Mini Essays: The Ultimate Learning Tool

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  • čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
  • About 8 months ago, I started using mini-essays as the core of my note-taking. I'll never turn back.
    I like to take my time with books, analyse their points and take time to write about them. It's high effort, sure, but the knowledge you get in return is priceless.
    Mini-essays have been my best friend in this journey. They help me understand hard books, remember big ideas and form interesting connections, all with 30 minutes of time here and there.
    And that's only half the value. By writing mini-essays, I kill two birds with one stone. I'm on a journey to become a better writer, and these notes are a perfect way to practice writing and find my voice. Not bad, right?
    In this video, I talk about how and why you might add mini-essays to your workflow to take learning to the next level.
    Newsletter:
    odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
    Robert Henderson Article:
    www.robkhenderson.com/p/31-le...
    Join me on X:
    / odysseas_px
    TIMESTAMPS
    00:00-00:40 What Are They?
    00:40-1:45 How I Use Them + Example
    1:45-2:40 High Effort, High Reward
    2:40-6:00 How Mini-Essays Help You Learn
    6:00-8:00 How to Become a Great Writer
    8:00-9:06 Boost Writing Output
    9:06-10:27 Make Writing Addictive
    10:27-12:36 Build a Bank of Ideas
    12:36-15:38 How and Where to Start
    15:38-16:04 Last Note

Komentáře • 904

  • @arakita02
    @arakita02 Před 2 měsíci +971

    Oh this is just like what a sketchbook is for an artist.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 2 měsíci +102

      Nice way to put it

    • @whannabi
      @whannabi Před 2 měsíci +2

      Let's gooo

    • @kioumim
      @kioumim Před 2 měsíci

      Exactly !

    • @Arrayonex
      @Arrayonex Před 2 měsíci +5

      Reminds me of how rubber duck programming works in some parts of the video.

    • @i.am.me7
      @i.am.me7 Před 2 měsíci +11

      This comment is what made me seriously start this practice and yeah. I'm incredibly grateful. It's so true

  • @Monica-lu6gb
    @Monica-lu6gb Před 3 měsíci +1859

    this is so true. Nothing has worked better for me than pretending I am preparing a topic to teach in front of someone, it truly gives you more confidence and depth on the topics that you want to learn about.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +45

      For sure, it's the king of learning techniques

    • @michaelduncan6287
      @michaelduncan6287 Před 2 měsíci +3

      Offer presentations to local groups with like or crossover interest, kids groups, homeschooling, etc. This gives an opportunity to use and share what you've learned as well as meet new people with like interest.

    • @marctestarossa
      @marctestarossa Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@odysseas__ for me it's always been direct dialogue and discussion. Explaining a topic and your viewpoint on the topic to another person, who asks all the questions that never came to your mind in the process. To me that's pure gold. It shows you where your own gaps of understanding are and shines a very bright light on every step you skipped in your chain of thoughts. Because they won't buy it if it's not conclusive. But obviously you can't argue about everything with everyone all the time ^^ I mean I try, but people sometimes don't have the same fire burning inside for the same topics. So maybe I should try mini essays. And you can publish them which is absolutely great.

    • @Xvn793void
      @Xvn793void Před 2 měsíci

      I thought I was the only one lol

    • @reetagupta4462
      @reetagupta4462 Před 20 dny

      Yeahh fr like I used to journal ( basically write alot) and I kept doing it not realizing that my retrospection of memory has gotten a lot better

  • @yoavjacoby8246
    @yoavjacoby8246 Před 3 měsíci +1427

    Hmm. Interesting. I think I'll write a mini essay on why I should start writing mini essays.

    • @JanSteele
      @JanSteele Před 3 měsíci +45

      So funny. I had just come back to say that I had done that. My first mini essay to consolidate the learning from this video. I'm hoping it will be the first of many to help me build the habit of deep learning lasting a lifetime. :D

    • @new-lviv
      @new-lviv Před 3 měsíci +48

      Please publish that so I can write a mini essay on your mini essay about writing mini essays.

    • @yoavjacoby8246
      @yoavjacoby8246 Před 3 měsíci

      @@new-lviv I know you said this as a joke but I am actually quite proud of that essay so here it is 🙉:
      docs.google.com/document/d/1k8Oj5aWeEiJs6hYLVPbNj3B3O2MfqGFYWQjNohzADso/edit?usp=drivesdk

    • @yoavjacoby8246
      @yoavjacoby8246 Před 3 měsíci

      ​@@new-lviv I know you said this as a joke but I'm genuinely proud of that mini essay so here it is:
      docs.google.com/document/d/1k8Oj5aWeEiJs6hYLVPbNj3B3O2MfqGFYWQjNohzADso/edit?usp=drivesdk

    • @BichitaQ
      @BichitaQ Před 3 měsíci +15

      Unironically would be a great way to start if you're having trouble identifying a first topic.

