Learning plan cover

How to become smart

LEARNING PLAN

How to become smart

This plan is designed for individuals seeking to optimize their mental performance by moving beyond rote memorization toward deep cognitive mastery. It is ideal for students, professionals, and lifelong learners who want to upgrade their thinking frameworks and learning efficiency.

ByCommunity User
5 h 28 m
11 coursesUpdated 104 days ago
The neuroscience of intelligenceLimitlessThe Science of Getting Mentally Smart11 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed's proprietary AI to help you learn How to become smart with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering How to become smart.

What You'll Learn

  • Grasp the biological and scientific principles that drive cognitive performance.
  • Use advanced memory systems to accelerate knowledge retention and skill acquisition.
  • Apply mental models to sharpen reasoning and eliminate common cognitive biases.
  • Develop strategic decision-making frameworks for navigating complex real-world scenarios.
  • Cultivate the intellectual curiosity and mindset required for lifelong mastery.

Understand how your brain actually works and discover the science-backed principles that drive real intelligence enhancement and learning efficiency.

The Neuroscience of Intelligence cover
The Neuroscience of Intelligence

Decode your genetic intelligence blueprint: science beyond brain-training myths

10 m
Limitless Expanded Edition cover
Limitless Expanded Edition

Unlock your brain's potential for limitless learning

9 m
podcast cover
Soft-WiredThe Memory BookBiohack Your BrainSmarter
25 sources
The Science of Getting Mentally Smart

Discover what intelligence really means beyond trivia and test scores. Learn evidence-based strategies to enhance different types of cognitive abilities and build genuine mental fitness.

27 m

Transform how you acquire and retain knowledge using proven techniques from memory champions and learning scientists to accelerate skill development.

Make It Stick cover
Make It Stick

Transform learning with science-backed strategies for durable memory and mastery.

8 m
The First 20 Hours cover
The First 20 Hours

Master new skills in just 20 hours with Josh Kaufman's systematic approach to rapid learning.

9 m
podcast cover
Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Memory and Learning - PMCImproving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology on JSTORApplying Cognitive Learning Strategies to Enhance Learning and ...source 4
6 sources
Science-Backed Methods to Actually Become Smarter

Discover revolutionary learning techniques that boost intelligence at any age. From spaced practice and retrieval methods to brain-enhancing nutrition and exercise, unlock your cognitive potential with proven strategies.

9 m

Build mental models and reasoning frameworks that help you think more clearly, avoid cognitive traps, and make smarter choices in complex situations.

The Art Of Thinking Clearly cover
The Art Of Thinking Clearly

Uncover cognitive biases and logical fallacies to make better decisions in all aspects of life through 99 insightful chapters.

8 m
Clear Thinking cover
Clear Thinking

A practical guide to mastering clear thinking, overcoming cognitive biases, and making better decisions in everyday life and business.

8 m

Develop the mindset, curiosity, and strategic thinking patterns of true intellectual leaders while learning to apply knowledge effectively in real-world contexts.

The Concise Mastery cover
The Concise Mastery

Unlock your genius through the timeless path of disciplined mastery.

9 m
Curious cover
Curious

A compelling exploration of curiosity's vital role in personal growth, success, and innovation in our rapidly changing world.

10 m
podcast cover
Super Thinking: The Big Book of Mental ModelsMindwareThe Great Mental ModelsHow to Decide
14 sources
Building Your Model Brain

Discover how to integrate philosophy, psychology, and game theory into a comprehensive mental operating system that transforms knowledge into action and influence.

44 m

Discover more

become more intelligent

become more intelligent

LEARNING PLAN

become more intelligent

This plan is designed for individuals seeking to transcend basic memorization and develop a high-performance mind. It is ideal for students, professionals, and lifelong learners who want to optimize their brain's potential through science-based cognitive strategies.

4 h 52 m4 Sections
To be smarter and have good grades

To be smarter and have good grades

LEARNING PLAN

To be smarter and have good grades

This plan is essential for students and lifelong learners who want to move beyond rote memorization toward true cognitive mastery. It provides a structured path to optimize brain function, improve academic performance, and develop the mental agility required for modern intellectual challenges.

5 h 12 m4 Sections
Become better at subjects

Become better at subjects

LEARNING PLAN

Become better at subjects

This plan is essential for students and lifelong learners who want to move beyond rote memorization toward true intellectual mastery. It provides a scientific roadmap for anyone looking to optimize their cognitive performance and excel in any academic or professional discipline.

5 h 44 m4 Sections
get smarter

get smarter

LEARNING PLAN

get smarter

This plan is designed for lifelong learners and professionals who want to move beyond surface-level knowledge. It combines neuroscience with practical cognitive strategies to help anyone seeking a competitive edge in their thinking and learning capabilities.

4 h 17 m4 Sections
to become smarter in my education at school

to become smarter in my education at school

LEARNING PLAN

to become smarter in my education at school

This plan is designed for students who want to move beyond rote memorization and master the art of learning itself. It provides a structured path for anyone seeking to optimize their study habits, manage their time effectively, and develop a more resilient, analytical mind.

4 h 49 m4 Sections
Learn better.

Learn better.

LEARNING PLAN

Learn better.

This learning plan is essential for students and professionals looking to optimize their cognitive output and master new subjects quickly. It provides a comprehensive roadmap from foundational brain science to the advanced mental models required for elite performance.

5 h 55 m4 Sections
Learn the most I can

Learn the most I can

LEARNING PLAN

Learn the most I can

This plan is essential for anyone looking to optimize their cognitive performance and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. It is designed for students, professionals, and lifelong learners who want to master complex skills faster and think more clearly.

6 h 1 m4 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web
Start your learning journey, now