knowledge

Knowledge does not transfer from a book to your brain through osmosis. This is a complete misunderstanding that keeps getting perpetuated. The correct way to describe transfer of knowledge from a book to your brain is as follows. There is a lot of knowledge in the book and little knowledge in your brain. It transfers via a principal called diffusion.
Osmosis is a transfer of liquid across a membrane. If you sleep with your book under your pillow before the final exam, you will end up with a soggy book and a shriveled up brain.

this is literally the best comment I've read in imgflip

It’s not rocket science; it’s basic science. No genius required.
I’ve been saying this since grade school.

Learning doesn’t happen by proximity. Just placing a book on your desk, carrying it around, or slipping it under your pillow at night won’t magically make the knowledge jump into your brain. Information doesn’t transfer through touch or closeness — it requires effort, attention, and intention.

The belief that we can absorb understanding passively is comforting, but it’s simply not how the brain works. Real learning involves struggle, curiosity, repetition, and reflection. It’s reading the same paragraph twice because it didn’t make sense the first time. It’s wrestling with ideas, asking questions, making mistakes, and slowly building a deeper understanding.

Knowledge is earned, not downloaded. It's the product of time invested, not time spent near a textbook. You can surround yourself with shelves of unread books, but unless you open them, challenge yourself, and connect the dots, they’re just heavy decorations.

So instead of hoping for shortcuts, show up for the process. Read actively, think critically, and engage fully. That’s how knowledge takes root — not through osmosis, but through conscious effort.

that's clever too!
I liked that

I would write a paragraph on "how you can't absorb knowledge through osmosis" but I ain't a 🤓

fair enough