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What is the better method of learning theoretical physics ?

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I can think of two methods to learn new physics.

1 - Try to think about some problem , Say the Ising model , which involves a lot of physics. One can then pick up various techniques & concepts from various textbooks as one tries to solve a problem such as this.

2 - Read a standard textbook on a subject thoroughly. I think that one disadvantage of this is that one is compelled to follow the thoughts of the author. @RonMaimon

asked Mar 21, 2017 in Chat by anonymous [ no revision ]
recategorized Mar 21, 2017 by Dilaton

Without thinking about a problem one cannot learn anything. On the other hand, without thorougly reading a textbook on a subject you'll waste a lot of time - rediscovering yourself known things is a very time consuming process. Better learn first what is known about some question of interest - and then find out whether you can contribute something that goes beyond it.

In any case, the two ''methods'' you mention must go hand in hand!

commented Mar 26, 2017 by Arnold Neumaier (15,787 points) [ no revision ]

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