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Ask HN: Is learning deep topics shallowly worthwhile?

by desertraven on 1/1/23, 12:29 PM with 4 comments

Say quantum mechanics for example. Is it worthwhile for a layman to learn about it, without the rigour of academic study? For what? To discuss shallowly with others? To gain a illusion of understanding?
  • by h2odragon on 1/1/23, 12:39 PM

    It could be useful, just to gain an index of what's available and where to go after when you do want to learn more. Can also be fun to glance at a topic briefly, then come back to it in a few years and see how much has changed.
  • by underanalyzer on 1/1/23, 4:03 PM

    Generally I find that shallowly learning topics adjacent to the areas I know deeply works best but trying to glean the idea of topics way outside of my understanding (i.e quantum physics) does not end well for me.
  • by 082349872349872 on 1/1/23, 12:43 PM

    Try reading Feynman's QED and decide for yourself if non-rigourous learning is worthwhile.
  • by eimrine on 1/1/23, 1:03 PM

    For the sake of stop being ignorant, or if this is a part of your favorite field.