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5 things worth sharing this week:

Empiricism is how we really learn

I’ve always been one for reading and aim to be an avid reader.

But reading isn’t how we learn.

We learn by “the stove is hot“ type experiences.

For example, a child who doesn’t realise how dangerous heat is may touch something hot and burn themselves.

Now, that same child knows exactly what not to do and can start taking steps to make sure they never get burned, e.g., wearing oven gloves, and waiting for the heat to dissipate before touching or eating anything hot.

This seems like a basic example; I use it because it’s relatable, and everyone would have gone through this experience at some point.

The key is using this trial-and-error empirical approach to everything in life.

I try to implement this advice by thinking less and doing more. 

Because it’s in the doing that we really learn.

As much as our minds may tell us otherwise.

As a rule of thumb, I’m trying not to let books affect me too much.

What I mean by this is that I read, but it’s not the pillar of my life.

The pillar is doing.

And everything else is secondary.

As much as I love reading, life is too complex and unpredictable to merely live life by following what one book says. This is why there is a never-ending supply of books.

No book can save us, no matter how well-intentioned or well-marketed it is.

Only we can save ourselves. 

And that’s by doing.

One action at a time.

Most books make propositions that, when tested in reality, have no grounds for being effective. 

It’s worth bearing that in mind.

We can never reach perfection, but we can always try our best 

Consistency beats perfection every time.

Consistency means putting in the work.

Perfection is an ideal that can’t be reached.

No matter what you do make sure you tidy your house, cluttered house = cluttered mind

It’s only when we deal with disease and injury that we find out what’s important in life; it’s not material things.

No matter how successful someone may seem, they are not really successful if they are constantly afflicted by inner turmoil. True success is having peace of mind, no matter how wealthy you are.

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