Lecture Notes: How to Get Smarter

Introduction

• Common belief: 12 years of school + 4 years of college + 6 years of graduate school = smart
  • Reality: Many end up unemployed or homeless
  • However, you can become articulate in English (e.g., Reddit posts)

Defining "Getting Smarter"

• Desire to learn useful skills, particularly those that make money
• Improvement in problem-solving abilities
• Learning difficult subjects for financial gain and to impress others
• Aim to sound smart without coming off as a nerd

Challenges with Current Advice

• Most online advice is vague and philosophical
  • Example: General tips such as eat blueberries, drink coffee, exercise, etc.
  • Need for specific, actionable advice

Importance of Reading

• Reading is essential for becoming smarter
  • Fiction: Improves reading speed and vocabulary, offers social context
  • Non-Fiction: Provides interesting knowledge for conversations
    • Example: Learning about evolution without being obnoxious

How to Discuss Knowledge

• Share knowledge humbly
  • Avoid making others feel dumb
  • Teach without condescension

Finding Books

• Don’t limit yourself to popular recommendations
• Use Google to find books on specific topics of interest
• Potential for free access to books online (ethical considerations)

Learning Skills

Key Considerations

1. Practice is Essential: Skills fade without practice
2. Learning Curve: Master 20% of knowledge to gain 80% of proficiency

Practicing Skills

• Example: Learn how to clean a room, then practice it
• If direct practice isn’t possible, use imagination to rehearse scenarios

The Role of Testing

• School system tests simulate real-life application of knowledge
  • Importance of making information seem useful to the brain
• Practice questions are most effective for retention

Effective Study Techniques

1. Practice Questions: More effective than repetitive studying
2. Textbooks: S tier for structured learning

• Pure information with practice questions

Conclusion

• Encouragement to challenge oneself to learn effectively
• Suggestion to explore resources for further learning
• Reminder to subscribe for more content and support future videos.