  • @loganratliff4162
    @loganratliff4162 Před 3 měsíci +502

    As someone who hyperfixates on interesting topics and want to talk about them…. I feel like this concept is a great way to use that energy

    • @victorsauvage1890
      @victorsauvage1890 Před 2 měsíci +16

      And don’t be surprised if an idea which seemed pithy and straightforward becomes difficult to pin-down as you begin to put it on paper.
      Do not be discouraged - Every good and reasonable idea - which any great philosopher has had - or which a High Court judge has had - has many immediate objections which may not be immediately answerable.
      Also there is no possibility that one may exhaustively ‘explain’ every aspect of a significant, worthwhile alternative interpretation of any question of public controversy. Sometimes it is sufficient to merely hint at what your initiative is or at what your criticism is.
      Read some of the great - (but initially very hum-drum-sounding) - essayists.
      The trick is to spend just 5-10 minutes per day or twice a day reading a few paragraphs of the great essayists. (Photocopy a couple of small pages and
      carry them around with you. You can still keep reading the most up-to-date writing. But find a few great paragraphs to re-read over and over again.
      carry them with you -

    • @tamilla8484
      @tamilla8484 Před 2 měsíci +7

      I have same fixation 😂 if i learned something interesting, I want to talk about, but it's difficult to find people who love such discussions 😢

    • @phumelelabaskiti2134
      @phumelelabaskiti2134 Před 2 měsíci +1

      Me too!

    • @GnosisPodcast
      @GnosisPodcast Před 2 měsíci +1

      Same!

  • @TonyTylerDraws
    @TonyTylerDraws Před 23 dny +41

    My dad used to do this to me as a teenager. If I ever wondered something out loud, he would assign the topic to me as a project that I would have to present.
    It was always things I wanted to know, so I honestly enjoyed it.

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

    • @secret6983
      @secret6983 Před 15 dny +8

      ​@@wannabecar8733 you should write a mini essay on that

    • @AafreenM.
      @AafreenM. Před 11 dny +1

      @@secret6983 LOL

  • @FredMBeshears
    @FredMBeshears Před 2 měsíci +272

    FYI: These two books by William Zinsser might be of interest, especially the second:
    1. On Writing Well
    2. Writing to Learn

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 2 měsíci +13

      Reading the first now!

    • @pratuldube
      @pratuldube Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thank you for this!

    • @timdemoss
      @timdemoss Před 2 měsíci

      I have read the first but never heard of the second! Thanks for the recommendation!

    • @MSA-uj7cp
      @MSA-uj7cp Před 20 dny

      many thanks

  • @StephenDix
    @StephenDix Před 2 měsíci +171

    Great ideas. I tell my kids, "If it makes you frown, write it down". So capture literally everything that trips you up or you disagree with or you otherwise think twice about. Then try to write to someone about those things. Teach them through an essay they may never read. It is a remarkably effective technique to turn habitual judgement into contemplative curiosity.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 2 měsíci +16

      Thanks, and that's a great idea too. It stops you in your tracks to truly digest what's before you.

  • @mathiusq9128
    @mathiusq9128 Před 3 měsíci +517

    I am self studying philosophy and obviously some topics in philosophy are pretty hard to conceptualize. Even after reading several books, Id find I could not very well explain what I had learned to another person.Writing essays on the most interesting ideas was the solution. There is a reason why this is the prime assignment give in classroom environments.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +32

      It's true, and now, they're totally in your hands

    • @guava727
      @guava727 Před 3 měsíci +16

      This. As primarily an ebook reader, being able to just flip over to my notes app and scrap together a rough draft does wonders for memorizing and honing in on the key ideas of what I'm reading. Definitely recommend starting a reading journal.

    • @spronga3305
      @spronga3305 Před 3 měsíci +5

      haha seems i just started on your same path. i started reading the Letters of Ethics from Seneca just today and stumbled across this video -- the timing could not have been better

  • @MistyWarden
    @MistyWarden Před 3 měsíci +136

    This concept is one of the foundational methods in Charlotte Mason’s educationally philosophy. Doing oral and written narrations of living books.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +12

      Just checked out some books about her, seems interesting

    • @Rachel_1177
      @Rachel_1177 Před měsícem +1

      I was going to make this same comment. I homeschooled my son using Charlotte Mason and narration is the backbone of her method. It's so brilliantly simple it can be used with small children yet it grows with them as they progress to more challenging writings. The material comes directly from their living books, art, music, etc. Children are introduced to the writers, artists and composers and get to know them through this method of deep thinking. It transfers the work from the teacher to the student who truly learns. Copywork, maintaining a common place book and keeping a book of centuries nicely augments learning. Implementing Charlotte Mason's method alongside with my son was the education I never received. Good stuff!

