How to Become an Intellectual (with Images)

Table of contents:

How to Become an Intellectual (with Images)
How to Become an Intellectual (with Images)

Video: How to Become an Intellectual (with Images)

Video: How to Become an Intellectual (with Images)
Video: 11 Odd Habits Highly Intelligent People Have 2024, March
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You may want to be the next Mario Sergio Cortella or just want to learn as much as possible without necessarily having to go to regular school and college - whatever your intention, the process is easier than it sounds! Just try hard and be determined. Read the tips below to find out more about the subject.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Thinking like an intellectual

Become a Scholar Step 1
Become a Scholar Step 1

Step 1. Question everything around you

  • The great intellectuals question everything they hear and read. They never believe the information per se and always try to ascertain whether the data presented is true.
  • If something looks strange, it could be wrong - Even the "right" things! Keep an eye out for the facts.
Become a Scholar Step 2
Become a Scholar Step 2

Step 2. Be curious

  • Intellectuals are naturally curious. They want to know everything!
  • Always try to find out how and why things are the way they are.
Become a Scholar Step 3
Become a Scholar Step 3

Step 3. Learn to enjoy learning

  • Intellectuals love to learn about any and all subjects.
  • They like the act of learning itself, not being smarter than others.
  • It's nothing to draw attention to: they really like it!
Become a Scholar Step 4
Become a Scholar Step 4

Step 4. Form complete opinions

  • Study all sides of the same issue and gather a lot of information before forming your opinion.
  • Form opinions on your own, without asking people for help. This is essential for any intellectual.
Become a Scholar Step 5
Become a Scholar Step 5

Step 5. Change your mind

  • Intellectuals have to be willing to change their minds when they acquire new information that goes against their previous beliefs. This is one of the most important skills for anyone who likes to learn.
  • Be open-minded and accept the possibility of being wrong if you always want to get your opinions right.
Become a Scholar Step 6
Become a Scholar Step 6

Step 6. Don't have partial views

  • Don't let your personal views control your actions or the information you pass on to people.
  • It's not because you disagree with something that's right.
  • Be willing to listen to all the information people give, without letting your personal opinions influence your conclusions.

Part 2 of 5: Learning Beyond School or College

Become a Scholar Step 7
Become a Scholar Step 7

Step 1. Read a lot

  • Reading is the best way to learn without being in school. Take every opportunity. This in itself makes people intellectual (since they are learning new things all the time).
  • You can buy books to read, but also go to your local library and browse the collection for free! The internet also carries numerous free databases that are easy to find and use.
  • Thousands of works are already in the public domain. Therefore, you can search for digital copies of them. Do a basic Google search to find something cool.
Become a Scholar Step 8
Become a Scholar Step 8

Step 2. Participate in classes and courses

  • Did you know that you don't need to be enrolled in a school or college to participate in classes and courses? If you are interested in a specific skill or subject, you can look for cheaper and even free opportunities in your area.
  • You can also participate in these courses at local public institutions: you'll have a lot of work to learn, but without having to “pass the grade”.
  • Talk directly to teachers and see what can be done for you.
Become a Scholar Step 9
Become a Scholar Step 9

Step 3. Take virtual classes and courses

  • Many institutions offer free virtual courses and classes over the internet. You can attend these major university events - and some even give certificates of completion.
  • You can learn about all kinds of subjects, from history to programming.
  • Again, do a Google search to find out what's cool in your area.
  • You can even learn new languages over the internet. Visit sites like Duolingo to learn more.
Become a Scholar Step 10
Become a Scholar Step 10

Step 4. Learn new things on your own

  • You can also acquire some skills yourself - after all, that's human nature.
  • Read books and other reference materials or get your hands dirty at once. Just be careful not to get hurt!
  • It takes a lot of determination to learn things yourself. Do not give up!
Become a Scholar Step 11
Become a Scholar Step 11

Step 5. Learn from other people

  • You can learn a lot about many subjects by talking to experts.
  • Find someone who has the skill or knowledge you want to acquire and offer to help or even pay a fee to accompany that person for a while.
  • This works best with skills rather than academic knowledge, but you can also find people who are willing to recommend good textbooks and the like.

Part 3 of 5: Doing well at school

Become a Scholar Step 12
Become a Scholar Step 12

Step 1. Get good grades

  • Getting good grades in school is essential, especially in the high school years. It is these internships that determine how well a student can do on the entrance exams, for example.
  • Study, pay attention to classes and do all the work.
  • Ask teachers for help and talk to them when you want to increase your grade.
Become a Scholar Step 13
Become a Scholar Step 13

Step 2. Don't settle for the minimum

  • It is not enough to “pass”; you have to really try.
  • Take extra classes, pursue extracurricular courses, or work (voluntarily or not) part-time.
  • These options are even more useful if your classes and extracurricular work are related to the area you want to pursue in college. You can start building a good resume.
Become a Scholar Step 14
Become a Scholar Step 14

