Humans are meant to take in information — in fact, all animals do so as part of survival — but humans have been able to evolve and grow because of our ability to store and pass on knowledge to future generations. We are a species of trial and error. We make mistakes, learn from them, then pass down our newly-obtained knowledge to the next cycle or generation of our species. Learning occurs on a daily basis for all of us, as our actions solidify neural connections in our mind or create new ones to be built upon in the future.
One way we can move forward in our learning is through our network of friends and associates. So when a friend knocks on your door, answer it, have conversations and really listen to what they say. See the world as they see it and try to mentally experience their stories that they tell. Make mental notes of all their points and arguments, then once you have taken the time to gather and learn from them, then form your opinions. Constantly reshape how you think and why you think.
Share with your friends, because expanding their knowledge through what you know works to solidify your own already learned information. Even if the character of the person you are talking to is in question, you should still listen and share basic facts. By withholding learning realities of the world that surrounds everyone, you do yourself and others a disservice. Giving to others is great, but teaching others is necessary.
Expanding your mind and known information has become immensely simple and accessible. Of course, there is obvious disinformation online, but there are so many great free sources from which to learn. Learning also takes focus, so when you take the time to sit down and learn, really utilize that time for your own benefit.
Avoiding misinformation online and being able to learn unhindered requires the use of horizontal searches. This requires opening multiple tabs to check where the information came from and who sponsored it. This can be done by checking the resources at the bottom of the page, or by opening up another tab and searching the article or work and those that contributed to it. By doing basic background searches on the information’s origins, it can be helpful in ensuring that the information learned is factual and useful to you and others.
In terms of learning, sharing and just growing as an individual, it is important to know that even the smallest amounts of progress is massive. Say you dislike reading or listening to books, but you know it will aid you in the long run, take 30 or so minutes a day or even an hour a week to dedicate to reading a few pages. Such an investment will pay dividends in the future, providing you with a healthier mind and a more informed mindset.
Often, it does not matter so much you learn, but rather what you are learning in the first place. Below, I have provided some of the credible learning websites and organizations that offer an expansive diversity of knowledge. The sites cover information ranging from financial topics to language learning.
The key to expanding and evolving your perspective of the world is by taking in knowledge that will both serve you well and is interesting to you. If you are interested in a topic and enjoy exploring it, then continue to find avenues to expand your understanding of it, whether it be online or through a book.
Useful Learning Websites:
- https://www.futurelearn.com/
- https://www.investopedia.com/
- https://www.khanacademy.org/
- https://www.duolingo.com/learn
- https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse
- https://complexly.com/
Evan Brooks is a third-year Business Management major with minors in Economics and Civic & Professional Leadership. EB916132@wcupa.edu