  • @selim.digital
    @selim.digital Před 3 měsíci +205

    I’ve been writing weekly essays on my blog to help me focus my thinking. It’s worked wonders to improve my writing and my ability to be inspired. I haven’t had writers block in a year since I started writing and publishing a weekly essay!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +11

      That's the best form this can take, good stuff

  • @scenicrouteart
    @scenicrouteart Před 3 měsíci +77

    My first semester college English teacher had us read wonderful essays and then write a mini essay with a thesis statement first, on each of these essays. Changed my life! Opened my world to great writing! Changed my way of thinking! So valuable!

    • @theBakinNoob
      @theBakinNoob Před 3 měsíci +4

      Do you maybe have a step to step instruction guide on how to do that the right way?

    • @Falcon8856
      @Falcon8856 Před 2 měsíci

      ​@theBakinNoob research the IB program and some of the Literature courses. It is a great way for high schoolers to shift their mindset into academic thinking through essays

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @johnstrae7392
    @johnstrae7392 Před 3 měsíci +53

    I do this in my head ALL THE TIME. If I am not sure if I will be able to explain something, I go through the whole argument, explaination, idea, etc. in my head, or if I am alone, out loud until I can coherently explain it like it was a written essay. Talking to yourself is SO underrated.
    It also helps me realize if I actually have enough knowlegde to speak about a subject or if i am just repeating something someone else said.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +6

      That's a great approach too

    • @whannabi
      @whannabi Před 2 měsíci +1

      I do it too but it tends to be time consuming compared to just writing it. It's more concrete to write it imo but if it's good enough or better for you then that's fine.

  • @soundboy89
    @soundboy89 Před 25 dny +7

    This is one of those videos that feels like it could be life changing.
    I enjoy reading nonfiction, but I feel like I have terrible retention, and more often than not I'll finish a book and feel like I really didn't learn anything.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 25 dny

      Thanks, and I hope it works for you just as it did for me

  • @prettymuch5am765
    @prettymuch5am765 Před 3 měsíci +286

    I was scrolling back watching your older videos. I must say, the improvement is wild :00 The way you talk is a lot more engaging. It’s quite cool to see; it makes me encouraged to just start whatever it is I want to do even if it’s not perfect in the beginning.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +85

      Thanks, and I love to hear that. I thought of deleting them, but changed my mind for that exact reason. It's the reality of things.

    • @meu22422
      @meu22422 Před 3 měsíci +26

      Please don't delete them

  • @PowerGurhl
    @PowerGurhl Před 3 měsíci +88

    Great idea. I keep common books where I add quotes, notes, and my thoughts about what I read. I also write a summary and what I can use in life and resonated with. Makes a difference.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +11

      Commonplace books are also great

  • @TheNutmegStitcher
    @TheNutmegStitcher Před 3 měsíci +73

    We teach this skill to our students in our homeschool community. We start with rudimentary persuasive essays based on booksthey read, and with each novel, we add a scheme or trope, gradually increasing the complexity. By reading excellent books, they increase their vocabulary and begin to develop an ear for arguments and good writing. We use IEW and LTW. It's been incredible to watch the growth from 7th-12th grade and beyond.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +6

      Progressive overload, but for the mind. Love the sound of it.

    • @o00oio00o
      @o00oio00o Před 3 měsíci +3

      Whats is IEW and LTW?

    • @bradybourgeois9819
      @bradybourgeois9819 Před 2 měsíci

      Personally hated iew but see it's use. Helped me write better and gain an understanding of the tools in my shed, but the assignments felt clunky. Would have enjoyed condensing ideas from books/short stories much more.

  • @pattidoyle5102
    @pattidoyle5102 Před 3 měsíci +49

    I use a method like this as I work my was through mammoth classics. I write a small summary after natural breaks the author made (sections, chapters, parts, etc.) I’m retaining so much more of the story as well as the historical information generally embedded in the work. It helps me remember where I left off (I’m reading Les Miserbles on Sundays only) and need to reread my last summary before I begin reading again.I know this isn’t exactly what you’re referring to as I don’t always use an essay structure, but the benefit of rethinking what I read enough to summarize really boosts my retention.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +7

      It's a similar principle for sure, glad to see it works well

  • @isyx_ytb
    @isyx_ytb Před 3 měsíci +172

    I'm writing a mini essay about this video

  • @CornelPanic
    @CornelPanic Před 3 měsíci +69

    I don't know how the algorithm brought me to your channel, but I'm incredibly grateful for it.
    Not only did I find so many suggestions while scrolling through your videos, but I also find the form in which you deliver the content exceptionally good and understandable. Your channel is absolutely and completely undervalued, I hope you get many more followers.

  • @neonGawdzilla
    @neonGawdzilla Před 22 dny +4

    This used to be what blog posts were. RIP classic internet.

