Would Constantly Learning New Information in One Subject Provide the Same Challenge as Learning Multiple Subjects?

Think of this question in the same way you might consider a workout. Quantity or Quality. High Repetitions or High Weight.

With High Repetitions, your muscles build more definition, burn more fat, and become more efficient. Similarly, with High Repetitions in terms of brain function, you are essentially improving overall knowledge and adaptability. Making yourself adapt to different subjects means filling in the gaps in your knowledge. This process makes your brain more lean, more adaptable, and capable of learning new materials faster and analyzing new situations more effectively in a shorter amount of time.

Quality over Quantity

Selecting a single subject and sticking with it will improve your brain in a different but rigorous manner. As you progress in a subject, the content naturally becomes more complex. This is akin to heavy weightlifting for your cognitive muscles. It demands a higher level of thinking and problem-solving, forcing you to analyze difficult situations and develop a more logical and profound mental process. The trade-off, however, is that you won't be as quick at analyzing new materials or learning new information, but you'll be better equipped to handle more complex concepts.

Essentially, the choice between a wide range of subjects and deep immersion in one subject impacts your cognitive efficiency differently. While diverse learning helps maintain agility and refine knowledge across different domains, focused study hones skills and comprehension in a specific area at the expense of versatility.

Challenging the Brain Equally

The brain will be ‘challenged’ equally by any reading that requires full focused attention and cognitive effort, involving the creation of connections, understanding new concepts, learning new words, and establishing new memories or schemes. The difference lies in the efficiency of learning and memory.

Doing “massed study” (high repetitions) on a single topic may result in weaker overall learning and memory retention compared to ‘spaced repetition’ (multiple subjects). This is because fatigue and monotony can take a toll on mental resources. However, if you can integrate connections between different areas of study, the benefits of diverse learning become more pronounced.

Conclusion: Whether you focus on one subject intensely or spread your learning across various subjects, the key is finding a balance that meets your personal and professional needs. Both approaches will challenge your brain in unique ways, leading to different types of cognitive growth and efficiency.