Step 3. Learn more than one language

  • Speaking a few different languages is not only useful in everyday life, it can also make a difference for those who want to get a good job and more learning opportunities!
  • You can take private lessons at home, at language schools or even online! Download apps (like Duolingo) or search for cool websites.
  • Choose a language that is helpful. It's no use wanting to learn an exotic language, as it probably won't have much practical application. Some languages are more widely spoken in certain regions and therefore open more doors.
  • It's also good that you learn at least two new languages so that you don't get stuck with texts and works in certain languages. English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Latin and Russian are the most obvious choices.
  • You can even learn an Asian language like Mandarin or Japanese - as China and Japan are global leaders in so many areas of knowledge.
563418 10
563418 10

Step 4. Study psychology and philosophy

  • You can learn psychology to deal with difficult people and better understand human nature.
  • Philosophy, in turn, helps to optimize the student's mental capacity - since he has to think much more than before.
Become a Scholar Step 15
Become a Scholar Step 15

Step 5. Get good grades on exams

  • Having a good performance in entrance exams, Enem and the like makes a lot of difference in academic life.
  • Start studying months or weeks before exams.
  • If necessary, you can also take the entrance exam more than once.
  • Don't be frustrated if you don't get the grade you expected. Study harder and take the exam again or enter your second choice college and try to transfer in the future.
Become a Scholar Step 16
Become a Scholar Step 16

Step 6. Learn to write well

  • Writing a good essay is very important for college entrance exams and Enem.
  • Writing well also comes in handy in other situations, such as when you need to make reference letters and other documents.
  • Learn to do something different from the rest of people in the way you write to get more attention.

Part 4 of 5: Attending a good college

Become a Scholar Step 17
Become a Scholar Step 17

Step 1. Set specific goals from the beginning

  • Everything will be easier if you already know how you want to work since the beginning of college - as you can “shape” your background with extra courses that are useful.
  • Still, you have the right to change your mind.
  • If possible, think about what you want to study in college before you graduate from high school and aim to gain a minimum of experience in that area.
Become a Scholar Step 18
Become a Scholar Step 18

Step 2. Spend a lot of time studying

  • Study as much as you can to get good grades and enjoy time at college.
  • Take notes and pay attention to lessons. This breaks many branches of learning.
  • You can study alone or with others. The choice is yours, but remember that studying together can make things a little easier.
  • Ask for help when needed. You can turn to your colleagues, the subject monitor or even the teacher himself.
Become a Scholar Step 19
Become a Scholar Step 19

Step 3. Do the right disciplines

  • Every college course has a core curriculum that students must meet, but there are also optional subjects that are more specific and varied.
  • Take courses that are targeted to your area of choice to acquire new skills and even optimize your time.
  • Try to eliminate unnecessary and non-mandatory materials.
Become a Scholar Step 20
Become a Scholar Step 20

Step 4. Do good academic work

  • Academic papers are one of the most important parts of college grades. Therefore, research and write well everything that is proposed. If necessary, ask the teacher for a model to know what to do.
  • Read other good grades for ideas on how to structure yours as well as present the facts.
  • Be original. Doing research that has meaning and practical utility can show your intellectuality.
  • Organize your time well so you don't have to do everything at the last minute. Deliver the first draft to the teacher before the deadline and ask for feedback as soon as possible.
  • Make more than one version of the work and always pay attention to the revision!
Become a Scholar Step 21
Become a Scholar Step 21

Step 5. Make friends with the teachers

  • Making friends with professors is not just about helping those who need better grades: they can indicate research programs, scientific initiations, exchanges, etc. to you.
  • Go after the teachers when they are in their classrooms, but don't waste their time. Only show up if you have questions - and pay close attention to what they say.
  • You can also participate more in the classes to get to know the teachers better. Sit at the front, ask questions, answer questions, and so on.
  • Finally, ask teachers for advice and help. They want students to do well in their studies and can provide valuable tips for those just starting out in the field.
Become a Scholar Step 22
Become a Scholar Step 22

Step 6. Don't stop at graduation

  • Many academics are content with a degree, while others seek a master's degree and there are those who pursue a doctorate.
  • If you intend to be an intellectual for the rest of your life, join a doctoral and even postdoctoral program - that is, prepare to spend at least eight years at university.
  • Doctoral programs have varying durations, but are usually four years old. In addition, the doctorate can only be studied after defending the master's degree.
  • Don't be afraid of the process. Graduate education is very different from graduation itself, and it may even be easier. If you join a show, you'll probably do fine.
Become a College Teacher Step 4
Become a College Teacher Step 4

Step 7. Do a postdoc

If you want to reach the maximum scale of academic life (and intellectuality), do at least one postdoctoral research. In Brazil, this supplement lasts a maximum of two years, and the student has to dedicate a lot of daily work to the process.

Become a Scholar Step 23
Become a Scholar Step 23

Step 8. Do other academic activities

  • While you're in college, participate in all the extracurricular activities you can afford.
  • You can explore your own interests.
  • Also do group activities, such as participating in discussion groups.