  • @claudio_t3
    @claudio_t3 Před 2 měsíci +33

    "Get those damn reps in."
    "Inaction hurts, and there's no good reason why you should suffer from it."
    Love it.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thank you, really appreciate it

  • @morganeua
    @morganeua Před 3 měsíci +9

    Love the idea of "mini essays"! This is essentially what I use a blog for!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks, and exactly! Sooner or later, they build up to something bigger than themselves.

  • @fedouamansouri3318
    @fedouamansouri3318 Před 3 měsíci +25

    I have been struggling with this weird fact, you mentioned, about not being able to properly recall what you thought you had clearly grasped a moment ago. I thought that writing a small research paper about what I have just read was a potentially good idea, but I was afraid of it being too time-consuming. So, I hoped to first see if somebody tried it before. And here you come with this brilliant idea that combines the idea I had with its solution. This is absolutely brilliant! Thank you so much! You have a new subscriber 😄.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +2

      Amazing to hear that, thank you

  • @MarcDeAjong
    @MarcDeAjong Před měsícem +7

    Wow, man, it's reminds me about my first semester in college. A lecturer in my first semester suggested me, and my friends, to make a "scrap book" (basically just a pile of stapled leftover paper). He told us to write anything that comes to our mind after we read book, journal article, and any other source. I just realized that from that scrap book a lot of ideas can come to my mind and help me to writing paper for exam (or even maybe my thesis). And theh i found this video, just today. I hope i can start writing this kind of mini essay after reading some materials.
    Ps: sorry my english is pretty broken because it's not my first language

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @LearningandTechnology
    @LearningandTechnology Před 3 měsíci +28

    Metacognitive interaction with your learning experiences is absolutely proven as a way to bind concepts to memory. I like the idea of mini essays as a structured way to engage in this learning. For many years, I’ve asked students to create a “Learning Journal” to capture ideas as they interact with learning, Mini essays seem like great content for these journals. Thanks!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +4

      That sounds fun in its own right, but I'm happy to hear it!

    • @z.m.4331
      @z.m.4331 Před 2 měsíci

      Would love to hear more details :)

    • @dwayneneckles
      @dwayneneckles Před 2 měsíci

      I would like to hear more details as well. In the meantime, i will google Metacognitive interaction with your learning experiences

  • @drxyz512
    @drxyz512 Před 3 měsíci +24

    I feel really inspired by the content discussed in this video. Personally, I watch a lot of video essay on youtube and feel that writing mini essay while watching them will really help strengthen my memory and understanding. Thanks for the vid, I’ve happily subscribed to your channel.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +5

      Thanks, and that's a great use of them. Makes watching videos more active and intentional.

    • @annalockwood3021
      @annalockwood3021 Před měsícem

      I can vouch for the effectiveness of this. Started taking notes about videos during the pandemic once I realized I could put my notes in an inexpensive spiral notebook and create a bullet journal style index as I went to help me reference things more easily later on.
      Once I fill the notebook, I review things for basic clarity (helps future reference work more smoothly). Over time I realized that certain topics kept recurring, and found some colorful ways to note them ( colorful washi tape tabs on page edges, etc). I have used these notes to guide myself into some hobbies that delight me, improve my skills in a wide array of areas, and keep me from watching the same videos over and over. That can be enjoyable, but I love building on my knowledge. Be patient and diligent, you will make progress.

  • @as-uj2lw
    @as-uj2lw Před 3 měsíci +18

    Funnily enough, this is exactly what I’ve been doing as of late! A great way to consolidate and retain knowledge.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Nice, glad to see them in action!

  • @niceasta
    @niceasta Před 3 měsíci +11

    1. I don't know why I wasn't subscribed to this channel even if I enjoyed so many videos before
    2. I was actually planning to start this habit a while ago, but didn't know exactly where to go with it - you really gave me a light to follow here. Thank you, man!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Much appreciated, and it's good to have you

  • @carina5633
    @carina5633 Před 3 měsíci +3

    I just finished watching Before Sunrise and was blown away by the beauty of being able to clearly express such human and genuine ideas to someone you love in conversation. Being able to train myself to turn these complex but jumbled thoughts into writing mini-essays is definitely a great way to achieve this. Thanks for the awesome video :D

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      It's the most powerful skill out there -much appreciated too!

  • @kd_handle
    @kd_handle Před 3 měsíci +20

    wow, this semester i've just started turning practice labs into mini tutorials in which i describe why, for what, etc down to the smallest details. and find it actually works surprisingly well. and here's your new video with explanation why mini essays is so good as learning tool! thanks, your channel is awesome✨
    p.s. btw there is Writing to Learn by William Zinsser. i haven't read it yet, but maybe it'll be interesting to someone.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +2

      Thanks, nice to see it works elsewhere.

