How to Become Smart: A Practical Guide

Introduction

• Common belief: Need 12 years of school + 4 years of college + 6 years of graduate school to become smart.
• Reality: Many end up struggling to find jobs despite education.

Misconceptions About Intelligence

• Genetics do not solely determine intelligence.
• Compared to other animals, humans are fairly advanced.

Goals for Becoming Smarter

• Desire to learn useful skills that can earn money.
• Improve problem-solving abilities.
• Gain knowledge in difficult subjects for personal gain and social respect.

Limitations of Online Advice

• Much advice is vague and philosophical.
• Specific actions are necessary to achieve intelligence.

Recommended Actions to Get Smarter

1. Diet and Lifestyle

   • Eat brain food (e.g., blueberries).
   • Drink black coffee.
   • Exercise regularly.
   • Get adequate sleep.
   • Take IQ tests.
   • Listen to classical music.

2. Reading

   • Fiction: Improves reading speed and vocabulary.
   • Non-fiction: Provides knowledge for interesting conversations.
     • Be mindful of delivery: Avoid sounding obnoxious.
     • Example: Discussing evolution without being condescending.

Finding Books

• Explore topics of interest through online searches.
• Access books through legitimate means (e.g., libraries, purchases).

Learning Skills

1. Practice is Essential
   • The brain needs practice to retain information.
   • Example: Learning to tie a tie requires hands-on practice.
2. Applying Knowledge
   • After reading about a skill, practice it as soon as possible.
   • If not feasible, imagine applying the skill in real-life scenarios.

Importance of Imagination in Learning

• Visualizing scenarios helps strengthen memory retention.
• Practice questions simulate real-life applications of knowledge, enhancing learning.

Challenges of Traditional Education

• School system often fails to create lasting knowledge retention.
• Tests may lead to temporary memorization rather than long-term understanding.

Effective Study Techniques

• Practice questions are more effective than traditional studying methods (e.g., mind mapping).
• Create high-stakes scenarios to simulate real-life pressure when studying.

Textbooks as a Learning Resource

• Textbooks are structured for efficient learning:
  • No fluff, distractions, or handholding.
  • Include practice questions for assessment.
• Acknowledgment: Textbooks may not be as engaging as other formats.

Conclusion

• Embrace the challenge of deep learning.
• Consider exploring resources for free textbooks as a way to expand knowledge.