How can I have a basic knowledge of practically everything?

Question

In conversation, I like to be knowledgeable. Something that annoys me is trying to talk about something with people that know more about the topic than me. If I want to sound knowledgeable about practically everything, what should I use for research? What should I read? Any other ways I can gain an all-around knowledge?

Answer 1

Scal

Long living and experience will give you knowledge but reading and different news(not from the same source BBC,CNN,Local) and documentaries on different cultures and new history. Traveling will also help in gaining knowledge.

Answer 2

Read magazines and newspapers. Google interests and bookmark favorite sites. I'm a technical person, so I have a lot of tech and geek sites like engadget.com, slashdot.org, woot.com... but I keep up with entertainment with imdb.com, and social sites like myspace and facebook. Since I'm in college away from home I try to keep up with the current newspaper in my hometown and world news with Yahoo. There's a lot out on the net, use it to your advantage. Learn lots of things, plenty of tutorials for every interest you can think of!

Even though the first answer said stay away from Wikipedia, I trust Wiki more than any other site now! If you don't trust the answers on Wiki then at least use the sources they provide at the bottom of the page. People research that information, not all the time, but most are honest to do the research!

Answer 3

When I was about 50, I suddenly understood the following about myself.  (I'm 58 now.)

When I was about three years old, our pet rabbit escaped from its cage in our back yard.  I clearly understood that the world (although I didn't know that word) was huge and dangerous.  I felt fear for our rabbit.  This is my earliest recollection.

I believe that I came to see myself in the same position as the rabbit, having to survive in an immense and dangerous world.  Because I come from a family of teachers, where knowledge is highly valued, at an early age my fear of the world became operationalized as a habit of learning as much as I could.

Much of my learning came from school; I have a PhD in geology (the world).  However, my general knowledge is broad and deep.  I have acquired that general knowledge by indiscriminately reading, watching TV, and talking to people, not through any premeditated plan.

My general knowledge was gathered for a mistaken purpose.  Unconsciously, I believed that it could protect me from the dangerous world in which I had to live.  Of course, it can't do that.  It is pretty useless for anything else, too.

My vast general knowledge is a barrier to making friends.  No matter what subject comes up (with some exceptions; I don't do sports) I know more about it than the person I'm with.  (Another exception, I don't now more about a profession than a person in that profession.)  This becomes obvious as I express my thoughts and support my views with knowledge that my discussants don't possess.  

Basically, I always show up the person I'm talking to.  People don't like that, and they avoid me.

I am concerned that you want to gain knowledge so that you can know more than other people.  I regret that I am in this position.  I think that, if you reach this state, you will find that it is not a good situation to be in.  If you show your superior knowledge, others will avoid you.

Instead of embarking on a campaign to acquire random knowledge, I suggest that you dig into your reasons for wanting to have superior knowledge.  I think there is probably a better way to satisfy those needs than by dominating people with what you know.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 4

So you want to be a know-it-all? lol

The best way to gain this type of knowledge is to learn how to ask the right questions from the people you are with. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know because other people like to feel that their knowledge about their topic is special. Also talk with the older generation. Some of the stuff they know is wonderful. And read of course, everything that is not nailed down!

To start the conversation, try by saying did you hear or read about in the paper/in the news?  Much will come of that and listen and remember what people find interesting for further reference.

Cheers ;)

Answer 5

The fastest way these days is research on the Internet but you have to be careful which sources you use because if you walk around spewing out false information you'll really look stupid.

Go to websites that end with .org, .net, .gov, and .edu.

Avoid wikipedia at all costs.  

Answer 6

read Uncle Johns Bathroom Reader.

That is the best book for learning the most pointless facts that could get you started in any conversation.

Answer 7

in my experience, i read 'Reader's Digest'. it is a simple form of information on almost anything, up-to-date (did i advertise it too much?) specially if you frequently buy it or subscribe. Another plus point, it's small, so u can carry it anywhere.  

Answer 8

It is very difficult to find an encyclopedia, anymore.  When I was young, I read our family's encyclopedia, cover to cover.  The problem, of course, is that your knowledge of aardvarks is outdated by the time you learn about zygotes.

Answer 9

Keep on reading on different kinds of reading materials that are beneficial to you and in the end you can share your knowledge to others.. . read and read and read............