
- Future memories, however, represent our imagination and creativity—the ability to take what we’ve learned and form new, unique ideas.
Essentially, creativity is the combination of past memories into something entirely new. Exposure to a wide range of ideas and disciplines is essential—it gives your brain more ingredients to mix.
The Importance of Understanding Learning in Education
Many students struggle with motivation because they don’t see the why behind their learning.
- Why study biology? It provides tools to understand living organisms and solve medical problems.
- Why learn mathematics? Each concept—like the FOIL method, derivatives, or fractions—is a tool for solving real-world problems.
Unfortunately, educators often fail to emphasize this. Instead of presenting subjects as isolated knowledge, they should highlight how each lesson adds to a student’s problem-solving toolkit.
Some learning tools build upon each other. For example, understanding fractions is a stepping stone to solving algebraic equations. Recognizing these scaffolding connections helps learners see the bigger picture and understand why their efforts matter.
Reading: The Ultimate Tool for Building Your Inventory
Reading is one of the most effective ways to expand your inventory. Whether through books, articles, or audiobooks, deep diving into a topic enriches your understanding. Other methods, such as listening to podcasts or watching educational videos, also contribute to your mental toolbox.
The key is depth and variety. The more you explore, the better equipped you are to approach problems creatively and effectively.
Conclusion
At its heart, learning isn’t just about passing exams or memorizing facts—it’s about building a personal inventory of knowledge and tools you can use throughout your life. Whether you’re solving a complex problem, creating something new, or making a critical decision, the richness of your inventory determines how well you can navigate the world.
So, what tools are you adding to your inventory today?
