The Reality of Becoming Smart:

When we think about becoming "smart," many people are led to believe it requires years of formal education: 12 years of schooling, followed by 4 years of college, and then another 6 years of graduate school. Yet, for many, this pathway doesn’t always lead to success. Instead, it can sometimes result in financial struggles, an overwhelming amount of debt, or even homelessness. But don’t lose hope! There’s a different, more practical approach to becoming smarter that doesn’t involve endless schooling or the risk of living on the streets.

Redefining What It Means to Be Smart

Most of us equate becoming smart with acquiring useful skills, solving problems, understanding complex subjects, and being able to hold intelligent conversations. We also want to achieve these goals without coming off as pretentious. The mainstream advice on getting smarter often sounds like generic platitudes: "eat blueberries," "drink coffee," "exercise more," and so on. While these tips are good for overall brain health, they don’t directly address how to truly become smarter in a meaningful, actionable way.

Reading: The Gateway to True Intelligence

The real secret to becoming smarter is not just following well-worn hacks but engaging with information in a more structured manner. Here’s where reading comes into play.

1. Fiction vs. Non-Fiction:

Fiction: Good for improving reading speed and vocabulary. It can also give you a sense of social understanding, as fiction often explores various perspectives and human experiences.

Non-Fiction: Essential for gaining specific knowledge and skills. It allows you to acquire detailed information on topics you’re interested in, which can be particularly useful in conversations or professional settings.

2. Approach to Reading:

Instead of sticking to the same five books everyone talks about, tailor your reading to your interests. If you want to learn about cleaning, search for books on that subject. Find something that piques your curiosity, and dive in.

3. Practical Application:

To make what you read stick, apply it in real life. For example, if you read a chapter on cleaning, go ahead and clean a room. This hands-on practice helps reinforce what you’ve learned and makes the information more memorable.

Learning by Doing: The Key to Mastery

Just reading about something isn’t enough. You need to practice it. The principle of the learning curve shows that progress comes quickly at first but requires sustained effort over time. For instance, if you learn how to tie a tie by watching a video, you need to actually practice tying it to get it right.

If direct practice isn’t possible, like with specific technical skills or scenarios, use mental practice. Visualize the process and imagine yourself successfully performing the task. This technique can be surprisingly effective in cementing knowledge and skills.

Creating High-Stakes Practice Scenarios

Another effective way to learn is by simulating high-stakes situations. If you’re studying for a test, create practice questions that mimic the conditions of the actual exam. Treat it as if your performance is crucial, such as pretending you’re hanging off a cliff and need to answer questions to be saved. This mental pressure can help improve your recall and performance.

Why Textbooks Are Your Best Friend

Textbooks are often dismissed as dry and uninviting, but they are incredibly effective for serious learning. They offer structured information, a comprehensive overview of topics, and plenty of practice questions. While not as entertaining as YouTube videos, they provide the depth and detail needed for true understanding.

Where to Find Textbooks:

While textbooks can be expensive, there are resources where you might find them at no cost—though I won’t go into specifics here. The important thing is to use textbooks as a tool for rigorous learning and practice.

Final Thoughts

Becoming smart doesn’t require endless formal education or adherence to vague advice. It involves engaging actively with information, practicing what you learn, and applying it in meaningful ways. By focusing on reading and practical application, you can become smarter and more knowledgeable without falling into the traps of traditional education systems.

So, the next time you think about getting smarter, remember: it’s not about the length of your academic journey, but how you engage with and apply what you learn. And if you’re interested in more insights and practical advice, consider subscribing for updates on future content.

Happy learning!

Note: Always ensure to access and use educational resources legally and ethically.