Elon Musk is a favorite entrepreneur for many people and for me one of the billionaires I like to study. One of his “hacks” that caught my attention was his response to how he learned rocket science to build SpaceX when he wasn’t academically trained for this.
His response?
I read books. Yeah, lots and lots of books.”
I tend to think that books have potentially a higher density of useful information than you can get from other formats, but I’m not saying they are without question the best tool if you are looking to learn your next skill in business!
What appeals to me more than anything is the idea that a bum like me can sit in my house and drink a shot of whiskey listening to lovely Gary Moore blues, and read a life changing “lots and lots of books.”
It’s cheap too.
You don’t need to sign up for an expensive mastermind, and you don’t need to travel anywhere for some big seminar.
You and a lot of books.
Musk’s response may seem simplistic, but there is a lot of truth to it. Books are a valuable source of information, and they can be used to learn about almost any topic. They are also relatively inexpensive and accessible, making them a great option for people who want to learn new things on a budget.
There are a few reasons why books are such a good way to learn.
* You can learn at your own pace. You can take your time to read and understand the material, and you can revisit sections that you need to review.
* Books provide a comprehensive overview of a topic. They can cover everything from the basics to more advanced concepts.
* Books are written by experts in their field. This means that you can be confident that the information you are learning is accurate and up-to-date.
* Books can help you to develop your critical thinking skills. When you read a book, you are not just passively absorbing information. You are also actively engaging with the material, analyzing the author’s arguments, and forming your own opinions.
Of course, reading books is not the only way to learn rocket science, or any other complex topic. There are many other resources available, such as online courses, tutorials, and mentorships. However, reading books is a great way to start your learning journey. It is also a good way to supplement your other learning methods.
Here are some tips for learning from books:
* Choose books that are written by experts in the field you are interested in.
* Read the book actively. Take notes, ask yourself questions, and try to relate the information to what you already know.
* Don’t be afraid to reread sections that you don’t understand.
* Apply what you are learning to real-world problems and projects.
* Find a community of learners to discuss the material with.
Here are some books on rocket science that you may find helpful:
* Rocket Propulsion Elements by George P. Sutton and Oscar Biblarz
* Ignition! by John D. Clark
* Fundamentals of Astrodynamics by Roger R. Bate, Donald D. Mueller, and Jerry E. White
* Elements of Propulsion by Jack D. Mattingly and Keith M. Boyer
* Modern Engineering for Design of Liquid-Propellant Rocket Engines by Dieter K. Huzel and David H. Huang
If you are interested in learning rocket science, or any other complex topic, I encourage you to follow Elon Musk’s advice and read lots and lots of books. It is a cheap and effective way to learn new things and expand your knowledge.
Who knows, one day you might even be able to build your own rocket and send it to space!
And if you want to grow your small biz or online biz, check out the Solopreneur Profits Bootcamp.
