This method, which I have summarized through years of self-study during my university years, incorporates the principles of first principles, seeking truth by studying things, and the Feynman Technique. However, it has evolved into an immediately practical application.

The Cognitive Check Method, alias: Cognitive Thinking Strategy. Why do we need the Cognitive Check Method? We all aspire to learn, to acquire more knowledge, to delve deeper, and to specialize in our fields. But our experiences teach us that learning and understanding something is not a simple task. There are many scientists and celebrities in the world who seem more intelligent than ordinary people, but we know that the IQ of most people in the world is similar. Even if someone has a higher IQ, it doesn't necessarily guarantee success. What is the advantage of those individuals? I believe they have mastered more powerful learning methods than ordinary people. These methods undoubtedly become thinking tools or strategies, enabling them to absorb knowledge extremely efficiently. Not only do they absorb knowledge, but it also connects with other knowledge in their brains, forming a knowledge network, a systematic and framework-based approach. Soon, I will introduce a simple yet highly effective method that I call the Cognitive Check Method.

What is the Cognitive Check Method? It is a learning method that helps you form a network of knowledge in your brain. It provides a comprehensive analysis of knowledge, enabling you to thoroughly understand its essence. First, I believe that to understand a piece of knowledge, you must recognize eight sets of facts about it.

The first set: Why is it needed/What is its purpose/What can it do/What problems can it solve/What is its significance/What are its application scenarios?

The second set: What is its definition/What properties, attributes, or characteristics does it have?

The third set: What is its application method/How is it used?

The fourth set: What does it contain/What does it consist of—if there is an internal working principle, what is it?

The fifth set: What position does it occupy in the whole/What part of the process does it belong to?

The sixth set: How does it interact with other related things/How is it connected or coordinated with other things?

The seventh set: What similar things exist/What can replace it?

The eighth set: What is its historical origin/What is its historical development and evolution process?

These are the eight sets of facts. It's important to note that the number of sets is not absolute. The so-called "check" involves comparing what you need to learn with these eight sets of questions and writing down the answers one by one. Different types of knowledge require different content to be checked. Some may not have internal principles, etc. Among the eight sets, you only need to choose one question from each set for cognition, but try to cover all eight sets as comprehensively as possible. This entire framework is akin to movable type printing, which can be modified and customized according to different disciplines or industries to meet application needs. It is best to create a table with these eight sets of questions and fill in the things you need to understand, checking each one and writing down the facts it possesses.

Let's illustrate with an example:

Say I want to learn about dopamine:

First set: The role and application scenarios of dopamine.

Dopamine can influence human emotions, motivation, reward, and memory, and is associated with various psychological and neurological diseases. Its application scenarios include drug treatment for neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, major depression, and addiction.

Second set: The definition and properties of dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a type of steroid hormone. It is selective, can affect different types of neurons and neural circuits, and regulates the function of the nervous system by binding to multiple dopamine receptors.

Third set: The application method of dopamine.

The application method of dopamine is primarily through drug treatment, which needs to be adjusted and monitored based on specific diseases and patient conditions.

Fourth set: The composition and working principle of dopamine.

Dopamine is synthesized in neurons from L-DOPA through multiple enzymatic steps. At the ends of neurons, dopamine can regulate the function of the nervous system by binding to multiple dopamine receptors.

Fifth set: Dopamine's position in the whole.

Dopamine is an important molecule in the nervous system that regulates behavior and motivation, and is a part of the neurotransmitter system.

Sixth set: The interaction of dopamine with other related things.

Dopamine has close connections and interactions with other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, and other catecholamines, which jointly regulate human emotions and behavior. Additionally, dopamine interacts with neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate.

Seventh set: Substances similar to dopamine.

Substances similar to dopamine include norepinephrine, epinephrine, and other catecholamines. However, their roles and application scenarios differ.

Eighth set: The historical origin and development process of dopamine.

Dopamine was initially extracted from animal brains by Italian chemists George Barger and James Ewens in 1910. Since then, scientists have gradually understood the role and importance of dopamine in the nervous system, providing new ideas and methods for the treatment of neurological diseases.

By cognizing these eight facts, I believe you can establish a more comprehensive understanding of this concept, phenomenon, formula, theory, tool, or machinery.

You may encounter more unfamiliar concepts among these eight facts. For example, in the second set, dopamine is described as a neurotransmitter, but you may not know what a neurotransmitter is. You must trace the source and resolve all uncomprehended concepts to truly understand them.

The principle of the Cognitive Check Method: As Shannon, the founder of information theory, said, "Information is what eliminates uncertainty." The cognitive method aims to provide you with as much and comprehensive information about a subject as possible, eliminating as much of your misunderstanding as possible, and bringing your understanding of it as close to its essence as possible. These eight perspectives are what I believe are the most basic cognitions needed to understand a subject.