Becoming Smart is Simple. Let's learn how

[Anderson]

If you've clicked on this post, it’s likely because you want to become smarter. You might have heard that becoming intelligent requires 10 years of school, 5 years of university, and 2 years of graduate studies. But the truth is, this traditional path often leaves people feeling like they haven't gained anything substantial. 

Becoming smarter doesn’t have to be so complicated. Whether you think your genetics aren’t great or you struggled with grades in school, none of that really matters. When people say they want to be smarter, it usually means they want to:

1. Learn useful skills that could potentially lead to income in the future.
2. Solve problems effectively to earn more money.
3. Achieve better results and delve into complex fields to boost their earnings.
4. Appear knowledgeable in conversations to earn respect, but not so much that they come off as a know-it-all.

The problem is, most advice on the internet is vague and contradictory. You might come across tips like "Eat blueberries because they’re good for the brain," "Drink black coffee to stay focused," or "Exercise and get more sleep." While these suggestions are good, they don’t address the deeper question: How do you genuinely increase your intelligence?

The key is to read. But what should you read? That depends on you. Fiction can help you read faster and improve your vocabulary, but non-fiction is where you’ll find the real knowledge that enriches conversations. For example, reading a book about physics might enable you to discuss concepts like the conservation of energy in a conversation. Just remember, being knowledgeable is more about how you share what you know than just regurgitating facts.

To be effective, teach others what you’ve learned without making them feel ignorant. This way, people will see you as a smart and respected individual. 

So, how do you find the right books? It’s simpler than you might think. You don’t need to read the same five books that everyone recommends. Start with topics that interest you. For example, if you’re into cooking, search for books on cooking techniques. While some books are expensive, many can be found for free online, and they will provide you with interesting conversation topics and useful skills.

Before diving into a new skill, there are two important things to remember:

1. Practice is crucial. If you don’t practice a skill, your brain will consider it useless and forget it.
2. Mastery comes from focusing on the essentials. To learn 80% of a skill, you only need to understand 20% of the fundamental knowledge. This is known as the Pareto Principle or the 80/20 rule. 

The learning curve shows that with a little practice, you can make significant progress in the beginning. However, continual practice is essential. Just like tying shoelaces, you need to practice to get it right. 

Books make you smarter if you give your brain a reason to remember what you read. For instance, after reading about cooking an egg, actually cook an egg to reinforce the skill. This practical application helps solidify your knowledge.

If you can’t practice immediately, visualize the process. For example, if you’re reading about car maintenance, picture yourself performing the task, or watch videos on YouTube. Imagining the process helps your brain retain the information.

The traditional education system works on the principle of creating imaginary scenarios where the knowledge will be used—like tests or exams. However, once the test is over, the information is often forgotten. Repetition and active practice are far more effective for long-term retention.

So, while some people rely on memorization and mind maps, real learning comes from practical application. If you don’t have real-life scenarios, create your own and imagine using the skills you’re learning. 

In summary, becoming smarter involves actively engaging with and practicing the knowledge you acquire. Books are a great tool because they provide focused, practical information without distractions. Instead of motivational stories, look for textbooks and practical guides. They might not be as entertaining as watching videos online, but they offer valuable insights and actionable skills.

If you’re ready for the challenge, start by searching for books on topics that interest you. Just type in "books on [your topic]" followed by "PDF" in a search engine, and you’ll find plenty of resources to help you on your journey to becoming smarter.