There’s no way to explain how something feels.
You can’t feel cold, or pain, or goosebumps vicariously. Someone can tell you what it’s like, but it’s meaningless until you go through it.
Same goes for wisdom.
Reading more won’t make you wiser. Its purpose is to spark action.
You need to write for yourself, ask for yourself, do for yourself.
No action, no wisdom.
The backlash to this information explosion, is that we may feel we’re moving forward by consuming more text and video, when we are actually staying still.
Any guy who starts his own company knows more than you ever will by reading all those entrepreneurship blogs.
Any girl who becomes location independent knows more about that lifestyle than you ever will by reading Tim Ferris.
Any family man who’s been fired knows more about how to survive the economic meltdown than you ever will by reading The Economist.
Reading only gets you so far, because you can’t fail reading; you’re not risking anything.
Wisdom comes with risks, with execution.
That’s why it’s scarce, that’s why it’s worth it.
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I’m a huge proponent of learning by doing (probably because that’s how I’ve always operated). Reading is a great way to determine launching points for action, but they’re nothing if you don’t follow up with some action.
I remember you mentioning English is a second language for you. That’s amazing to me. You write better than many native English speaking bloggers I know.
Sometimes, limits work for the best. Not knowing so many words has helped me with my English writing. I guess Steve was right when he talked about connecting the dots…
Yes! I’ve always felt experience is so much more important than ‘book learning.’ That’s not to say there is no value in learning from others’ experiences – in fact they can really help you prepare for when you face the same situation on your own – but you’re right in saying that you don’t TRULY understand until you’ve been there, looked that beast in the eyes and dealt with the consequences (good or bad).
No pain, no gain.
This is the best thing I’ve read on this blog.
The challenge is that modest leap between reading and doing. It’s so small, yet such a vast chasm for so many. That’s why so little (collective) action happens. Many people can’t jump that far.
Thank you Sam. You always bring to the table the collective vision that I miss.
I agree with Sam, this is one of the best things I have read on here. Wisdom, like you said, can not be explained in words just like one can’t really explain how something feels.
I believe things that make us wise are…
-Action and Failure
-Pain and Suffering
-Age combined with Activity
Thanks for the great post Carlos!
Dayne
Dayne, that’s your next post. I’m positive that there are more things that make us wise. Why not turn that list into a post?
Another great post. I’ve always found that I learn the most from actually doing something. Like Tim said, reading gives you a launching point but you don’t know anything until you actually do it.
I think that I’ve gained the most from some of the failures that I’ve had. A lot of them hurt at the time but looking back on them, they made me who I am today and I’m proud of that.
I can’t imagine what a completely successful life would be like, but I’m sure it would be boring. Thank you Cassie.
Wisdom comes with risks,
Risks are inherent in execution.
Execution rests on a decision to act,
Decisions imply choosing a path.
Choice always has detractors and nay-sayers,
Standing up for that choice often means you’re alone.
Being alone is scary and exhilarating,
It allows you to take risks others won’t dream of.
Perseverance brings those dreams to life,
And reposes belief in your heart.
Wisdom gained by testing and proving yourself in action is precious,
And allows you to risk wisdom, again.
Wow. Best comment ever.
I couldn`t agree more.