I am looking for a self-improvement alternative to doom scrolling social media in my downtime. In the past, I have done mostly career oriented courses (tech/computer science), but I’m tired of those, want to branch out. Has anyone taken a MOOC class, not necessarily for any specific objectibe, that was especially good?
Literally anything you find interesting.
Learning begets learning. The more you learn the easier learning becomes.
So start learning things that are interesting… then worry about things tha are “valuable”.
Programming. It’s really fun. Learn the concepts of programming and maybe study CS. Then learn a programming language.
Start with the simple ones then try the “harder” ones. For example I started with Python and I now primarily use Rust for every project, big or small.
Stanford and Harvard both have all sorts of interesting lecture series online! Harvard has stuff like urban design, religious history, art history, the relationship between cooking and physics, biology, Chinese history and much more!
https://pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free
Haven’t taken any with Stanford but here’s a link to their catalogue:
I’m basically in the same boat as OP but this reminded me that I love learning languages.
Mandarin is a huge challenge but after programming all day, it’s actually incredible the way my brain feels after practicing with a tutor for an hour. Originally I meant to get away from the computer but ended up using an online service.
Cant recommend meditation enough.
What are you passionate about?
Music (but not a very good musician), other cultures and international travel, history.
Hey I’m not a good musician either, maybe we should collaborate! Either way join us at !musicproduction@sh.itjust.works
Have you thought of trying to pick up another language? Started learning Spanish 4 years ago and now I can go on vacation and have conversations with locals. Also, I’m more interested in their local history because I can read it/listen to it in Spanish and practice the language at the same time.