Learning as a Gift, Applying as an Advantage

I mean, it’s another week with a ton of thoughts, a gazillion observations, questions, and new ideas… but very few conclusions to share is more what I mean to say.

So here’s a quick observation that I’ve made after hearing two people, from different countries (on opposite sides of the world actually), say almost the exact same thing.

Both men are in their late-sixties/early-seventies.

Both successful in their careers, have families (and grandchildren), and are living life to the fullest.

Each have a different standard of living, but according to each, it’s nearly perfect to them.

Both men said almost the exact same thing: our entire lives we’ve opened an encyclopedia when we wanted to learn something; and that’s how we learned what we know and did what we’ve done.

And I know, most “boomers” could say the same thing.

And some of their kids maybe.

But regardless, having the same thing said twice, without prompting, struck me for some reason.

Two quick thoughts:

1. We have access to SO MUCH information today, and with search & processing capabilities that these two men could barely wrap their minds around. It’s a shame that the younger generations (the one right above me, mine, and the one under me; very specifically) take for granted the gift of education, access to knowledge, and ability to learn rapidly.

2. Today, we (younger generations) so quickly throw out the wisdom of the older generation(s) [and believe me, I do get why], because what do they know, having learned everything from 2 shelves of bound books (to us, that’s nothing - we have access to the INTERNET), and barely able to search for a friend on Facebook.

My conclusions are still finalizing, but there are a few things I’m arriving at…

1. We take for granted what we have most access to.

2. Wisdom is not knowledge - but rather knowledge applied.

3. It is the application that sets the winners and losers apart.

In the age of a massive technological revolution, unlike ever seen in history, we have the ability to process data to information & information into knowledge faster than any generation before us. But it is the few who put in the work to apply that will rise.

I want to be someone who doesn’t need to be told how, when, or why to apply knowledge.

When I have it, I just want to apply it - and rapidly, diligently, and intentionally.

Am I always? Goodness no.

But I’m seeing more right now, for whatever reason, that there is a STARK contrast between those who just “learn” and those who “learn & apply”.

I want to be the second one.