In the current climate of politics, economics, and worldly issues, there is quite a bit that we don’t know. Luckily, we don’t have to know everything about everything, but there are a few reasons why doing research to have basic knowledge about many things is beneficial. 

You can advocate for yourself 

If you cut your finger and the doctor said you needed to cut it off, you might be wondering why. Well, research comes in handy. Maybe you need to see another doctor, maybe you can learn more about your finger in general. Hopefully, your doctor will do a little more than amputation, but the point is, with more knowledge you can advocate for yourself and at least know that you have more than one option. 

It helps you make decisions 

Most of us don’t just purchase the first car we come across. We test drive, we look at different features and brands, and from there we narrow down what we want. All of that is research. You want to make the best decisions for you, no matter what that decision is and research will help you do it. 

It helps with discussions

Walking into a political conversation can be daunting. Maybe you feel strongly about an issue and when someone brings it up you want to have your say. Research prepares you for these exact interactions. No one can know everything about everything, but supporting your side requires a little more understanding than just reading the paper (though that can be a part of your research). It’s important to know the other side too. The more you know both sides of an issue, the more you can support the position you hold. 

You don’t have to be a professor when it comes to learning. It’s important to gain a basic understanding of the different things you come across in your life. Whether you’re advocating for yourself or someone else, making an informed decision, or discussing important issues with others, it’s a good idea to learn the facts behind things. As much as we’d like to walk around ignorant, sometimes learning is the best way to make things better in your life and for the lives of others.

Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash