How does one become a cultured individual?

Answer 1

You've been given very good advice, but no learning in the world nor accomplishments will gain you the description of "cultured" unless you have the manners and style to go with them.

You can discourse on art and music, but if you don't know how to use a napkin or slurp your food the effect will be diminished.

(I'm sure that you are a refined person and don't need to be told that, but recently I met an educated man who was infinitely able to discuss religion/art/classical music, etc, and then walked through a door before me. I was instantly put off.)

In my eyes, "cultured" also means inherent charm and elegance along with an innate ability to make others feel important and attractive - eg, not making them feel inferior by your supposedly superior knowledge.

Apart from reading, visiting art galleries, museums et al as described before, a working knowledge of wine would be useful, as would foods and cultures of the world. Not to be sniffed at would be the ability to play a musical instrument, too.

One of the most cultured men I have ever come across made me feel I was very clever, attractive, knowledgeable, accomplished, interesting and funny. (Which I don't think I am!)

Answer 2

"Cultured" is very subjective, and the definition has changed since our grandparents' times. Now, you have to have at least a working knowledge of the entire world, not just Western Europe, and that makes for a lot more work. World music, not just European classical music, is included, as is world literature. Learning multiple languages is great as well--and don't stick to the usual Romance languages either, like they used to in the old days. Theatre of all types, whether Noh plays, historical reenactments like "Unto These Hills",or shadow puppets are all great to experience.

What makes it easier is that we have instant access to all of these things. The Internet is probably your best resource ever. But most of all, remember to have FUN learning!!!!

Good luck! You won't ever be bored if you work at becoming cultured.

Answer 3

You aren't going to just get it from books. You have to live it.

Going to college is a great start - but the important things are to attend (classical) concerts, see art exhibits, learn how to correctly pronounce "promenade;" these are things our society has deem necessary in the journey towards becoming a "cultured" individual.

Further, it is important to know the current events in not only the local and U.S. political climates, but the world, as well.

Answer 4

Best way is to read the Harvard Classics series of books. Get a really good book on Art and Architecture (Eastern and Western) and get a subscription to a classical music cd club like BMG

Answer 5

"How to read a book "by Mortimer J Adler,A crash course in modern art .Read a few classics to start. In fiction I liked Dostoyevsky.If a subject is important to you always read more than one book on the subject.Visit museums ,galleries try different kinds of music.Try to understand something of different religions ,cultures ,political systems,food,drinks.The best advice I can really give is try to keep an open mind and try to see the interconnectivity between things.

Answer 6

i realize it sounds form of stupid, yet seem on the way cultured persons which you recognize carry themselves. you do no longer decide directly to repeat their mannerisms, yet take a stable seem at your guy or woman. in case you're finding to attend an journey the place different cultured human beings would be, you do no longer decide on your mannerisms and strikes to be for sure opposite. Do your mannerisms provide off an effect of being immature or unsophisticated? be beneficial to maintain up with present day events by utilising interpreting the newspaper familiar. additionally initiate by utilising interpreting the numerous greater classic works in the past branching out to a minimum of something greater drastic. be careful once you commute, do no longer fall into the being a vacationer catch. you heavily isn't anymore cultured than you have been in the past in case you in simple terms view your holiday from the window of a bus. Get off the overwhelmed direction, communicate over with the locals, and devour on the smaller eateries. For goodness sake, in case you visit Paris, do no longer devour at places like McDonalds or the perplexing Rock Cafe. you would be lacking the portion of the full holiday.

Answer 7

by self help