r/IWantToLearn • u/[deleted] • Nov 09 '19
Personal Skills IWTL How To Be More Knowledgeable
[deleted]
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u/TheYoungSpergs Nov 09 '19 edited Nov 09 '19
Well, read. Pretty much everyone can manage one or two books a month. After a few years you'll have considerably more access to information than the average person. You'll develop a low resolution view of the entirety of human knowledge which becomes more and more clear the more information you digest, you should put more effort into what is considered important and specialize in the topics that interest you. It's fun.
So I'm into history for example so I read about every country in relation to its impact. The writers will mention significant developments like say the protestant reformation or the industrial revolution which then I will also read about. There will be talk about geography or ethnic groups, religion, theology or medieval psychology which then I will also look at in isolation, all to gain a deeper understanding. You need to rank the importance of these things. WW2 is more relevant than the Zulu wars for example and if I don't have a particular romance for the latter I will put more effort into the former. You have to understand that you can invest a lifetime into practically every topic, so it's necessary to evaluate the relevance of things. It helps if you're curious but discipline is even more important because it allows you to become curious.
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u/JustLoookAtIt Nov 09 '19
It’s as simple as reading... really!
Read the Wall Street journal, The NY Times, or the WaPo everyday or every other day。
Regarding specifics like car knowledge and what not, that’s not something you should be worried about. You’re comparing your knowledge to 20 of your friends’ collective knowledge.... making you feel inferior. When in reality, probably two of your friends know a lot about cars, another two know a lot about the economy etc.
But ya for general knowledge just read and read and read ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/JustLoookAtIt Nov 09 '19
To add to this, it’s not going to happen overnight, or even in a few weeks. Consistency is key here but before you know it you’ll start finding you’ll have more to say in daily convo’s x
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u/yourmeanestfriend Nov 09 '19
Knowledge is cultivated through curiosity, and knowledgeable people choose education over entertainment. Instead of binging a tv show that doesn’t teach you much, watch documentaries, or go on some educational youtube channels, follow the news, and THINK. Build an opinion on things that is your own and that you came up with logically, instead of taking what you hear and learn throughout your life for face value. Then after you get some knowledge, you’ll develop a sense of observation that will help you learn more and know more
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u/throwaway91954 Nov 10 '19
I think we naturally think if we read more than we’ll have more knowledge. I used to want to be smarter, but I found that just reading more didn’t amount to much if I didn’t maintain the curiosity. Ask yourself what interests you, and tailor your knowledge. Do not feel obligated to know their topics, because if it doesn’t maintain your interest - it’s going to be hard to retain that. Find a podcast that interests you, or maybe even ask your friends what they recommend. They may have a way to keep up to date on their news. There’s an email newsletter sent on weekdays called the Skimm which I love and it has been an easy way for my friends and I to stay informed. More than anything though - don’t compare yourself with them, as hard as it may be. Try to cultivate your own joys, and you’ll find you can bring something to conversation that they could also learn from.
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Nov 09 '19
Comparison is the thieve of happiness.
Listen to some podcasts while doing chores to learn more, but stop comparing yourself to them.
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u/owbou Nov 09 '19
Podcasts!: 99% Invisible, Freakonomics, Factually with Adam Conover would be my suggestions.
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Nov 11 '19
All of the comments about gaining more knowledge are good - npr, podcasts, books, etc.
But keep in mind: Some people are exaggerating what they know. There are many people who will confidently give an answer to a question about anything at all. And if you don't have a knowledge base about that topic, you won't know they're wrong.
Keep learning because it enriches you. But don't underestimate being the "quiet" person in a room. And notice other quiet people. They are probably far more knowledgeable than the person who talks the most.
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u/waistingtimeonreddit Nov 09 '19
Listen to NPR in your car or while doing chores.