to make you smarter: utilizing the internet for good and teaching yourself how to dive deeper on subjects that interest you

hello.

we live in an era where knowledge is more accessible than ever—no gatekeeping, no rigid prerequisites, just an open invitation to explore. the internet has democratized learning, making it possible to immerse yourself in philosophy, theoretical physics, classical literature, or any niche curiosity that keeps you awake at night. while some resources require investment, many do not, and the sheer wealth of information available for free is something i never take for granted. for those who find intellectual fulfillment in complexity, who revel in drawing connections across disciplines, who see learning not as a means to an end but as an ongoing pursuit of depth and refinement, i’ve gathered some of my favorite platforms and resources. these aren’t just tools for accumulating knowledge but catalysts for sharpening thought, expanding perception, and engaging more critically with the world.

i want to first emphasize a few things you can incorporate into your daily routine to make you smarter. i’m someone who prioritizes exercise every day and i noticed that for the longest time, i spent my time on the elliptical or treadmill scrolling social media and doing the most passive, brain rot activities on my phone. i always left the gym with a headache from the screen time coupled with intense exercise. i decided to make one small significant shift- instead of doom scrolling, i replaced my phone with my kindle and if i wasn’t in the mood to read or if i felt too fatigued and needed something more passive, i put on a podcast and immersed myself in whatever it is i was listening to. i consciously make the decision to listen to podcasts that will stimulate my brain and teach me something worthwhile. this tiny shift made the biggest difference in my mental health and i feel better knowing that i started my day with something productive.

here’s a few more to consider…

-playing games that stimulate your brain, like chess

-reading nonfiction 

-listen to podcasts that provide value

-cut down (significantly) on social media

-hang out with smart people who share different points of views and opinions 

-listen to audiobooks

-read dostoevsky

-learn a new language 

-research topics that spark your interest

-take free courses online 

-learn how to play an instrument 

-read articles from publications like the new yorker, the paris review, the new york times, lit hub, jstor, etc 

-play the nytimes games

-exercise regularly 

-watch video essays on youtube about society and culture, science, philosophy, history, etc (i have a whole playlist library on my youtube channel filled with video essays like this that i’ll watch when i’m getting ready or eating a snack or if i simply want background noise that i can passively pay attention to while i’m doing something else)

-learn how to code

-take naps 

-download apps like blinkist for quick study bursts

these things are all accessible, free, and easy to integrate into your routine if you choose to make it a priority.

let me offer a few more recommendations for podcasts and books.

books: (there are so many recommendation i have in this genre, but i’ll start with a few. if you’re wanting more recs like this please let me know and i’ll dedicate a separate newsletter for it)

• educated by tara westover - tara westover shares her journey from growing up in a strict, survivalist family to earning a phd from cambridge, highlighting the power of education and self-discovery.

• quantum physics for poets - this book breaks down the basics of quantum physics in a way that’s easy and engaging for non-scientists to understand.

• being and time by martin heidegger - a profound philosophical work that explores the nature of existence and what it means to be human, delving into the complexities of time and being.

• a writer's diary by fyodor dostoevsky - a collection of personal reflections, essays, and journal entries by dostoevsky that provide insight into his thoughts, creative process, and the social issues of his time.

• ethics of ambiguity by simone de beauvoir - a philosophical treatise on existentialism and ethics, exploring the concept of freedom, responsibility, and the human condition in a complex and nuanced way.

• sapiens by yuval harari - yuval noah harari takes you through the history of humankind, from the stone age to modern times, in an insightful and accessible way.

• the body keeps the score - dr. bessel van der kolk explores how trauma affects the body and mind, and offers new paths to healing.

• sapiens by yuval harari - yuval noah harari takes you through the history of humankind, from the stone age to modern times, in an insightful and accessible way.

• quiet by susan cain - susan cain delves into the power of introverts in a world that often values extroversion, showing how being quiet can be a strength.

• on women by susan sontag - a collection of essays by susan sontag that explore various aspects of women's lives and their roles in society.

• revolution at point zero by silvia federici - federici discusses the role of housework and reproductive labor in capitalism, advocating for social change.

• cultish by amanda montell - amanda montell investigates the language of cults and how it influences and manipulates people, making you see cults in a whole new light.

• all about love by bell hooks - bell hooks examines love in its many forms, arguing for a new ethic of love to transform our personal and collective lives.

• a short history of nearly everything by bill bryson - bill bryson makes science fun and accessible, taking readers on a journey through the history of our planet and beyond.

• bread and roses - andrea d’atri explores the intersection of feminism and socialism, examining the history and struggles of women fighting for both gender and class equality.

  

podcasts:

• this jungian life - three jungian analysts discuss deep psychological concepts and everyday life, making complex ideas accessible and helping listeners gain profound insights into their own psyches.

• diary of a ceo - hosted by entrepreneur steven bartlett, this podcast features candid interviews with successful business leaders, offering valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and personal growth.

• the lex fridman show - lex fridman interviews experts in science, technology, and philosophy, providing deep dives into topics like artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the future of humanity, expanding your understanding of complex subjects.

• science vs - wendy zuckerman debunks popular myths and misconceptions with scientific evidence, making it an entertaining and enlightening way to separate fact from fiction on various topics.

• binchtopia - hosts julia hava and eliza mclamb blend humor and research to dissect cultural phenomena and social issues, offering a witty yet informative perspective on modern life.

• the ezra klein show - ezra klein engages with thought leaders in politics, economics, and culture, fostering a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our world through thoughtful and nuanced conversations.

• huberman lab - dr. andrew huberman explains the latest neuroscience research and its practical applications, helping listeners optimize their brain health, productivity, and overall well-being.

• sean carroll’s mindscape - physicist sean carroll explores topics in science, philosophy, and culture through in-depth conversations with experts, broadening your intellectual horizons.

• the daily - produced by the new york times, this podcast offers a concise, insightful overview of the most important news stories, keeping you informed and intellectually engaged with current events.

now, before you come at me with “but caitlyn, you said podcasts with men are out” and “caitlyn, huberman is a manwhore”. believe me, i know. i’m a satiric walking contradiction at times, and this is one of those times.

moving on…

lastly, if there is a specific subject that you’re interested in, there are platforms online like coursera, codecademy, and even harvard that offer free courses you can take.

okay, that’s all for now. i hope you found this helpful and if there are any specific recommendations you’re looking for, comment below or send me an email.

if you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber and you have the capacity to leave a tip, that would be so appreciated. <3

i love you.

bye.

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Substack Writers

Substack Writers