How do I improve my general knowledge?

[NeverendingR]

I've recently started a new job where everybody seems to be really quite articulate and intellectual. Everybody around me (even those who are younger than me) seemingly know a little bit about a lot of things. They discuss things like politics, philosophy, movies, the arts, history, current events, travel, the world, and just all kinds of general knowledge.
I talk about what I did on Saturday night and my friends and family. I've always thought I was quite bland and now its actually getting to me. I never paid much attention to anything in my childhood and my teens and now it is catching up with me. Does anybody know where I might begin improving my knowledge about things in general. I just want to KNOW more!

[Ice.Maiden]

The good news is, that there are lots of things you can do, NeR. First of all, a good listener's always appreciated, so when a convo starts, try and show an interest, and then perhaps ask someone to explain a little more about their opinions. You could be open about your lack of general knowledge, or current affairs, and suggest going for a drink one night after work, where in a more relaxed atmosphere you can explain how you feel. On a practical side, reading the daily papers, watching the news - you can learn from this. If you have a hobby or interest, you could mention it, & ask if anyone else likes doing it. Then ask what they all get up to, out of work. Never pretend to know more than you do., and always try to show a general interest in things. Having a laugh is also a good ice breaker. Best of luck.

[terambulan]

Read newspapers; light but informative ie DMail (dont throw bricks at that choice.....am going easy!) Do the xwords. Watch the news to keep up to date. Express has easy xwords but less news info.

Xwords cover wide knowledge range!

Ur subject is IT (since ur here) expand on that and am sure u could fill hours of explaining Applications to the less 'well informed'! I bet u know how to make a web page? Ask that at a bus stop and you will be seen as 'intellectual'.

[Ethel]

You need to read broadsheets as well. The Daily Mail is good for gossip but little use for current affairs and balanced politics.

There are some good history channels on digital tv - if you absorb information more readily from tv this would be an excellent introduction to history - or get the accompanying books from the library.

If philosophy and arts aren't your thing, just accept that. An appreciation can be learned but really, we are all different with different interests.

[organicair]

Hi!
I read Google News, ON THIS DAY - BBC and the BBC News everyday - this keeps me up to date with current affairs. READ BOOKS on topics you want to know more about!
As Ice.Maiden on listening � good tip! - ask people about their jobs, interests etc - you'll learn a lot from other people - don't ever be afraid to ask!

You'll be fine BECAUSE you acknowledge you don't know everything and can therefore turn into a knowledge sponge! Those who "know everything" aren't always good company!
Good Luck!!

[Maypole]

Anything I dont understand I plug into wikipedia or look in an encyclopedia, or a dictionary. Its become an obsession. I just dont like references to pass me by, and I dont see why I should settle for not knowing, so I make a point of looking stuff up when I get the chance.

I also read newspapers as much as I can, and buy different ones. Then at least if you dont absorb anything in them you can engage in a discussion on what the different papers are like!!

[Abdulmajid]

Totally agree about the newspaper side of things.

However if you do not have the time or money to read a paper everyday try "The Week"

http://www.the.week.magazine.co.uk/?bbcam=adwd s&bbkid=the+week+newspaper&x=&jtid=10375398&cl ient_code=

It is delivered to your door and basically covers the world in very easy readable passages. It is sourced from everyday papers from The Star to The Financial Times.

If you opted for just one normal newspaper, it would have to be The Daily Mail. Yes some say it is a tabloid, but it has quality news items and quality writers. Some argue it has a right-wing bias, but so do I, so it's ideal.

Also, radio 4 has some great discussions.

[Sir Alec]

My general knowledge improved immensely after I started to do Lovatt's crossword books. If you don't have a good dictionary, it's well worth the investment, especially for tackling the Stinker! I won a copy of the Collins Updated Dictionary back in 1995 for completing a Stinker and it's still my "bible" for crosswords.( However it is huge and I dread to think what it would cost to buy it). It also shows that you don't just win Marks & Spencer vouchers as prizes! You can also patronize your local library for any subject that interests you. The reference section is often of far more interest than fiction. I used to work in a library and some of the reference books were hard to put down! The encyclopaedias are amazing hives of interest.as well. Don't ever feel ignorant and let other people's knowledge get you down. All of these people had to start somewhere too!

[brenda]

Don't be so hard on your self.
So a lot of people know a little about a lot , does this make them a better person than you, or a better employee--of course not.
So yes listen to the news , read the papers, watch documentaries, but don't forget who you are.
Sometimes a down to earth sincere person is worth a room full of bullsh---erswho are trying to impress each other.
Lighten up , stop feeling inadequate, just be your self I bet your colleagues really envy someone without false aspirations for promotion or whatever.
Learning is very valuable but only for what it does for you no-one else.
So chill out relax and enjoy your life.
Regards
Brenda

[ellarella]

Also...: subscribing to 'The Week' is something I think everyone should do for nuggets of news that you may have missed or for the general concensus on the bigger stories. 'What the papers said' brings in the coverage from a wide variety of papers, so you can digest it all easily, and get a feel for where you stand without dedicating time that you may not have on buying and reading all the broadsheets (although still a great idea). It also contains world news and is, perhaps, an idiots guide to the week's news, although more aptly recognised as 'The intellectual-with-no-time's guide to the week's news.' A digest, if you will.
It is not entirely severe - there are such things as 'a good week for'/'a bad week for' and also a round up of all the newspapers' real estate offerings (ie. 5 of the best houses with swimming pools... ) I heartily recommend a subscription to this (and you can buy it, or flip through to see what I mean, in WHSmiths, although in small towns be sure to buy it on a Monday before they sell out later on in the week...).

[organicair]

ellarella, how much is "The Week"'s subscription?

[ellarella]

I believe for the year it is about �70+, but bear in mind that that would be 52 magazines. (Although saying that I need to renew my subscription and have decided that it would maybe be better as a birthday present...!

Sorry Abdulmajid... I didn't see that you already wrote that!

[flflflflflfl]

i have the same problem sometimes, all i do is listen and try to learn from them, and if i need to find out more(for future conversations or just personal interest) i'll look the subject up on the net or get a book from the library. You're bound to know something they don't already know by then! As for politics, watch programmes like ' The Andrew Marr Show' (Sun 9-10am bbc1) for example. Good luck winging it!

[BRAVO1]

Sometimes it's just better just to know a little rather than too much.

Don't try and become somebody your not - And don't take offence to that please...

You sound like a very nice person, and not at all bland.

These people whom you work with can talk as long as they want about art or history, but you are who you are, and talking about your family or what you did over the weekends fine.

Reading the paper everyday and picking up on current affairs is good, but blasting your mind with information so you feel you can fit in is wrong.

I read the Times everyday, not that I am a snob, just that I feel it has a wide spread of current affairs and interesting stuff.

Good luck, and take care, and NEVER feel bullied.