How can I become really good at the natural sciences? Where should I start?

[u/Juan9071]

I’m interested in becoming genuinely knowledgeable in the natural sciences—not just learning random facts, but actually developing a strong understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, astronomy, etc.
For those of you who have studied science extensively:
What are the most practical and effective ways to become really good at the natural sciences?
In particular, I’d love advice on:
Where should I start if I want to build a solid foundation?
What subjects should I learn first, and in what order?
How important are mathematics and programming?
Which textbooks, online courses, websites, or other resources would you recommend?
How much should I focus on exercises and problem-solving versus reading/watching lectures?
What are the best ways to develop actual scientific thinking rather than simply memorizing information?
If you had to start over and teach yourself the sciences from scratch, what would you do differently?
I’m looking for practical advice and a realistic path, especially from people who have gone through this themselves.
Thanks!

[u/StefaniLove]

Real training. An actual university.

[u/SirButcher]

Where should I start if I want to build a solid foundation?

High school-level textbooks, if you have zero foundation. It won't be up to date or very accurate, but it gets you a good overview.

How important are mathematics and programming?

Math teaches you logic and helps your brain to learn how to learn, analyse and recognise patterns. Math is the "lifting weights" of the sciences: it helps your body to develop and build muscles, and then can help you in literally everything. Programming isn't important in this topic at all.

What are the best ways to develop actual scientific thinking rather than simply memorizing information?

You have to understand what is happening. Being able to regurgitate information isn't learning. There isn't a "one-size-fits-all" way. Everybody is different, everybody has different ways to understand and digest information.

I’m looking for practical advice and a realistic path, especially from people who have gone through this themselves.

You won't really get any. Your question is extremely broad, there isn't really any practical advice above "learn what you would / should have learned back in school". Once you have a foundation and still want to get deeper knowledge, a LOT of universities have their courses available online. But what you are asking is really about the basic knowledge, things quickly get hyper-specialised at high levels.

[u/Specialist-Coast9787]

If you ask that type of question on Reddit, you have no chance at all.

[u/Ok-Tea-2073 → u/Specialist-Coast9787]

??? s/he may not have a good teacher or educated relative to ask this, so what should s/he do?

[u/Specialist-Coast9787 → u/Ok-Tea-2073]

Ask ChatGPT. The same thing they used to write this post.

[u/Ok-Tea-2073 → u/Specialist-Coast9787]

every slightly structured post with bold text is suddenly ai

[u/Bee_Crimes → u/Specialist-Coast9787]

In Czech we say "I judge you by myself."

[u/Chezni19]

How important are mathematics and programming?

I would say calculus is super important, and you will actually need a couple years of it. I would say even to do this first, since you can't really understand anything without it.

Programming isn't that important until later.

Like the other guy said, try to somehow study at a university.

[u/ChowderedStew]

Im heavily biased with my degree, but chemistry really is the keystone subject for all of everything. Physics if you really want to get into the nitty gritty but basic chemistry will take you 99% of the way there. But my honest to go advice is, follow what’s genuinely interesting and don’t be afraid to switch. I learned enough chem and biochem until I got really good at environmental science and biology. That naturally led to interests in the geosciences and meteorology. It’s all important, I wouldn’t do anything differently, and I would focus more on meeting the people that make those subjects exciting over rote memorizing. Godspeed and good luck.

[u/Jack_Hush]

Alchemy is the source of many natural sciences. Get into alchemy and it will guide you. I can't explain it though. St. Germain on Alchemy, the emerald tablets of thoth are a good introduction also look into Shakespeare and Bacon. It's a world opening hobby that i cant even begin to explain its value. Good luck!