Learning New Topics

Use AI to teach yourself anything, your way

Learning New Topics with AI

Ever wanted to learn something new but didn't know where to start? AI makes an incredible personal tutor — patient, available 24/7, and happy to explain things as many times as you need.

What You'll Need

  • Access to any AI tool (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.)
  • A prompt from the Friendly AI library
  • Curiosity about literally anything

Step 1: Pick What You Want to Learn

This works for almost any topic:

  • A new language (Spanish, Python, sign language)
  • A skill (photography, cooking, budgeting)
  • A concept (how the stock market works, what blockchain is, why the sky is blue)
  • Something for work (Excel formulas, project management, public speaking)

For this walkthrough, let's say you want to understand how investing works.

Step 2: Start With the Big Picture

Use a Learning prompt to get a high-level overview:

You are a patient, friendly teacher.

I want to understand the basics of investing. I'm a complete beginner
with no finance background.

Give me a simple overview that covers:
- What investing actually is
- Why people do it
- The main types (stocks, bonds, etc.)
- What I should learn first

Keep it conversational and avoid jargon. If you use a technical term,
explain it right away.

Step 3: Dive Deeper on What Interests You

Once you've got the overview, follow up on the parts that grab you:

  • "Tell me more about index funds — that sounds like a good starting point"
  • "What's the difference between a 401k and an IRA? Explain it like I'm 15"
  • "Give me 5 common mistakes beginners make when they start investing"

This is where AI really shines. You can go at your own pace and ask questions you might feel silly asking a real person.

Step 4: Test Yourself

Ask the AI to quiz you:

Quiz me on what we've talked about so far. Give me 5 questions,
mix of multiple choice and short answer. After I answer, tell me
how I did and explain anything I got wrong.

This is way more effective than just reading. Active recall is how your brain actually locks things in.

Step 5: Make It Practical

Bridge the gap between knowing and doing:

  • "What would you recommend as a first step for someone with $100 to invest?"
  • "Help me create a simple learning plan — 15 minutes a day for 2 weeks"
  • "What are the best free resources to keep learning about this?"

Pro Tips

  • Learn in chunks — 15-20 minute sessions beat marathon study sessions
  • Use analogies — tell the AI "explain this like..." and use something you already understand
  • Build on what you know — "I understand X, now help me connect that to Y"
  • Come back tomorrow — start with "Yesterday we talked about investing basics. Quick recap, then let's move to..."

This guide is growing! We'll be adding more learning scenarios and study strategies soon.