Internalization

The process of learning is a process of internalization. Whenever we learn a concept or an idea, we learn its aspects and dynamics and internalize it. The best internalizers are the best students. They become what they learn. The key to any problem is to bring the problem to a domain that one understands, and then solve it. Once the framework is built, further learning becomes easy. Building up on previous knowledge is an act of using what is already a part of our psyche and extending it to a new level.

I give you a few examples. When children learn, it is easier to teach them a new concept using what they already know. You can start with abstract ideas of good and evil, but if you start with Spider Man and the Green Goblin, you can easily show the difference. In this case, the child has already internalized the concepts of Spider Man and Green Goblin, and extending further becomes much easier.

As another example, the sufis have used this concept quite frequently. If you ever read Rumi or Hafez, you would see many analogies. Rumi often uses the analogies of a flute, of animals, of relationships, and many other mundane objects. Just like a child is familiar with comic characters, adults are much more comfortable with the notions of a musical instrument, a fox, their brothers or parents and so forth. Teaching an adult with something they already consider their territory is a much easier task.

And as yet another example, the art of public speaking is not about copying an orator. It is about bringing your personal style out. You want to be comfortable with the podium, the staring audience, and the nervousness. You have to stand up there and talk as if you were in your living room speaking with your friends.

So whatever concept, idea or theory one has to master, the quickest way to do it is to start internalizing it. This is why Einstein said that the imagination was more important than knowledge. If you have a strong imagination, or a database of thoughts, you can always utilize it by linking newly learned concepts to the older ones.