How to Become Smart - Lecture by Colin

Introduction

• Speaker: Colin, Yale University student studying Computer Science
• Purpose: Share 3 simple habits to become a genius

Reasons to Become Smart

• Get good grades
• Get wealthy
• Gain respect without being seen as a nerd

Habit 1: Reading Books

• Reading is the fastest way to become smart
• Gain years of knowledge and experience through reading
• Apply non-fiction knowledge to daily life
• Casual sharing of interesting knowledge
• Colin's routine: One book every two weeks since age 15
• Recommendation for beginners: One book a month, 10 minutes a day before bed

Recommended Books

Psychology

• The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Influence by Robert Cialdini

Biographies/Stories

• Elon Musk by Ashley Vance
• Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Mindset and Thinking

• Mastery by Robert Greene
• The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
• Principles by Ray Dalio

Philosophy/Productivity

• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
• The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
• Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal

Habit 2: Watching Podcasts and Videos

• Watch content that helps you improve
• Recommended podcasts:
  • Andrew Huberman's podcast on health
  • How to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky by Naval Ravikant
  • Samir podcast (interviews online creators)
  • Diary of a CEO
  • My First Million (startups)
• Actively take notes while watching podcasts/videos

Recommended YouTubers

• David Laid (fitness)
• Dan Koe (writing and focus)
• Suggested action: Subscribe to creators who provide educational content

Habit 3: Become a Creator

• Create videos on YouTube, write blogs, tweet, and inspire others
• Benefits:
  • Share knowledge and motivate others
  • Fulfillment from helping others
  • Building a valuable social circle
  • Opportunity to become wealthy
• Personal example: Grew YouTube from 0 to 100,000 subscribers in less than a year

Conclusion

• Follow Colin on Instagram (@ColinJness) for more wisdom
• Emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge with the world
• Parting words: God bless, keep hustling, and strive to win