  • @shylanambiar4316
    @shylanambiar4316 Před měsícem +2

    This is a great idea to keep writing regularly, especially when you’re uninspired or are stuck on other work and can’t seem to proceed. This still keeps you accomplishing writing. I’ve started incorporating mini essays into my writing schedule.

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @imiikhan
    @imiikhan Před 3 měsíci +18

    My motivation is peaked right now I don't know why you sound so convincing but I'll come back after one year of practice ❤ wish me luck

  • @kimaya4503
    @kimaya4503 Před 3 měsíci +6

    I love this and what makes it so special is that I have had this idea before, save the mini aspect of it. This really drives home why I should do it, but with the emphasis being on brevity and concision. Thanks so much 💃🏽

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +2

      Much appreciated! And even better because they're a small(er) time investment

  • @herrschniedler4207
    @herrschniedler4207 Před 3 měsíci +5

    I like that this guy responds to so many comments and gives so many Hearts. Cheers

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Couldn't have it any other way!

  • @bethnorris1361
    @bethnorris1361 Před 10 dny

    Reading "good" writing helps too..my favorite, Hemingway, hones my writing. I appreciate your time❤

  • @KingOfTheDeepSea
    @KingOfTheDeepSea Před 3 měsíci +2

    I can't express just how grateful I am for this video. I had always had a passion for writing, and with this idea you shared, I am very excited to try this out.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Much appreciated, hope they turn out well for you

  • @Mathhead2000
    @Mathhead2000 Před 3 měsíci +12

    This one weird trick English teachers don't want you to know.

  • @Greg_Wheeler
    @Greg_Wheeler Před 3 měsíci +3

    Duuuuuude, seriously thank you for this. You've added a filter for me on the topic of writing to think and learn. This method feels so approachable.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks man, hope it serves you well

  • @raibhattacharya
    @raibhattacharya Před 17 dny

    This has to be the best video ever uploaded. I'm in love. 😭🎀

  • @narrativedude
    @narrativedude Před 3 měsíci +1

    I’m thankful today because you slipped into my feed. I’m deeply cynical about algorithms, but today almost makes me a believer. I’m older, but still taking on the Fool’s Journey. You’ve made me realize that I was following your principles for years. Now I have a narrative hook to hang this on. I’ll be diving into mini-essays as a method to improve and deepen my writing chops.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      I appreciate it, good to have you here

  • @nhungvu1079
    @nhungvu1079 Před 2 měsíci +8

    I jusy wrote a mini essay on why I should write mini essays after watching this video

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @user-hh9qs2of3y
    @user-hh9qs2of3y Před 3 měsíci +4

    I have been thinking about this exercise for a while and could do it only occasionally. Thanks for reminding and sharing the steps, purpose and guidelines. I am going to start writing mini essays starting with this video

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Appreciate it, and good luck!

  • @janetdanes7945
    @janetdanes7945 Před 22 dny

    I’m so glad your channel popped up on my feed. This is a superb video. This sounds like a good strategy for two reasons. First, to polish my writing and second to retain the information that I have just read.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 22 dny

      Thanks, and I hope it does exactly that for you!

  • @Gruso57
    @Gruso57 Před 3 měsíci +4

    This is an underrated channel. I personally use outlines for the Feynman method but am going to try mini essays. Well done sir. I hope you get the recognition you deserve on here

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Thanks, I hope it goes well for you

    • @EdLeeSB
      @EdLeeSB Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks very much.
      Feynman is [ 'faɪn mən ],
      as in “FINE man”.

  • @TimDavie5
    @TimDavie5 Před 3 měsíci +3

    This is the first of your videos that I have watched. I’ve been trying to find online content to help me develop a practice of writing as a way of learning. This was really great. Thank you!🎉

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Much appreciated, hope it serves you well

  • @Sparkl1ngM1lk
    @Sparkl1ngM1lk Před 2 měsíci +2

    This is such valuable knowledge. It can be unbelievably helpful to anybody with any topic that they are trying to learn. Learning is not just a memorization process. It's a process where you should strive to connect the new knowledge to things you already know because that will make you _truly_ understand the world around you and will give you the ability to think abstractly and create new ideas, not just spit out a memorized fact. This is a great way to achieve that and force yourself to really *think* . Great advice and props to you for sharing it!

  • @safegourd
    @safegourd Před 3 měsíci +2

    My favorite professor uses this concept for each reading - we have to write weekly discussion boards on one aspect of the text we discussed in class. Being forced to do it for an assignment helps because it makes me investigate areas of the text that I might otherwise skim over (my favorite was when I did a narratological analysis of "The Sandman" by ETA Hoffman, specifically the shift a few pages in when the narrator explains why they opened the story with 3 letters exchanged between the characters. I didn't take the time to fully question or understand that shift until I wrote that post, and it transformed my understanding of the story).
    Also love this use for Obsidian. I've been using it myself for a couple years but my vault has stagnated lately, as I've been exploring other notetaking methods. This sounds like a great way to get back into it and really utilize the links between notes! Maybe I'll write a mini essay on it ;-) Thank you for sharing this video!

