Q&A: Studying Alone
Studying Alone
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I assume there’s no magic solution to the problem I’m about to present, but I’d be happy if the Rabbi has an idea from his experience as a yeshiva teacher (and as a serious learner). I basically study in yeshiva, but lately (and I assume this won’t end anytime soon) I’ve been forced to study much more on my own and not with a study partner. The problem is that I notice it dulls my thinking, and I’m less able to sharpen the ideas for myself and come up with clear-cut conclusions on my own. I assume that’s natural when you study alone for a long time. My question is whether the Rabbi has any advice (even methodological) for how to improve this anyway?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Or formulate the ideas for yourself out loud, and preferably also write them down. Write them in the form of an organized article. It is cited in the name of the Vilna Gaon: “Make for yourself a rabbi, and acquire for yourself a friend.”
Discussion on Answer
Or sign up for a critical thinking course 😉
Thanks, I’ll try.