Being knowledgeable is not the same as having the know-it-all attitude. The former entails the ability to ask insightful questions during seminars, engage in constructive debates on sensitive topics such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and recognize subtler details such as the secret affair between your two professors. Conversely, the latter involves spreading information about such issues to every person you know, even if you are uncertain about the accuracy of your source.
Being knowledgeable, however, is not limited to a single field of expertise. Unlike being a know-it-all, having broader interests and diverse knowledge is vital. While you may possess an encyclopedic understanding of an obscure period in Latvian history, you may struggle to tie your shoelaces. Thus, it is crucial to recognize that being knowledgeable requires a wider range of expertise, including generic topics such as social skills, current affairs, and even celebrity gossip.
To attain the level of being well-informed, you need to cultivate your interests more holistically. Instead of spending your entire time in libraries and lecture halls, find time to engage with your peers, discuss books you have read, browse periodicals, or even watch reality shows. Art exhibitions, movies, or analyzing musicians such as Coolio can provide remarkable insights on different aspects of life that you can relate to your subject of study.
Although indulging in other fields can spark ideas and broaden your perspective, too much distraction can harm your progress. Thus, it is vital to spend time in libraries, attend lectures, and seek advice from experts in your field. Reading course material, emails from your lecturers, and accessing additional resources in your library can provide invaluable insights. Media such as newspapers, magazines, online platforms, and social media also carry a wealth of information that you can learn from, supplementing your study.
While gathering information is essential, utilizing this knowledge is crucial. By sharing it with your peers in seminars, group discussions, or even in social settings, you can articulate your ideas more effectively, gain confidence through feedback, and collaborate on resolving complex issues. The more you share, the faster you progress, raising your competency level and credibility in your field of choice.
