Learning

Learning

Skill acquisition as preparation for problems you can't predict.

Philosophy

Learning isn't about optimization or self-improvement as identity. It's about building capacity before you need it - preparation as practice.

The Approach

Not:

• Collecting credentials
• Learning for learning's sake
• Optimization culture
• Hoarding knowledge

Is:

• Building capacity before crisis
• Skills that serve multiple purposes
• Learning through making
• Appropriate depth for actual needs

The Test

Before learning something new:

• Will I use this next month? (If no: wait)
• Does it compound with existing skills? (If yes: prioritize)
• Can I learn by building something real? (Always prefer this)

Current Learning Domains

Technical

Domain	Why	Status
Neovim/Lua	Daily tool, compounds with everything	Active - daily use
Rust	Systems programming, CLI tools	Studying
Python/Data Science	Analysis, automation, embeddings	Active
Swift/iOS	Mobile apps, personal tools	Occasional

Physical

Domain	Why	Status
Ham Radio	Emergency comms, community, preparation	Licensed, practicing
Motorcycle	Transportation, maintenance, flow state	Daily
Wilderness First Aid	Service to others, preparation	Certified
Soldering/Electronics	Hardware hacking, repair skills	Active

Creative

Domain	Why	Status
Pottery	Physical grounding, gifts, presence	Paused (need studio)
Film Photography	Constraint-based seeing, archive	Active
Begleri	Micro-practice, portable grounding	Active

Learning Principles

Long-term > Intensive

Consistent practice over years beats intensive bursts:

• Year 1: Feels pointless
• Year 3: Starting to be useful
• Year 10: Invaluable infrastructure

Can't build 10 years of data when you suddenly need it.

Automatic > Manual

Systems that capture learning without friction:

• Quantified Self tracks patterns automatically
• Scrapbook-core captures what you consume
• Git history shows coding patterns

Building > Studying

Learn by making real things:

• Built CLI Tools to learn Node.js
• Built Coach Artie to learn AI integration
• Built connectology to learn D3.js

The project teaches more than the tutorial.

Dual-Use > Single-Purpose

Like Field Kit gear - skills should serve multiple contexts:

• Python: data analysis AND automation AND AI
• Ham radio: hobby AND emergency prep AND community
• Motorcycle: transportation AND meditation AND maintenance skills

The Compounding Effect

Skills that multiply each other:

CLI fluency + Python → automation superpowers
Ham radio + wilderness skills → field capability
Soldering + programming → hardware hacking
Writing + data analysis → journalism

Each new skill becomes more valuable because of existing skills.

What This Isn't

• Not credential collecting - learn what you'll use
• Not self-improvement culture - no gamification, no streaks
• Not productivity optimization - building capacity, not efficiency
• Not prepper hoarding - practical skills for community service

Specific Learning Notes

• Ham Radio Study Guide - Technician license preparation
• FPV Training - Drone piloting progression
• Lockpicking - Security awareness, manual dexterity

Related

• Preparation as Practice - why learn before you need
• Appropriate Technology - choosing what to learn
• Quantified Self - tracking skill development over time
• Practice & Presence - physical practices as learning