When I am in Germany, I often challenge strangers to ping pong. However, if I couldn't play ping pong, I couldn't challenge them. Thus, my life is better because I learned ping pong. This post will describe why you should learn more things.
Learning stuff helps you connect
It is easier to ask a stranger to play ping pong than to hang out. We need intermediaries to connect with people. Food and alcohol are common solutions, but they have downsides. Parlor games like ping pong, darts, and billiards are essential skills for this reason. It's not about the game; it’s about the connection.
It is easier to ask a stranger to play ping pong with you than to 'hang out' with you.
Learning stuff gives you more options
Having options gives you freedom. For example, imagine you lived in America but couldn't drive a car. Getting your driver's license would expand your options and, thus, freedom. Cooking is a second example. If you can cook, you have the chance to eat out or at home. On the other hand, reducing your options reduces your freedom.
Learning stuff makes you confident
The public transit network in Berlin looks like this:
In comparison, this is the only train station in my hometown:
On my first day in Berlin, I felt overwhelmed and lost. Now, I feel confident taking the metro in any city. Further, I recently worked at a cafe where I learned how to operate a contactless payment machine. Now, I avoid awkward encounters while paying. We become more confident every time we chip away at the vast unknown.
Learning stuff helps you learn more
Imagine two students trying out for the varsity basketball team. One has played baseball, soccer, and volleyball his whole life, and the other has just played baseball. Who is likely to have an easier transition to basketball? Right. Probably the multi-sport athlete. The broader our skills, the easier we can pick up new skills.
Learning stuff might help in the future
I first used iMovie to run for high school class president. Now, I decided to become a professional YouTuber. It was easier for me to transition because I could already use iMovie. It is often the things we try for fun that become the most useful.
Summary
It is valuable to learn new stuff. The more things we learn, the more options we have. Start by learning stuff you are interested in. You never know when they will come in handy. Stay curious.