  • @RichardMikulskij
    @RichardMikulskij Před 3 měsíci +7

    You've quickly became one of my fav you tube channels for knowledge workers, this was a great vid! I do something similar which is great knowing im on the right track! Keep it up man with the content 😊

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks man, really appreciate that

  • @MoMan9
    @MoMan9 Před 3 měsíci +3

    I have been working on long form essays since the beginning of the year but this is a game changer! I am def going to implement this; thank you for your insight!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +1

      That's real cool, and thanks so much for the tip. Should be smooth for you given your experience.

  • @crossedpolars
    @crossedpolars Před 3 měsíci +2

    I've been meaning to start writing, just as a method of clarifying my thinking, for some time. This is the push I needed to actually do it, you have made it less daunting and emphasised the benefits. Really, a fantastic video.

  • @henrikibsen6258
    @henrikibsen6258 Před měsícem

    I've been doing this on index cards since I first watched, it works brilliantly. Thanks for this technique, it's a gamechanger.

  • @rifan_j
    @rifan_j Před 3 měsíci +4

    i'm reading Homer's Odyssey for the first time and your video appeared on my yt homepage/rec. Great stuff, great editing and I found lots of takeaways to note. Thank you!

  • @mexicangunslinger915
    @mexicangunslinger915 Před 3 měsíci +3

    this channel is gold

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +2

      Cheers, really appreciate that

  • @adelaova9868
    @adelaova9868 Před 2 měsíci +1

    This channel seems to have the answers to many of my questions, some of which I didn't even know I had. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Grateful to hear it, thanks

  • @sn0wy180
    @sn0wy180 Před 3 měsíci +2

    This is insane I’ve come across this video, cause I’ve been trying to figure out how I can build a sort of, at home education system and I’ve been so overwhelmed on where to start, and I think this is probably one of the best things I can incorporate into a regular schedule that will not only educate myself but develop my reading and writing skills which are so incredibly important. Thank you!!!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +2

      Much appreciated, and yeah I hope it's a good tool for general purpose learning too, in all studies

  • @nosceteipsum52
    @nosceteipsum52 Před 3 měsíci +4

    I swear google can sense my thoughts. I’m currently reading Walter issacsons bio on Benjamin Franklin and he goes into how Benjamin Franklin used to make pretty much these mini essays. Thank you for the awesome video and the sage advice.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Wow I didn't know that, cool to see it being used by such a great man. Thanks too!

  • @user-ev7wx1oz7q
    @user-ev7wx1oz7q Před 3 měsíci +6

    I really want a more extensive look into your obsidian vault(s), I'm so keen to have a better glance... I'd really appreciate if you could do a video on it because I believe it has the potential to inspire a lot.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +4

      I've got some plans for more obsidian stuff

  • @lorta905
    @lorta905 Před 15 dny

    I haven't even watched this video yet but I just want to thank you for putting this out because this is something I've been thinking about for so, so long. I think it relates to my ADHD but when I'm bored I keep thinking of the same thing - "Research something and write about it"
    This is exactly what I kept thinking of. I never actually tried that out because it sounded so silly in my head. lol

  • @NanaViolet7
    @NanaViolet7 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Thank you so much for this video! I feel so inspired now to write for my thesis using this technique! I’ve always felt so overwhelmed with the writing part because I always think of the bigger picture (whole section, chapter, …), but now I feel I can do it better this way. Thanks again!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks! I used this for a dissertation and it worked a treat.

  • @adellajones9887
    @adellajones9887 Před 3 měsíci +9

    You described me...the procrastinator 😮

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +4

      There's a little bit in everyone. Just a matter of pushing through.

  • @raiaiorfa1396
    @raiaiorfa1396 Před 3 měsíci +3

    Thank you man, Just came across this video in my feed. I want to be a writer, I've been dreaming about it for months now with no progress.
    It's very sad when I open my book or a blank document to write and I can't think of anything but now I know exactly what to do.
    I really appreciate the work you put in the video. New subscriber ☺️

  • @insumoko
    @insumoko Před měsícem

    Truly a inspiring video. when you said many times a "writer" spends more time talking about being a writer and talking about it then actually writing was so true. i feel like that's me too in some way or form, always dreaming or pondering about what i "will" write but never truly getting to it.

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem +1

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @ModernConversations
    @ModernConversations Před 3 měsíci

    I really did this the other day, and this video came along to explain what was my suspicion all along.

