How to be sophisticated?

Question

I want my peers to see me as sophisicated and educated,
how can I change that?
I do carry around a copy of war and peace, though.
:]

Answer 1

First of all, Wiktionary defines sophisticated as;
[edit] Adjective
sophisticated (comparative more sophisticated, superlative most sophisticated)

Positive
sophisticated
Comparative
more sophisticated
Superlative
most sophisticated


Having obtained worldly experience, and lacking naiveté; cosmopolitan.
Complicated, especially of complex technology.
Appealing to the tastes of an intellectual; cerebral.

So, if you are interested in presenting yourself in a more sophisticated manner, you might consider studying the important issues and events of the world; the war, world hunger, education, etc. Then, be prepared to either start the conversation or at least contribute in an intelligent manner.

You don't have to be a know-it-all, but you will be admired if you ask intelligent questions or give thoughful insights. Offer your opinion when it is welcome and when you have thought it out carefully. A blurted out opinion is never pleasant to hear, it just sounds like you want to hear your own voice in a hurry.

The beauty of living a better life is not so much having millions of dollars in your bank account, but to feel like you do. If you feel confident in what you do and where you go, you are to be in control. If you are in control of your life and your person, your manner is more sophisticated than most, who tend to whine and complain and gossip.

In a refined, sophisticated world, you don't have time to bother yourself with petty things like television, gossip, fast food or prices of groceries. They may be important in your life, but you JUST DON'T have the time to occupy your mind and your conversation with these little things.
Keep it sharp, keep it edgy and don't talk unless you have something important to say. Some of the most sophisticated people are great listeners and "slowly" ask genuinely interested about you. Be one of them.

Answer 2

So, practice your manners, and get yourelf educated on a variety of subjects. The only way to seem sophisticated is to be sophisticated. This is one thing you can't bluff your way through. A phoney bologna is usualy spotted right away.
Hey, read that copy of War and Peace. If you keep carrying it around for a long period of time, people will think you are a slow reader!

Answer 3

When in doubt, remain silent:

"It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear to be a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."
--- Benjamin Franklin

Other than that, common courtesy, neat appearance and good table manners should put you WAY ahead of most of your peers!

There is a BIG difference between:

"Being sophisticated"
and
"Putting on aires!"
.

Answer 4

Instead of just carrying it around, I would suggest reading it.

The best way to seem educated is to actually be educated.

Answer 5

Fame is an empty purse.
Count it and go broke,
eat it and go hungry
seek it and go mad.