Mastering Self-Learning: Insights from Peter Hollins’ “The Science of Self-Learning”

3 min readOct 9, 2023

The digital age has democratized knowledge, making learning accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This has opened an infinite number of avenues for learning almost anything you want, at your own pace. But, some people may struggle with the art of self-learning. In his book “The Science of Self-Learning”, Peter Hollins offers a deep dive into effective self-learning tactics. Here are some invaluable insights from Hollins’ book.

1. Curiosity is Super Important

Hollins suggests that curiosity is the foundation of all learning. By cultivating a genuine interest in the topic, the learning process becomes less about the obligation and more about discovery. This is the reason it is just so easy to go on a Wikipedia rabbit hole. The objective is to keep asking questions and dive deep to nurture this innate human trait.

2. The Feynman Technique

Named after the renowned physicist Richard Feynman, this method encourages learners to simplify complex ideas. In law school, they didn’t refer to it by name, but the objective was similar: reframe anything you learn in a way you can explain it to your friend or significant other. The point is that by teaching a concept to someone who is not familiar with it, you test your understanding and solidify the concept in your own memory.

3. Self-Quizzing

Active recall, through self-quizzing, is a potent learning tool. Instead of passively rereading notes, challenge yourself with some questions. The reach of the internet means that it is highly likely that there are some free quizzes or question banks for virtually any topic. Asking and answering questions forces the brain to retrieve and reinforce the information, enhancing your memory retention.

4. Spacing and Interleaving

Space out your learning sessions and mix different subjects or topics. While it feels counterintuitive, these techniques, known as spaced repetition and interleaving, are shown to enhance understanding and retention.

5. Metacognition — Think About Thinking

It is not just about thinking, but about being aware of how you think. Hollins suggests practicing metacognition, which means monitoring, understanding, and controlling your own cognitive processes. Understanding how you are thinking helps you recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and allows for a more directed and effective learning.

6. Harness the Power of Analogies

Drawing parallels between new knowledge and what you already know can create mental anchors. Analogies help in breaking down intricate concepts, making them more digestible and relatable.

7. Limit Your Distractions

In this digital age, distractions are rampant. Hollins emphasizes the importance of a distraction-free environment. Allocate specific blocks of time for learning, put away unrelated gadgets, and immerse yourself in the subject at hand.

8. Embrace Mistakes

Rapper Connor Price says in his song “Marathon”:

“So let me spell this out for you if you ain’t sure of it / Gotta turn an L into earning, that’s what learning is.”

Similarly, Hollins points out that errors and mistakes are an integral part of the learning process. Instead of fearing mistakes, embrace them. Analyze where you went wrong to gain profound insights and improve future performance.

9. Visualization

The act of visualizing information, be it through mind maps or other visual tools, can make abstract concepts tangible. Sometimes visualizing using your imagination is enough, but if you are old school and prefer to have things on paper, visual aids, such as mnemonic devices, facilitate better memory recall.

10. Knowledge is Not Power (by itself)

Theory without application is like a car without fuel. Hollins stresses the need for practical application. After all, knowledge is not power, but rather the potential for power, if applied. By using the learned information, you’re not only reinforcing your knowledge but also enhancing your skillset.

These were some of the takeaways from Peter Hollins’ “The Science of Self-Learning.” Self-learning is an empowering journey, but it requires more than just passion. But with the right strategies, anyone can enhance their learning prowess. It’s time to become the best version of your self-learner self.

Let’s do this.

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