Knowledge is a trait that we aim to possess. This is exemplified merely by the fact that we’re students. We’re constantly taking in new information and either storing it in our memory to spit out later on exams or losing it in the process of daily living. However, though we might feel that knowledge is optimal, we often forget about the tool that allows us to access and utilize knowledge. The ability to understand, not just know, is incredibly powerful for living a worthwhile life. This year, I dare you to learn how to understand.

1) Understand Others

Part of human nature is having opinions. However, especially after the election, people tend to judge others who don’t share the same opinion. Although it’s hard sometimes, it’s so important to try to understand others as long as they’re not being hateful. That may be the exception. By understanding others, we become familiar with humanity. People have so much to offer. We fail ourselves when we limit our friendships and circles to only similar people. Through every interaction with another person, we become more wholesome.

2) Understand the World

Although travelling is ideal, the fact that some of us are busy and broke makes it hard to visit other lands. However, we have access to the internet, books, magazines etc. that are stacked with information. If you can’t hop on a flight to southeast Asia, search for a magazine that details the on-goings of Thailand. Home is great, but gaining an understanding of both culture and geography can bring out the best in us. This year, aim to learn more about the world around you.

3) Understand Art

Art is the least limited thing in the world.  You can find art in anything. Yet, strangely enough, it’s so easy to look past. How often do we walk through a city and marvel at the architecture, or appreciate music that we don’t normally listen to? It’s quite easy to forget about the certain types of art that we don’t actively seek out, but it’s also problematic. By ignoring the art around us, or even not paying much attention to it, we lose touch with the hard work and passion that the creators put into it. Understanding how to appreciate art in all forms makes everything brighter.

4) Understand Yourself

The fact that we spend every living moment with ourselves seems like enough evidence to back that we probably have a good understanding of ourselves, right? Well, probably not. The ability to understand oneself strengthens with time and more importantly, with experience. If we limit ourselves to routine, then we limit learning about ourselves. Trying new things, going new places, and meeting new people opens up doors to self-understanding that we wouldn’t have found by staying within our comfort zone. Our personalities aren’t stagnant- by experiencing the world we experience ourselves.

This year, I hope that you can challenge yourself to understand. What are your thoughts? Leave them in the comments below.