  • @abdelkaioumbouaicha
    @abdelkaioumbouaicha Před 3 měsíci +2

    📝 Summary of Key Points:
    📌 Mini essays are powerful tools for learning and improving writing skills by focusing on single ideas or topics extracted from various sources like books, articles, or videos.
    🧐 Writing mini essays helps in memory retention, understanding, and application of learned concepts through the Feynman technique of teaching what you've learned to others.
    🚀 Mini essays aid in building writing skills by providing volume, novelty, and a bank of ideas, enabling consistent practice and improvement over time.
    💡 Additional Insights and Observations:
    💬 "Teaching what you learn is powerful for your own learning, as it forces ideas to stick and helps identify gaps in understanding."
    📊 The Feynman technique, named after physicist Richard Feynman, is a valuable tool for learning and retention.
    🌐 Obsidian, a note-taking app, is recommended for writing mini essays due to its offline usability and organizational features.
    📣 Concluding Remarks:
    Mini essays offer a structured approach to learning and writing, enhancing comprehension, retention, and skill development. By incorporating the Feynman technique and utilizing tools like Obsidian, individuals can effectively engage with content, improve writing abilities, and build a strong foundation for continuous learning and growth.
    Generated using TalkBud

  • @vanshsati5277
    @vanshsati5277 Před 3 měsíci +4

    can you please start to make book summaries video
    by the way love your channel

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +2

      Thanks, and I have a few in the works.

  • @eleazarchinchilla159
    @eleazarchinchilla159 Před 3 měsíci +2

    I hadn't thought about those mini essays until I saw your video, thanks for such a valuable tool

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Much appreciated, hope they do well for you

  • @alexaweiss2656
    @alexaweiss2656 Před 3 měsíci +2

    i rarely comment on videos that i’ve watched but with someone that has an attention span of a goldfish aka me this is a gem. no frills and all , just write and keep it condensed and short, keep up the good work :)

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks, happy to hear you found value

  • @abdullateefmuraina4602
    @abdullateefmuraina4602 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Really grateful for this priceless diamond that you gave to us for free. I have been thinking of how to make essay writing easy for me because of the overwhelming nature of writing a large number of words which sometimes result in procrastination for me. However, with this mini essay, you just gave me the solution to my problem. Thanks.

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @lifestylelines
    @lifestylelines Před 19 dny

    This is so Inspiring! I always felt the same about writing down my thoughts. I will implement that one

  • @danaLikesBuidcuits
    @danaLikesBuidcuits Před 2 měsíci +1

    Love your mini Essay about mini essays

  • @TheGetRight
    @TheGetRight Před 3 měsíci

    These are the types of channels that contain TRUE knowledge and I appreciate it. It's value is not quantified by views.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Thank you, that means a lot to hear

  • @thephilosophicalagnostic2177

    I really agree. Writing and thinking go together so well. Thanks for posting.

  • @ag54521
    @ag54521 Před 17 dny

    I realized I've been doing this when I had to read scientific papers. That's what we do in research, a little summary of what is in the paper and why is important for my work

  • @user-do2mx8ob6i
    @user-do2mx8ob6i Před 2 měsíci

    i really love writing i used to randomly write pages of things that kept bothering me or things i observed, i'm sure i'm gonna love this a lot

  • @pedrofranca6963
    @pedrofranca6963 Před 3 měsíci +2

    probably the most valuable video I've seen in the site, great job and thanks for the help mate

  • @MarrieWillians
    @MarrieWillians Před 3 měsíci +1

    I just stumbled upon your channel and you truly inspired me with your content. I’m extremely passionate about learning and I always struggled in how to take notes and how to keep my knowledge in one place. I like to take notes on a notebook but I struggled a lot in transferring my notes to obsidian, its a dull and boring tast since I’m just typing stuff all over again. The mini essays were honestly the perfect solution for my problem lol I just wrote my first one and I felt like I was back in high school writing a essay in summary my writing is so bad lol I’m hoping to improve that and maybe write my thoughts and studies on medium later on. Thank you very much for your video keep going

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Amazing to see you put it into practice, hope it goes well. Thanks too!

  • @TheVcoder
    @TheVcoder Před 29 dny

    This is such a great video. Thank you for sharing your insight.

  • @potatostarcher4472
    @potatostarcher4472 Před měsícem +2

    I've done this unintentionally through Journaling my life for a few months.
    Let me say this, through writing you will learn what you believe. only after that can you change your beliefs.

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @unique7893
    @unique7893 Před měsícem

    One of the most captivating videos I've watched on writing. Well done.

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @islombekabdullaev4692
    @islombekabdullaev4692 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Writing mini essays do resonate with me and I subscribed to your channel after that. Besides, your motto seems to be life long learning which is my primary principle of life. Thank you for sharing the light of knowledge with humanity!

  • @Kei-zx7nf
    @Kei-zx7nf Před měsícem

    Great video, man. Very useful advice. I'll be implementing this strategy from now on!

  • @cathalobrien7678
    @cathalobrien7678 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Mate, this is seriously class.

