What are the most effective ways to retain general knowledge in the long term?

Retaining general knowledge can be a challenging but rewarding pursuit, and it's great that you're thinking about how to improve your approach. First, let's talk about the methods you've already tried: flashcards and taking notes. These can be effective techniques, but they might not be enough on their own to ensure long-term retention. That's where spaced repetition and active recall come in - these are powerful strategies for committing information to long-term memory.

Spaced repetition involves reviewing material at increasingly longer intervals to help solidify it in your memory. You can use flashcard apps like Anki or Quizlet to implement spaced repetition in your study routine. Active recall, on the other hand, involves actively trying to remember information rather than simply re-reading it. This can be as simple as summarizing what you've learned in your own words, or trying to recall key facts or concepts without looking at your notes or other references. For example, you could try using anki to create digital flashcards, or quizlet to create online study games and quizzes.

In terms of specific strategies, one approach is to focus on building a broad foundation of knowledge and then gradually adding more depth and detail over time. This can involve setting aside dedicated time each day or week to learn something new, whether that's reading a book or article, watching a documentary, or listening to a podcast. It's also helpful to try to connect new information to things you already know, as this can help to create a more cohesive and memorable framework for your knowledge. Some popular resources for learning general knowledge include duolingo for language learning, crashcourse for video lessons on a wide range of subjects, and wikipedia for in-depth articles on just about everything.

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