Name: Why the best learners talk to themselves
Uploaded: 2026-10-20T14:45:13Z
Duration: 15 min 37 s
Description: With more information at our fingertips than ever before, learning should be getting easier ... yet the opposite seems to be true, says cognitive scientist Tania Lombrozo. Drawing on her research into how our minds understand and reason, she explores why more information can actually make learning harder — and shares the critical skill all great learners possess.

With more information at our fingertips than ever before, learning should be getting easier ... yet the opposite seems to be true, says cognitive scientist Tania Lombrozo. Drawing on her research into how our minds understand and reason, she explores why more information can actually make learning harder — and shares the critical skill all great learners possess.

Why the best learners talk to themselves

Learning gets harder, not easier, as information floods our lives from the internet and AI. A vivid example: software engineers improve their code by explaining problems to rubber ducks, tapping into knowledge they already have. Research shows that the best learners talk to themselves, asking questions and offering explanations, which reveals gaps in understanding and guides what to learn next. Instead of chasing more data, powerful learning starts by combining and transforming what is already in the mind.

Explaining to Yourself Unlocks Deeper, Lasting Learning

Despite access to endless information, learning can become harder when the mind feels overwhelmed. Explaining concepts aloud—even to a rubber duck—helps people organize what they know and uncover gaps in understanding. Studies show that top students routinely teach themselves by seeking explanations, making them stronger learners. This reflective process helps transform scattered knowledge into insight, guiding what new information is truly needed.