On: Eric Drexler: How to Learn About Everything

The "how other disciplines think" as tools for your mental toolbox approach is articulated very well by Charlie Munger. It's fair to say that it's worked well for him.

He's got a great talk on the topic which pg has posted (http://ycombinator.com/munger.html) he also sponsored Peter Bevelin to create a book called "Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger" which is all about this (http://www.poorcharliesalmanack.com/seekingwisdom.html). Worth a read.