  • @bibamarieva
    @bibamarieva Před 3 měsíci +2

    Now that I watched your video, you basically described how I used to keep my diaries - and I guess diaries in general serve the same very purposes.

  • @user-qh3iq9sr7n
    @user-qh3iq9sr7n Před 3 měsíci +1

    I'm getting insane value from your videos, they are just so great and really what I needed to step up my game as a person. I also use obsidian to take notes, but I am actually not that good, would love to see a vid where you show/explain what functions you personally use and how you use them. Keep up the good work!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks, real glad to hear that. Will definitely dive into obsidian more, it deserves it

  • @Lilly-uf7tn
    @Lilly-uf7tn Před 3 měsíci +1

    Hard facts, deep truths. Hits home and hurts. Good stuff. I’m going to try this!

  • @Coolpolarbear1
    @Coolpolarbear1 Před 15 dny

    The brain is great for making ideas not for storing them ❤️

  • @aalimanaqvi
    @aalimanaqvi Před 2 měsíci +1

    You just earned a new subscriber! I wish this was actually rewarding, because this video deserves a lot more than one subscribe.
    This idea has offered a lot of hope to me, after I had given up on reading and writing. Thank you for sharing this valuable treasure with the rest of the world! 💚

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks! Hope it serves you well

  • @Nasir_3.
    @Nasir_3. Před 3 měsíci +2

    I will start doing that from now on, great video man
    Glad I found you

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Hope it serves you well, and thanks

  • @bertwesler1181
    @bertwesler1181 Před 2 měsíci

    Outstanding; I shall dive right in.
    Thank You

  • @atlantaguitar9689
    @atlantaguitar9689 Před 10 dny

    I used a similar technique in the early 80s using a notebook. I took class notes (that was key), reviewed and linked them the same day, and wrote weekly summaries (mini-essays). For content-rich classes, I did the summaries twice a week. Before major exams, I reviewed the summaries and key details from my notes. Even now I get more out of writing notes myself rather than using a computer. To each his own.

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před 10 dny

      Sounds great too, it has all the important features of good study

    • @atlantaguitar9689
      @atlantaguitar9689 Před 10 dny

      @@odysseas__ Actually writing out the notes triggers (in a good way) active learning for me because I edit as I write to keep things compact so that process is learning while documenting. I could never look at cliff notes or some pre-summarized ideas and get a lot out of them. I always had to rewrite them for me to get anything into my brain meaningfully

  • @brushrunner
    @brushrunner Před měsícem

    Feynman taught me how to think! Turning 18 and starting to backpack the world, i listened to all his books, and it provided me with tools to understand it

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @BahAloooors
    @BahAloooors Před 3 měsíci +1

    Thanks for that video! I came to the same realisation 2 days ago. To read and write about things I am reading or even watching, if I dont agree with the author I can write about why i don't agree, if it made me feel a strong emotion, I can express it in some ways. The goal is really to expand the mind and to get that writing working. Anyways, thanks for the confirmation that I was indeed heading towards the right way.

  • @Mr_GuyG
    @Mr_GuyG Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you CZcams for showing you to me! This video is like a mind reading for what im realizing in the past few months. And you put it all into a beautiful video. Thank you!

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @EcomCarl
    @EcomCarl Před měsícem

    Embracing the practice of writing mini essays truly sharpens the mind and refines communication skills. It's a fantastic method for distilling complex ideas into accessible, engaging content that resonates with readers. 📝

  • @scatteredperceptions890
    @scatteredperceptions890 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great video and tool. I’ll be applying the concept to work on my prose and poetry

  • @sheperdofthebrahs
    @sheperdofthebrahs Před 2 měsíci +1

    Something that immidiately comes to mind rn and Ive learnt in school, knowledge is pretty much like a language and everyone speaks one of their own.
    When you are taught by somebody, they present knowledge in their own words and you experience it through them, but after thats done youre left with very little actual understanding because its still in their language or at least dialect.
    When formulating it yourself, effort is put into the "translation" because its not simple repetition, highly effective strategy

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @minacamoglu1419
    @minacamoglu1419 Před měsícem

    Absolutely amazing advice, thank you so much.

    • @wannabecar8733
      @wannabecar8733 Před 21 dnem

      Jesus is the Son of G-d. He died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day. He is sitting at the right hand of G-d.

  • @burntheboxes
    @burntheboxes Před 28 dny

    This would be a wonderful extension to my commonplace book. Thanks for the video!

  • @bee2729
    @bee2729 Před měsícem

    so useful, i noticed whenever i wrote about something i'd suddenly fully understand it. doing that but a mini version will be also efficient and less time consuming!

    • @odysseas__
      @odysseas__  Před měsícem

      Thanks! That's what I hope -best of luck

  • @Islaras
    @Islaras Před 3 měsíci +2

    This content has incredible value ❤ This speaks to my soul and current situation