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About this quote

What does it mean?
True mastery requires understanding how to solve every previously solved problem.
In plain terms
Learn how all solved problems were solved.
What can you take from it?
Master the methods behind solved problems.

Where it applies

  • education
  • skill development
  • research

Putting it to work

  • study solutions
  • learn methods
  • verify understanding

Questions to consider

  • How do you learn best?
  • What defines mastery?

Another view

Some problems may not have clear solved precedents.

More from Richard Feynman

  1. When you are solving a problem, don't worry. Now, after you have solved the problem, then that's the time to worry.

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  2. You know, the most amazing thing happened to me tonight. I was coming here, on the way to the lecture, and I came in through the parking lot. And you won't bel…

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  3. We are at the very beginning of time for the human race. It is not unreasonable that we grapple with problems. But there are tens of thousands of years in the …

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