Psychology
Dr. Bloom — Some non-obvious advice for psych graduate students
October 31, 2025 · Psychology
Reading widely and writing regularly sharpen thinking in ways that go beyond any single discipline—a lesson that resonates across psychology, philosophy, and music.
Paul Bloom's advice for psychology graduate students resonates with me strongly, especially the first piece: read widely.
This recommendation makes particular sense when combined with regular writing practice, as both activities sharpen thinking processes. I've noticed that recognizing valuable connections across different fields while reading is one of the most intellectually stimulating experiences—the moments when something from psychology lights up something from philosophy or music.
I plan to study psychology in college while also exploring philosophy and music. The cross-disciplinary synthesis feels more natural than staying narrowly focused. My goal is to maintain broad reading habits throughout the remaining years of high school, gradually deepening knowledge in specific areas while staying receptive to diverse topics and their interconnections.