On being an Intellectual Badass

  A friend of mine called me an intellectual badass the other day simply because he learned I had taken a Physics class at Harvard during my senior year of high school. Ok, sure, I hope that isn't the only qualifier! However, I hope it does inspire the next group of intellectual badasses to rise in the ranks. After all, I consider myself a very average student. I don't always do my homework and get it in on time, I don't always read the book, and I know I don't always study that well. I have test anxiety and find that I daydream in class often. I try to sit at the front of the class and stay engaged in class discussions as often as possible and try not to look out a nearby window thinking about the show that nature is putting on for us today.

BUT

if you really want to continue the delusion that I am an intellectual badass, here is my guide to badassery.


  • Never stop learning. Always be curious. Find answers to questions you don't know. 
  • Understand that those answers may lead to more questions!
  • Eat well, get plenty sleep, exercise when possible. Your brain needs to be optimally functioning, right?
  • Love first. Do not judge people. Do not elicit anything that does not show the best of you. 
  • Say yes to every opportunity that sings to your heart, soul, and mind.
  • When you are stuck on a problem, tap your hobbies. Creativity builds plasticity.
  • Have sex. Oxytocin is a powerful and wonderful hormone. 
Now get on with your badass self!

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