Can People Become Smarter? How to Enhance Your Cognitive Abilities

People often wonder if they can become smarter. The answer is a resounding yes. Becoming smarter involves increasing cognitive speed and efficiency, among other things. While there are numerous methods touted as effective, many are not, and it's important to approach the challenge with an open mind and a bit of skepticism.

Understanding Cognitive Speed

The speed at which your brain processes information is not fixed. Research and practical exercises demonstrate that with effort, one can indeed increase cognitive speed. Let's explore a simple yet effective method: adjusting the playback speed of educational materials.

Find a long documentary, audiobook, or a Khan Academy series and set the playback speed to 1.5x. Continue for about 10-20 minutes. Once you reset the speed to 1x, it may seem unusually slow. This is not because the material is suddenly much slower, but because your brain has adapted to the faster pace. This experiment suggests that altering the speed at which you consume information can help your brain process it more efficiently.

Is This Brain Thinking Faster?

Consider whether this "speed adjustment" represents your brain thinking faster or merely an ear-related phenomenon. It is true that different parts of the brain have varying capacities to process information at different speeds. Some research indicates that comprehension can be affected by varying playback speeds. However, it is clear that with practice, one can significantly increase their ability to process and recall information.

I, personally, read at a rate exceeding 200 words per minute (wpm). With deliberate practice, I can reach a comprehension level of 90-100%. This is not an inherent ability but a learnable skill. My background as a child of a special education teacher further supported this idea. Although I have a habit of skimming, with dedicated effort, I can achieve near-perfect comprehension at a faster rate.

Enhancing Cognitive Abilities with Experiential Learning

To truly become smarter, one must go beyond mere reading or listening. Experiential learning, which involves active engagement in the learning process, has been championed by influential educators such as John Dewey. Noam Chomsky supports Dewey's methods, and some of the most prestigious institutions are based on these principles.

Learn about experiential learning by reading works from Dewey. Google Scholar is a valuable resource for research in this field. Many articles are accessible without a subscription. Look for studies on neuroplasticity, which deals with the brain's ability to change and adapt. Understanding neuroplasticity can provide insights into how our brains can be rewired to enhance cognitive skills.

For example, researchers have developed devices that help visually impaired individuals "see" through their brains. These devices utilize the concept of neuroplasticity, demonstrating that the brain has a significant capacity to adapt and compensate for lost senses. If the brain can do this, why can't it process information faster?

Final Thoughts

Question your assumptions and conduct your own research before jumping on any method claiming to make you smarter. Experiment with different techniques and pacing, and engage with the subject matter actively. The journey to becoming smarter is a personal one, and what works for one person might not work for another. Use the resources available to you, and be willing to adapt and evolve.