How To Learn
(from The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss)
The following is taken from a textbook Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson)
wrote on Symbolic Logic.
The Learner, who wishes to try the question fairly, whether
this little book does, or does not, supply the materials for a most
interesting mental recreation, is earnestly advised to adopt
the following rules:
-
Begin at the beginning, and do not allow yourself to gratify a
mere idle curiosity by dipping into the book, here and there. This
would very likely lead to your throwing it aside, with the remark
'This is much too hard for me!', and thus losing the chance of
adding a very large item to your stock of mental delights...
-
Don't begin any fresh Chapter, or Section, until you are certain that
you thoroughly understand the whole book up to that
point, and that you have worked, correctly, most if not all of the
examples which have been set...Othersise,, you will find your state of
puzzlement get worse and worse as you proceed, till you give up the
whole thing in utter disgust.
-
When you come to a passage you don't understand, read it again:
if you fail, even after three readings, very likely your brain
is getting a little tired. In that case, put the book away, and take
to other occupations, and the next day, when you come to it fresh, you
will very likely find that it is quite easy.
-
If possible, find some genial friend, who will read the book along
with you, and will talk over the difficulties with you. Talking
is a wonderful smoother-over of difficulties. When I come upon
anything-in Logic or in any other hard subject-that entirely puzzles
me, I find it a capital plan to talk it over, aloud, even when
I am all alone. One can explain things so clearly to one's
self! And then, you know, one is so patient with one's self:
one never gets irritated at one's own stupidity!
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