# The Failure Point of Linear Learning By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-03-19 Learning to do something is often presented as a series of fundamental, simple steps. If the task is relatively simple, this is an excellent approach because the task can be broken into a series of linear steps. The majority of things we learn before age 16 are this way. In fact, this deconstructionist approach defines most of one's understanding of how to learn something. However, eventually, one will encounter a complex task that cannot be easily decomposed into a series of linear steps. Examples include fine art, leadership, economics, marketing, quantum mechanics, and creating new recipes. This does not stop many from attempting to provide a simple structure to do this work in the classic step-by-step, linear fashion. If one can find a bookstore, just walk down the self-help section to find endless examples. As proof that deconstruction does not work for learning these tasks, consider how many self-books exist on leadership versus making a sandwich. One might find a few books dedicated to sandwich making, but one will find thousands of books on leadership. If we understood the steps of leadership, would we need so many different treatments? In short, no - just as we don't need thousands of books on making sandwiches. Complex adaptive systems (e.g., leadership, economics, art, etc.) represent the limit of the deconstructionist approach to learning and work. As a result, we struggle to define and teach them effectively. Instead, as the name implies, these systems are complex and constantly changing. There are too many things to keep track of, and too many things are constantly changing. Some general rules apply, but they are either precise to a specific situation or too vague to be practically helpful. In short, no step-by-step instructions guarantee success, such as making a sandwich. For example, what steps should one follow to create great art? A different way of learning and thinking is required when dealing with these systems. Primarily, one must understand how they flow and how one exists within the flow. This is so befuddling to most that many will cling to step-by-step instructions that are only slightly better than the advice provided by a horoscope. #### Related Items [[Complex Systems]] [[Learning]] [[Education]] [[Self-Improvement]] [[Book]] [[Chaos]]