Ever wonder how some people can make the most complicated concepts sound as simple as tying your shoelaces? One of those geniuses, Dr. Richard Feynman, didn’t just win a Nobel Prize in physics—he also won hearts by making science exciting and easy to understand. His secret weapon? A learning strategy so effective, it feels like a superpower. And the best part? You don’t need to be a physicist to use it.

Let’s break down the Feynman Technique and see how you can use it to learn faster, retain more, and maybe even enjoy the process. Bonus tip: we’ll sprinkle in the magic of quizzes to supercharge your brainpower.

Step 1: Pick a Topic and Pretend You’re the Teacher

Imagine you’re prepping for a pop quiz, but not as a student—as the teacher. Your job is to explain the topic as if your audience knows nothing. And I mean nothing. Think fifth-grader level.

For example, let’s say you’re tackling gravity. Instead of, “Gravity is the curvature of spacetime caused by mass,” try this:

“Gravity is what makes things fall. It’s like an invisible hand pulling objects toward the ground—or in space, toward big things like planets.”

The goal is clarity. If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t fully understand it yet.

Step 2: Identify What Trips You Up

As you write or talk through your explanation, you’ll hit snags. Maybe you don’t quite get why astronauts float in space or how gravity applies to tides. Those moments of confusion? Gold. They show you exactly what to focus on next.

Now, dig deeper—read, watch videos, or phone a friend (preferably one who doesn’t roll their eyes when you geek out). Fill those gaps until the “Aha!” moments start flowing.

Step 3: Simplify Again

After you’ve patched up your knowledge gaps, go back and rewrite your explanation. Strip it down even more. Use analogies, examples, or even silly comparisons. For instance:

“Gravity is like a trampoline with a bowling ball in the middle. The ball makes a dip, and anything rolling by gets pulled toward it.”

If you’re laughing at your own analogies, you’re doing it right. Learning doesn’t have to be boring!

Step 4: Quiz Yourself—Yes, Seriously

Dr. Feynman didn’t explicitly include this step, but if he were around today, he’d probably say, “Why not test what you think you know?” Quizzing is a proven way to solidify knowledge and catch sneaky misunderstandings.

• Create quick flashcards for key concepts.

• Take online quizzes on your topic.

• Or, better yet, have someone else ask you questions about it.

The beauty of quizzes is they force your brain to recall information, strengthening those neural connections. Bonus: they’re great for your ego when you get answers right (and even better for your learning when you don’t).

Step 5: Teach It to Someone Who’ll Call You Out

Once you’ve nailed your explanation, test it on a real person—your kid, your grandma, or your best friend. The trick? They have to ask questions. If they look confused or hit you with, “But why?” you’ll know exactly where you still need work.

Teaching is like the ultimate quiz. If you can handle someone else’s questions without breaking a sweat, you’ve officially leveled up.

Why It Works (and Why You’ll Love It)

The Feynman Technique flips passive learning on its head. Instead of just reading or watching, you’re actively engaging with the material. You’re breaking it down, testing yourself, and rebuilding it into something meaningful.

• Quizzes sharpen recall and boost retention.

• Simplifying builds confidence.

• Teaching ensures mastery.

Plus, it’s fun. Seriously. You’ll feel like a detective cracking a case every time you fill a gap in your knowledge.

Ready to Try It?

Next time you’re studying something—whether it’s quantum mechanics, the history of cheese, or how to change a tire—try the Feynman Technique. Write it, simplify it, quiz yourself, and teach it.

Not only will you learn faster, but you’ll also feel smarter. And who knows? Maybe someday you’ll explain things so well, people will think you’re the genius.

Because, spoiler: you are.