Many people often talk about the importance of being cultured. But that phrase can feel a little exclusive, as if there’s a checklist of things you must know or do to qualify. If you haven’t read all of Shakespeare, can you be said to be cultured? What if you haven’t read some of the greats of Russian literature? What about in the original language?
That’s not what it’s about at all. In our view, being cultured isn’t a test you need to pass or a status you need to achieve. It’s certainly not reserved for certain people with certain backgrounds. It’s more about a genuine curiosity, a willingness to engage with the world around you, and an openness to new experiences too. Culture can come from anywhere.
But why bother? Well, we think a more cultured person is often a more empathetic person. As well as one who has a deeper understanding of the world. So in this post, we’ll explore three helpful ways you can become more cultured, helping you feel more connected to the world and ultimately, much more satisfied with your life.
Engage With The Performing Arts
Going to a live performance is something you can forget is even an option. But when you do, you remember it’s powerful way to experience art. It’s also a great way to start exploring a more cultured life. You don’t have to stick with what you know of course, you can go to the ballet, a play, or a classical music concert. This lets you see the dedication and talent of performers up close, which gives you a deeper appreciation for their craft. We all find that when we attend, such a live show offers an energy and presence you can’t find elsewhere, and it can be a moving experience that stays with you if the story is well done. You’ll be supporting your local art scene with care, too.
You could choose a performance that represents a historical period you’re interested in. Or you could simply pick a show that has great reviews. You can check out what’s on at broadway.com to make the ticketing process easier, and to find something that speaks to you.
Explore Diverse Cuisines
Food is a universal language so they say. Which means exploring different cuisines is a fantastic way to learn about other cultures. It’s a helpful start to experience the traditions and history of a different place without ever leaving your city. You could try a restaurant that serves Ethiopian food for the first time if you haven’t had it (spoiler: it’s delicious) or you could take a cooking class that focuses on Vietnamese dishes for example. This expands your palate and may even help you learn new skills like how to fillet fish more easily.
A great idea is to seek out dishes you enjoy and that you’ve never heard of before. Or perhaps find an eatery that’s run by a family from another country. This gives you a chance to try something new while also supporting local businesses, a win win.
Visit Museums and Galleries
Museums and art galleries are wonderful, preserving human history and creativity. So they’re a perfect place to go if you want to become more cultured. You could spend an afternoon looking at artifacts, or you could walk through a modern art gallery and challenge your ideas about what art is, and how certain pieces feel to you. That approach also gives you a chance to learn about different periods in time and the people who lived in them, which can expand your interest in an era. They are also great for seeing how different societies expressed themselves through their art.
With this advice, we hope you can feel more cultured than ever.
This article is a partnered post that contains affiliate links.