Learning plan cover

Improve general knowledge

LEARNING PLAN

Improve general knowledge

This learning plan provides a foundational intellectual toolkit for understanding the world comprehensively, connecting past, present, and future through multiple disciplinary lenses. It's ideal for curious minds seeking to move beyond surface-level knowledge, professionals wanting to make better-informed decisions, and anyone who wants to think more clearly about humanity's place in the universe and navigate modern information landscapes with confidence.

ByCommunity User
2 h 40 m
12 coursesUpdated 5 days ago
SapiensCosmosFrom Stardust to Civilization: Mind-Blowing Human History12 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed’s proprietary AI to help you learn Improve general knowledge with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering Improve general knowledge.

What You'll Learn

  • Trace humanity's journey from early evolution to modern civilization and understand the historical forces that shaped our world
  • Master fundamental scientific principles that explain how the universe, nature, and everyday phenomena actually work
  • Decode how your mind operates, recognize cognitive biases, and understand the psychology behind human behavior and decision-making
  • Navigate today's complex world with data literacy, critical thinking skills, and the ability to distinguish facts from misinformation
  • Build a comprehensive mental framework connecting history, science, psychology, and current events into coherent understanding

Discover how humanity evolved from simple primates to global civilization, exploring the grand sweep of our species' journey through time and the forces that shaped our world.

Sapiens cover
Sapiens

A sweeping narrative of human history

9 m
Cosmos cover
Cosmos

Exploring 15 billion years of cosmic evolution and human knowledge

9 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3source 4
6 sources
From Stardust to Civilization: Mind-Blowing Human History

Discover how humans went from unremarkable apes to space-traveling civilizations, plus surprising historical misconceptions that will change how you see the world.

11 m

Build scientific literacy by understanding the fundamental principles governing our universe, from physics and astronomy to biology and the natural laws that explain everyday phenomena.

A Brief History of Time cover
A Brief History of Time

Accessible explanation of complex cosmological concepts and theories.

8 m
The Science of Living cover
The Science of Living

Discover scientific insights to revolutionize your daily habits, debunk myths, and optimize your health, happiness, and productivity.

8 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3The Biggest Questions
6 sources
The Hidden Mathematics of Everything

Explore how complexity science, information theory, and systems thinking reveal the secret patterns governing our universe-from messy desks to AI breakthroughs to the crystallization of human imagination into reality.

27 m

Explore how the human mind works, why we think and behave the way we do, and learn to recognize cognitive biases that shape our daily decisions and interactions.

You Are Not So Smart cover
You Are Not So Smart

An entertaining exploration of cognitive biases and self-delusions that shape our thoughts, decisions, and behaviors in unexpected ways.

8 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 38 Psychology Basics You Need to Know - Verywell Mind
6 sources
The Human Mind Decoded: Psychology Basics

Jackson and Miles explore the fascinating foundations of human psychology, from brain biology and unconscious forces to learning, emotions, and social influence. Discover how understanding your mind can transform your daily life.

42 m
Clear Thinking cover
Clear Thinking

A practical guide to mastering clear thinking, overcoming cognitive biases, and making better decisions in everyday life and business.

8 m

Develop the ability to understand our modern world through evidence and data, learning to think critically, spot misinformation, and grasp the true state of global affairs beyond headlines.

Factfulness cover
Factfulness

Ten reasons we're wrong about the world and why things are better

9 m
Calling Bullshit cover
Calling Bullshit

A powerful toolkit for skepticism in our data-driven world, empowering readers to cut through misinformation and think critically.

10 m
podcast cover
Political Economy Definition, History, and Applications - InvestopediaPolitical economy | Definition, History, Types, Examples, & FactsPolitical Economy - Definition, Components, and Theoriessource 4
6 sources
Political Economy: What You Need to Know

Lena and Eli explore how politics and economics intersect to shape our world, from your morning coffee price to global trade wars, revealing the frameworks that govern modern society.

11 m

Users also liked

Become knowledgeable in all worldly domains

Become knowledgeable in all worldly domains

LEARNING PLAN

Become knowledgeable in all worldly domains

This learning plan is essential for anyone who wants to navigate our complex, interconnected world with genuine understanding rather than surface-level awareness. It's ideal for curious professionals, aspiring leaders, and lifelong learners who refuse to be confined to a single domain and want to engage meaningfully with the full spectrum of human civilization. Whether you're making career decisions, understanding current events, or simply seeking to be a more informed citizen, this foundational knowledge transforms you from a specialist into a true Renaissance thinker.

2 h 15 m4 Sections
Expand my world understanding

Expand my world understanding

LEARNING PLAN

Expand my world understanding

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to move beyond surface-level news consumption and develop a sophisticated understanding of our complex world. It's particularly valuable for professionals in international fields, curious learners who want to think more critically about global issues, and anyone who feels overwhelmed by current events and wants a framework to make sense of them.

2 h 21 m4 Sections
Learn history

Learn history

LEARNING PLAN

Learn history

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand why our world works the way it does today. It's particularly valuable for professionals, students, and curious minds who want to develop deeper critical thinking skills and contextual awareness. By connecting ancient foundations to modern realities, you'll gain perspective that enhances decision-making in fields ranging from business and politics to technology and culture.

2 h 40 m4 Sections
General information

General information

LEARNING PLAN

General information

This learning plan provides essential intellectual foundations for anyone seeking to think more clearly and understand the world more accurately. It's ideal for lifelong learners, professionals, and students who want to cut through misinformation, make better decisions, and grasp the big-picture forces shaping human civilization and progress.

2 h 55 m4 Sections
Expand knowledge more widely

Expand knowledge more widely

LEARNING PLAN

Expand knowledge more widely

This learning plan is ideal for curious minds who want to break free from narrow specialization and develop the broad, interconnected thinking that defines true intellectual versatility. Whether you're a professional seeking to innovate across domains, a student wanting deeper understanding, or a lifelong learner craving meaningful synthesis, this path builds the cognitive toolkit for navigating complexity in an interconnected world.

2 h 20 m4 Sections
Hope to learn more about the world around me

Hope to learn more about the world around me

LEARNING PLAN

Hope to learn more about the world around me

This learning plan is designed for curious minds seeking a foundational understanding of how our world works across disciplines. Perfect for lifelong learners, professionals wanting broader context for their work, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern complexity and seeking clarity through integrated knowledge spanning history, science, and systems thinking.

2 h 35 m4 Sections
Explore fascinating subjects

Explore fascinating subjects

LEARNING PLAN

Explore fascinating subjects

This learning plan is designed for intellectually curious individuals who want to develop a broad, interconnected understanding of the world. It's ideal for lifelong learners, professionals seeking to think more creatively across disciplines, and anyone who wants to engage more deeply with the big questions that shape our existence and future.

2 h 41 m4 Sections
Every thing

Every thing

LEARNING PLAN

Every thing

This comprehensive learning plan is designed for curious minds seeking to build a complete mental map of reality—from cosmic origins to human civilization. It's ideal for lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and anyone who wants to move beyond specialized knowledge to understand how everything connects, enabling them to think more clearly and act more effectively in an increasingly complex world.

2 h 16 m4 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web
Start your learning journey, now