becoming smart is easy, actually

Summary

In this video, Colin, a Yale University computer science student, shares three habits to become smarter: reading non-fiction books for knowledge and vocabulary enhancement, watching educational podcasts and videos to absorb valuable information, and creating content to share and apply what you've learned. He recommends a list of 12 books across various categories and emphasizes the importance of active learning and content creation for personal growth and success.

Takeaways

• 📚 Develop the habit of reading books, especially non-fiction, to acquire knowledge and experience quickly.
• 🎓 Reading books can improve vocabulary, provide interesting facts for conversation, and enhance daily life application.
• 📈 Start with a manageable goal like reading one book a month and gradually increase reading frequency.
• 📖 Recommended books cover psychology, biographies, mindset, and productivity to become 'super smart'.
• 🎧 Watch educational podcasts and videos to level up in life, avoiding content that doesn't contribute to personal growth.
• 📝 Take active notes while consuming podcasts to retain information and avoid forgetting valuable insights.
• 💡 Consuming content should be paired with active recall and application for better knowledge absorption.
• 🚀 Become a content creator by sharing knowledge through videos, blogs, and social media to inspire others.
• 🌐 Content creation not only reinforces what you've learned but also builds a social circle and potentially leads to wealth.
• 🌟 The feeling of helping millions improve their lives through creation is priceless and contributes to personal fulfillment.

Q & A

What are the three main reasons people want to become smart according to the video?

People want to become smart to get good grades, to become wealthy, and to gain respect from others without appearing too nerdy.

What is the first habit that the speaker suggests to become a genius?

The first habit is reading books, specifically non-fiction, as it allows one to acquire years of knowledge and experience quickly.

How often does the speaker recommend reading books?

The speaker recommends reading one book every two weeks, starting from the age of 15, and suggests a book a month for those just getting started.

What are the four categories of books and one recommended book from each that the speaker suggests?

The categories are psychology, biographies or stories, thinking and mindset, and productivity. Recommended books are 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene for psychology, 'Elon Musk' by Ashley Vance for biographies, 'Mastery' by Robert Greene for thinking and mindset, and 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius for productivity.

How can one apply the knowledge gained from reading books?

By actively recalling the information, possibly through creating practice questions, and applying it to daily life, including casual conversations.

What is the second habit mentioned in the video for becoming smarter?

The second habit is watching podcasts and videos that contribute to personal growth and learning, rather than those that lower IQ or are purely entertaining.

What are some podcasts that the speaker recommends to help level up in life?

The speaker recommends Andrew Huberman's podcast on health, 'How to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky' by Nal, 'They Call Me Nando', 'Samir Podcast', and 'Diary of a CEO' for learning about startups.

Why should one take notes while listening to podcasts according to the video?

Taking notes helps to actively engage with the content and prevents forgetting the information within the hour after listening.

What is the final habit the speaker suggests to become super smart?

The final habit is becoming a creator by producing content such as videos, blogs, or tweets that inspire and motivate others, which also enhances one's own learning and income potential.

How did the speaker's own experience with creating content impact their life?

The speaker went from 0 to 100,000 subscribers in less than a year, which not only helped them grow a social circle but also improved their life significantly.

What is the main takeaway from the video regarding self-education?

The main takeaway is that by consuming knowledge through books and podcasts, and then creating and sharing content with others, one can become super smart and also contribute valuable insights to the world.