How can I become more intelligent? Any recs?

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>I mean like I want to be a better problem solver and pay more attention to detail. So, should I read books by Ian Stewart and Martin Gardner (Puzzler books), Sudoku books? </p>

<p>Also, I want to learn more about the different fields of science and current affairs in the world. So, I want to read up on BBC News and several science authors. </p>

<p>Overall, I want to be a smarter and more aware citizen of society. </p>

<p>SO, basically I'm asking for recommendations on... </p>

<p>-Current Affairs/History Books
-Puzzles, Riddles,
-Science/Engineering books
-Better Vocabulary/English grammar
-Other (whatever else you can think of)</p>

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<p>If you don’t already drink coffee, give it a try. Definitely makes me smarter. And read a lot.</p>

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<p>^I prefer tea but that usually has the converse effect on me lol.</p>

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<p>Try stumbleupon, and pick intellectual topics like History, Science, Politics, etc.</p>

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<p>Learning how to manipulate people and how to control the flow of information will net you more money. Posting links is against the terms of use that I voluntarily agreed to before registering for this site. There is a site called ribbon farm with a “be slightly evil” section with information. Robert Greene’s “48 Laws of Power” is a good place to begin the literature review.</p>

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<p>Watch VSauce on youtube. It blows my mind every time. keep up to date on news and think about them and form an opinion rather than just absorbing them or following everyone else.</p>

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<p>Laozi, Plato, Aristotle, Seneca, Cicero, Shakespeare, Nietzsche, Rilke, Kazantzakis, Sartre. Pick one and go.</p>

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<p>Read a lot and look up words you don’t know.</p>

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<p>I love him. If you’re ever looking for a concise but thorough review of classical works, read any of his books.</p>

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<p>Any of them, starting with the classic 48 laws of power or 33 strategies of war. The Art of Seduction and the 50th Law of Power should come later imo.</p>

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<p>To be honest, I read The Art of Seduction before anything else; it’s great. I prefer it to 48 Laws of Power (Strategies of war wasn’t really my cup of tea; I like The Art of War better).</p>

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<p>I understand where you are coming from, in this thread I named Greene’s works because the books reference and draw upon literature and events from different periods then provides examples on how the tactics can be applied today; the books could be a theoretical starting point to branch out in different directions and learn more. </p>

<p>Art of War is great, required reading for intelligence agencies for a reason. OP should read Art of War, there is no excuse not to as the translation, various commentaries, and cross references are all readily available online with no fear of copyright infringement.</p>

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<p>Literature aside, do lots of puzzles (crosswords, 500+ piece puzzles, etc). Really helps your motor skills and helps you improve your thinking to a faster rate.</p>

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<p>First of all, it’s great that you want to strengthen your intelligence and awareness of current events, but start out gradually as you wouldn’t want to burn out quickly. That being said, here are a few of my book and documentary recommendations (with my obvious history major bias):</p>

<ol>
<li>“A People’s History of the United States,” by Howard Zinn</li>
<li>“Meditations,” by Ren</li>
</ol>

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<p>Whoops. I forgot to list my recommended documentaries, but hit the books first. :)</p>

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<p>Read academic articles! It’s good for you.</p>

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<p>This! It’s an absolute must.</p>

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<p>Then, go read their conservative equivalents to get a balanced approach.</p>

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<p>Of course. My list was by no means complete! </p>

<p>OP, I suggest reading Paul Gottfried’s critique of Howard Zinn’s “A People’s History,” found in “The American Conservative.” Of course, you should touch upon “A Patriot’s History of the United States,” by Schweikart and Allen. </p>

<p>Dr. Michael Kammen is another major critic of Zinn’s work – particularly “American Culture, American Tastes: Social Change and the 20th Century” (1999) and “People of Paradox: An Inquiry Concerning the Origins of American Civilization” (1973). </p>

<p>Let’s not forget Thomas Hobbes’ “Leviathan.” It’s a cornerstone text in the history of conservative politics. I’ve additionally listed a few more conservative analyses of Western history and politics below:</p>

<ol>
<li>“Theory of Justice,” by John Rawls (1971)</li>
<li>“Republicanism,” by Phillip Pettit (1997)</li>
<li>“Morals By Agreement,” by David Gauthier (1986)</li>
<li>“A Vindication of Natural Society: A View of the Miseries and Evils Arising to Mankind,” by Edmund Burke (1756)</li>
<li>“The History of England,” or “A Treatise of Human Nature,” or “An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding,” all by David Hume (various dates). </li>
<li>“Democracy and Leadership,” by Irving Babbitt (1924)</li>
</ol>

<p>Obviously, there are many more texts you can consult, but these are just a few suggestions. Again, don’t overwhelm yourself! :)</p>

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<p>Watch TED talks. Look it up–they have some really mind expanding videos.</p>