Question:
How does one become a cultured individual?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
You've been given very good advice, but no learning in the world nor accomplishments will gain you the description of "cultured" unless you have the manners and style to go with them.
You can discourse on art and music, but if you don't know how to use a napkin or slurp your food the effect will be diminished.
(I'm sure that you are a refined person and don't need to be told that, but recently I met an educated man who was infinitely able to discuss religion/art/classical music, etc, and then walked through a door before me. I was instantly put off.)
In my eyes, "cultured" also means inherent charm and elegance along with an innate ability to make others feel important and attractive - eg, not making them feel inferior by your supposedly superior knowledge.
Apart from reading, visiting art galleries, museums et al as described before, a working knowledge of wine would be useful, as would foods and cultures of the world. Not to be sniffed at would be the ability to play a musical instrument, too.
One of the most cultured men I have ever come across made me feel I was very clever, attractive, knowledgeable, accomplished, interesting and funny. (Which I don't think I am!)