Learning across various fields significantly enhances your ability to grasp new concepts. For instance, if you had to explain what a horse is to an alien, it would take time and effort. However, if you then had to describe a zebra, the process would be quicker since you could relate it back to the horse. This demonstrates how prior knowledge can simplify the understanding of new information by providing a frame of reference.
According to Scott Adams in his book "How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big," the accumulation of knowledge acts as a shortcut. With every concept you master, you build a foundation that makes it easier to learn related ideas. This interconnectedness of knowledge highlights the importance of broad learning, as it enhances our cognitive efficiency and adaptability in understanding new subjects.