Why Hierarchical Subjects Feel Harder

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Why do some subjects in school feel harder than others?

The “hard” subjects depend heavily on what you learned BEFORE.

Their knowledge structure is hierarchical.

You can’t learn calculus if you don’t know algebra and geometry.

You can’t really learn physics if you don’t know calculus.

If you didn’t master the previous material, you will struggle.

Further reading: The Double-Edged Nature of Hierarchical Knowledge .

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