17 Ways to Get Smart (not affiliated with comical movie)

I think that intelligence is valued more as we age.

I think that an educated mind is one of the few things in this world that cannot be lost or taken away.

I think that being able to hold an intelligent conversation with another person connects people on a deeper level.

I think that knowledge is meant to be shared.

I think that learning spurs ideas and ideas spur progress.

I think that intelligence is a very important quality in a significant other.

I think that education is taken for granted.

I think that no one should ever stop learning, regardless of whether or not they have finished a formal education.

Therefore, a month ago or so I compiled a list of ways to get smart. Some come from other people's suggestions and some from my own head. They are in no particular order.

1. Read (set mini reading goals)
2. Memorize stuff (quotes, statistics, Bible verses)
3. Be curious
4. Ask questions
5. Study effectively
6. Learn new words
7. Always have a good book to read with you (Similar to #1, but not the same)
8. Do research
9. Be resourceful (figure things out by yourself without asking other people for help)
10. Ask for help (if the above is not possible at the moment)
11. Teach others
12. Read the news daily
13. Learn a new language 
14. Give impromptus (for speech nerds like myself)
15. Listen to classical music more often (Myth? I think not! Okay, maybe.)
16. Exercise
17. Sleep