Feel insecure about lack of general knowledge

[Icantgiveupcarbs]

I was at a pub quiz yesterday and didn't know the answer to the majority of the questions.
To be fair some were fairly tricky, like who won the Challenge Cup against Wigan in 1997, something you wouldn't really know unless you were an avid fan.
However I just didn't know many at all, and we only got a good score because of our team.
I like to read articles and non fiction but not a lot of novels to be honest, I find it hard to stick to a book, but I think this is something else that makes me feel insecure as it's seen as attractive to be well-read.
I like to read more about the world and how different cultures are, and I can speak other languages, have a Degree and a Masters, but feel I'm lacking something.
I just find it hard to stick with lengthy books.
I remember at school I had a crush on someone considered very smart and who ended up going to Harvard, but I once asked him out and he rejected me saying, "What ever would we talk about? The weather?"
I know he was just a prick but I've always felt a bit inferior.
Should I try to start reading more novels/literature? Try to gain more general knowledge or just accept who I am?

You read about other cultures, speak other languages, have a masters degree? You sound incredibly well read already! Don't worry about pub quizes, I used to like them but given up because the questions are mostly about sport or 'celebrities' that I'm not intetested in, or arcane bits of knowledge the questioner has googled! As for what that bloke said to you - unbelievably stupid and arrogant, forget it! Re general knowledge, other than subjects you're really interested in, it's picked up over a lifetime, just a little snippet here and there (ie from documentaries and good quiz shows like Eggheads 🙂)

Quizzes are abit of fun but you can't know everything about everything it's impossible. Don't worry I wouldn't.

There's some good stuff on BBC Sounds you could try. E.g. Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry for science or You're Dead to Me for history.

You might find that works better for you to help pick up general knowledge than reading (and I like it because I can listen while cooking/ cleaning/ tidying.)

I'm interested in what I'm interested in. No way am I going to become interested in sports because of general knowledge.