In Part 1, we discussed the nature of intelligence. If you haven’t read Part 1, go and do so right now.
In this post, we’ll be looking at a few ways to develop intelligence. Remember that we discussed how intelligence is more than being able to solve math problems quickly or think logically. It’s command of your faculties and is more of a “whole self” kind of thing, not just cerebral. As such, the methods we use to cultivate intelligence will be geared toward that end.
So, without further ado, let’s delve into how we develop intelligence.
Read – Read Lots
If someone were to ask me, “andrew how do i get moar smarterer?” I would answer, “Reed lotz so u can lern too capitalize werds like I can.”
You might be thinking, “But wait, didn’t you just say that intelligence is a ‘whole self’ kind of thing? And we’re starting with books?”
No. We’re not. We’re starting with reading. Which may or may not be books. Of course, books may be the best things you can read, but only as long as they’re fiction. You see, a good work of fiction engages more than just your mind. It engages your heart and soul as well.
In fact, a study found that people who read fiction have higher emotional intelligence than people who do not. You’re better able to ascertain what’s going on inside other people’s heads and predict what they may or may not do. Ultimately, it makes you a more sensitive and sensible human being.
You also get a better grasp of how your own language works, learn new words and concepts, and experience life in ways you might not be able to in reality. You step into the characters’ shoes and vicariously experience what they do for a little while.
Outside of fiction, you can still learn from reading, obviously. Any time you wonder about something, try googling it and reading up on it. The act of research develops knowledge as well as the ability to sift through information.
Read from multiple sources—different experts may have different interpretations of a concept, and you’ll get a more complete knowledge of a topic if you examine more than one viewpoint.
Speaking of viewpoints…
Listen, Watch, Observe
Smart people are aware of their surroundings. They watch. They listen. They observe and absorb what’s going on around them. Truly smart people do this without passing definite judgment. They may come up with an idea of why so-and-so did this, or why that thing happened, or why they feel a certain way when the rain falls, but those are guesses, and they’re willing to continue watching and learning until they get it right.
Listening to other people’s viewpoints is a key part of becoming a smart person. You don’t necessarily have to agree with them—in fact, it may be a sign of intelligence if you don’t, in some cases. Keep thinking for yourself. But do your best to understand others and the way they view the world without belittling them.
This takes a healthy dose of humility. To listen and genuinely understand the viewpoints of others, you have to be willing to acknowledge that the way you see the world is not complete. Otherwise, you’ll just dismiss new ideas outright before you really get a grasp for them. Once you understand an idea, then of course you can accept it or reject it as you will. Even if the whole idea as expressed by the other person doesn’t quite seem right to you, it may still make your own worldview a little more complete.
In many cases, it’s totally fine to accept an idea partially. But you only get exposed to those ideas if you are willing to listen and entertain them for a bit.
Ask Serious Questions
Of course, joint with observing and listening is asking questions.
For instance, people saw stuff falling from the sky all the time—rain, snow, hail, arrows, birds, rocks, etc.—but it was only when people started asking why that we began to develop some notion of gravity.
When someone beats you at chess, instead of stewing in defeat, instead ask how it happened. And I don’t mean just a passive, “You’re so good, I don’t get how you beat me,” sort of thing. Really ask and try to find answers.
When you see people in society doing stuff that you think is stupid, rather than passing judgment and thinking, “Why are people so dumb?” instead try to figure out why they do what they do. People do stuff for reasons, and they frequently believe in those reasons. Ask honest questions, and seek understanding thereby.
Relentlessly Try Stuff
Now, enough with sitting and thinking. In the end, there are many types of intelligence, and some of these are more active than others.
Kinesthetic intelligence is a thing. So too is musical intelligence. People have talents in many areas, and when you see talented people doing cool stuff, you can’t help but stare and think, “Wow, they’re so talented…”
You probably don’t think to try it yourself. But that’s the key to finding your own talents—you try stuff.
If something interests you, try it out. Learn about it. Seek a teacher to walk you through it (particularly if the thing you’re interested in is a bit dangerous). If it doesn’t quite work out at the start, keep trying. The amazing thing about the human brain is it can be wired to do a great number of things. If you start off bad at something, that’s fine. If you find it interesting, keep pursuing it until you figure it out.
The ultimate key to intelligence may just be relentlessness. Try everything, and don’t give up just because it’s hard.
You’ll become a wholly smarter person as a result.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Or do you think I’m too stupid to be qualified to speak on such a topic? Let me know in the comments! Also, share this with your friends so they can read it and get moar smarterer. All proceeds go toward lining poor writers’ shelves with books they may or may not ever read. Really.