Memorizing names, dates and terms alone does not always give you information you can use. Don't allow yourself to waste time on useless information, but rather turn that information into something you can use. Think about what we discuss and what you read. Place this information into a context in world events and justify the ideas to yourself. When it comes to learning, I firmly believe in, and will work you toward, what Immanuel Kant described as Enlightenment.
Immaturity is the inability to use one's own understanding without the guidance of another.
This immaturity is self-incurred if its cause is not lack of understanding, but lack of resolution and courage to use it without the guidance of another. Laziness and cowardice are the reasons why such a large proportion of men, even when nature has long emancipated them from parental guidance, nevertheless gladly remain immature for life. If I have a book to understand for me, a spiritual advisor to have a conscience for me, a doctor to judge my diet for me, and so on, I need not make any efforts at all. Thus only a few, by cultivating their own minds, have succeeded in freeing themselves from immaturity and in continuing boldly on their way.