“There are many paths to wisdom, but nearly every one of them runs through books.”
—Ryan Holiday, Wisdom Takes Work
Our education is not supposed to end when we finish our formal schooling.
In fact, that’s really just the beginning of true learning…the important kind where we begin to teach ourselves what we REALLY need to learn in order to be better, live better, help others do the same—and not buy in to the craziness of the world around us.
Without books & podcasts to guide me on my journey through life, I don’t know where the heck I’d be right now…but it sure wouldn’t be where I am—which is in a great place!
I may not be as up to date on current events as some people…but quite frankly, I’m not buying what the big shots in the world right now are trying to sell me. And exposing my mind to all that pompous hot air, much of which is utter nonsense, is a waste of my valuable time. Instead, I am choosing very wisely WHO I allow to occupy my mental real estate these days.
Which brings me to the book I am reading at the moment: Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday. I have barely scratched the surface of the book but am already compelled to write a blog about what I’m learning. The first chapter, entitled “A Most Unusual Education…,” hit a chord. It’s all about Michel de Montaigne (1533 to 1592).
If you are not familiar with Montaigne, he was a highly influential figure in French literature and philosophy. He was a writer, thinker and public official. Best known for popularizing the essay as a literary form, Montaigne’s introspective and humanist approach to writing had a lasting impact. His reflections on life, self-examination, and skepticism influenced generations of writers and philosophers, shaping the way personal thought and experience are conveyed in literature.
Considering I spend my days/life weaving my personal thoughts and experience into my writing, one would think I would have known about Michel de Montaigne! Alas, I did not. I’m sure I must have learned about Montaigne at university…but if I did, it didn’t stick. Probably because when/if I learned about him when I was in my early twenties, I had NO idea where my path would take me. Now that I am well along that path as a writer, I was fascinated to learn more.
Here’s a snippet of what author Ryan Holiday taught me about Montaigne:
“When he wasn’t reading, he was thinking, luxuriating in his own company and the freedom to nurture his own thoughts, to exercise his mind,” says Holiday. “He was a citizen of the world.”
“What can we say we have learned from the life of Montaigne?” asks Holiday. “First, that education is something that does not end. We know that an education, even if directed by someone else at the beginning, eventually reverts into our own hands—we must teach ourselves if we are to learn anything.”
“We know from Montaigne that ego is the enemy of wisdom,” continues Holiday. “That conceit is the impediment to knowledge. We take from his example the need to be always curious, always questioning, always open, always ready to learn something new. And finally, we understand that we learn in order to live, that all accomplishments pale in comparison to that rarest of rare things, self-awareness.”
Wise words indeed.
“To not be made crazy by the craziness around you demands courage and discipline and justice and wisdom.”
—Ryan Holiday, Wisdom Takes Work
In today’s increasingly crazy world, this advice is more relevant than ever.
As Mahatma Ghandi said: “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Becoming self-aware of who we are, and who we are choosing to listen to and learn from, is a significant component in bringing about the changes needed for a better world…for all.
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