You might be wondering how anyone can grow from being an advanced learner to becoming an expert. It might seem like an impossible step to climb.

According to the traditional Japanese approach of Shu Ha Ri, a vital step in the learning process is to so absorb the rules that the student transcends them. The rules and conventions become second nature. But what does that look like in practice?

Here’s a great example from the world of veterinary medicine, where veterinary students were trained to identify whether an animal is bright (i.e healthy) or dull (i.e. sickening):

“Eventually, the students get good enough at evaluating bright vs. dull. What’s interesting is that, by then, they’ve lost the rules. What was once effortful and algorithmic is now perceptual and automatic. They can see things you and I do not.” – Oddly-Influenced

Two Highland cows are grazing on a lush green field near a Scottish loch with trees and hills in the background.

I’m the author of Shu Ha Ri: The Japanese Way of Learning, for Artists and Fighters, available now.

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