Part 5 of 5: Working After College

Become a Scholar Step 24
Become a Scholar Step 24

Step 1. Search for a job

  • After graduating, you can seek employment as a teacher or researcher. Most intellectuals end up returning to universities as professors.
  • Find out if the university or college can refer you to an opportunity.
  • Try to find jobs with good pay and some benefits.
  • Look for a job at a higher education institution - where you have access to many unique resources.
Become a Scholar Step 25
Become a Scholar Step 25

Step 2. Work as a teacher

  • In Brazil, the positions of professor and researcher in public universities are granted through public examination. Thus, those approved are entitled to some benefits, in addition to high salaries.
  • Passing public exams for university professors is difficult, but rewarding. In addition, those who pass have to do research constantly (guiding students, for example) so that they can progress in their careers.
  • In the exact sciences and engineering courses, many researchers have access to experimental laboratories and public funds to buy equipment for their projects. It all depends on the investment of the institutions themselves.
  • University professors teach more than one type of subject per semester or year. You may have to specialize further in your field to get more opportunities.
  • As a teacher you will have to speak in public - sometimes more than 40 people at once.
  • Do not be shy. You will get used to teaching while still in graduate school, and the course department will also help a lot. Your students are probably even more nervous, as they are the ones who have to get good grades!
Become a Scholar Step 26
Become a Scholar Step 26

Step 3. Don't stop learning

  • Every good intellectual devotes his entire life to learning. It's not because you graduated that you need to stop studying.
  • Keep reading in your spare time. Pay more attention to outstanding academic articles and journals, as they are the best sources of knowledge for your professional field.
  • Travel to other countries to study. Exchange is interesting in many areas of knowledge - for those who want to learn different things and have access to new materials, for example.
  • Look for other formations. Sometimes intellectuals go back to university to learn other things. This gives even more impetus to their careers, especially if these new fields are similar to the previous ones.
Become a Scholar Step 27
Become a Scholar Step 27

Step 4. Attend conferences

  • Conferences are the most essential events for intellectuals in any area, as they present new research and market trends.
  • You may come across things you were already studying, but learn about new subjects and meet more colleagues.
  • Attend local or regional conferences, but don't forget about international events.
  • It's hard to believe, but these events are more fun than they look. Participants even go out for happy hours together!
Become a College Professor Step 9
Become a College Professor Step 9

Step 5. Follow the field of research in your area and participate in all the events you find

Read field publications every day - which won't be difficult if you really like the field (and if you don't, maybe it's time to rethink your career).

  • Always increase your specific knowledge in the field to become a good teacher. The practical applications of science change in relation to what is written in textbooks, and it's good to share this information with students so you don't get left behind.
  • Networking with your peers in your area can also bring many benefits to your career.
  • As Irish intellectual George Bernard Shaw put it: “If you have an apple, and I have another, and we exchange them, everyone will have their apple. But if you have an idea and I have another, and we exchange them, then everyone will have two ideas." Don't be afraid to share your ideas with people, even if they are critical. Anyway, it will only serve as a basis for you to improve your counter-arguments.
Become a scholar 30
Become a scholar 30

Step 6. Spread your knowledge

  • Write articles, works, books and give lectures about your knowledge in the area, just as the great Brazilian intellectuals do or did:

    • Gilberto Freyre (sociologist).
    • José Guilherme Merquior (philosopher)
    • Sérgio Buarque de Holanda (historian).
    • Antonio Candido (sociologist).
    • Darcy Ribeiro (anthropologist and writer).
    • Clóvis de Barros Filho (political scientist, journalist and lawyer).
    • Mario Sergio Cortella (philosopher).
    • Leandro Karnal (historian).
  • Help people gain more knowledge through the truth *objective*.
Become a Scholar Step 28
Become a Scholar Step 28

Step 7. Keep searching

  • Generally, those who work at the academy have to continue researching in their area of knowledge, in addition to writing papers and other works.
  • Sometimes you can take paid licenses to do other research.
  • You will write journal articles, conference papers, essays, and books - always trying to create something that is important and that catches the attention of the academic community.

Tips

  • Libraries generally separate the book collection according to subject. If you have trouble finding something, consult one of the librarians.
  • Take elective and optional courses in areas related to yours.
  • Participate in national conferences related to your area of expertise.
  • Enjoy teaching and meeting new people.
  • Remember the rewards of teaching. Working in the academic environment is different from working in elementary or high schools: students are there because they want to, not because they have to.
  • Be humble. It's not because you're a teacher that you've learned everything in life.
  • If you take a technical or shorter course, try to turn that knowledge into something more specialized, like a traditional college degree. Find out if you can transfer, be holder of a diploma, etc.
  • You may have to start as a substitute teacher before getting a place as a regular teacher. That's even good, as it gives you more experience.
  • If you get tired, study on the computer instead of books and listen to classical instrumental music.

Notices

  • It takes patience to be intellectual. Your chances of doing well and doing poorly are the same - so learn to accept any outcome.
  • It is difficult to balance family life with academic and research work. You may have to move to another city where there is a university, for example.
  • Do not participate in competitions at certain universities just because of their prestige. Some lesser-known institutions may also have programs and courses of equal or even higher quality than others.
  • Beware of private colleges: only agree to work at them if they have a good reputation.
  • The pay is not always so good and work can be lonely, especially in the early years.
  • Due to the large number of candidates for graduate programs, not everyone gets a place in the market.

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