How to Acquire Knowledge

As human beings we all have the potential to acquire knowledge and learn new things throughout our lives. The quest to acquire knowledge can go beyond job training or formal education and every person can benefit from making life a learning journey in which she learns something new every day.
Knowledge can be acquired through higher education but it can also be acquired through free and plentiful sources such as public libraries and the Internet.


(A) Acquiring knowledge through formal education

Enroll in a college course or a few courses that interest you. Whether you are just out of high school or just entering retirement, it is never too early or too late to gain knowledge through institutions of higher learning. .


Find colleges that offer courses or topics that interest you. Don't worry about college applications and acceptance concerns. Many colleges offer continuing education and not-for-credit courses for life-long learners. Many community colleges allow anyone with a desire to learn to take college courses.
Colleges and universities that require formal application processes may allow those interested to enroll on a non-matriculated basis, allowing them to work through a series of courses in order to become fully accepted.


Consider online courses or seminar courses offered by colleges and universities. In the Resources section you can find information on many programs.

(B) Acquire knowledge at your local library

Sign up for a free library card at your local library. There you will have access to thousands of books, videos and audio tapes. You can check out books to take home for reading and you can acquire knowledge on nearly any topic that interests you.


Visit the library multiple times a week, many libraries allow patrons to sit and read in reading rooms in the library.



Learn at your own pace. The library, unlike traditional education, has no course requirements, grading or semester schedules. You can spend a week reading a book or go through five in a day. Your quest for knowledge is set at a pace that you find comfortable.


(C) Acquire knowledge via the Internet


Browse the Internet for topics that interest you. The search for knowledge can be as simple as visiting a search engine such as Google or Yahoo! and typing in a word or topic that you want to learn more about.


Read about topics from multiple viewpoints on the Internet. Search out academic or scientific journals online or browse the wealth of knowledge that comes from everyday people posting what they know on the Internet.


Check facts and the truth behind what you find on the Internet to further increase your knowledge on a subject. Keep in mind that what you find online is not always true, but with the Internet you can check many sources of knowledge to find the most accurate source.

Join discussion forums or writing websites to share the knowledge you acquire online. You can help others learn while at the same time learning from them.