2-3-4 Friday

‘Seeking to spark the most potential within you per word of any online newsletter’

1 thought

Here’s a question that you might not have thought of. 
 

 What differentiates us from our primate cousins, who have bigger brains, better bodies, and more to boast of?

Why are we the ones destroying their habitats, rather than them crushing us under their tree-leaping limbs?

2 things I could offer. They both start with C-s.

Firstly, humans have figured out how to communicate. We are the only ones who have the ability to communicate across the whole species, and have been able to demonstrate the nuance in communicating. Rather than just saying ‘no!’, we have figured out how to say ‘no in these cases, and yes in those cases.’

Whilst primates may have the ability to use sounds to symbolise requests for food, only humans have the ability to use language to exchange information. 

Secondly and more importantly, we’re figured out how to codify.

The quote by Isaac Newton, written in his 1675 letter to Robert Hooke

If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants

illuminates an important point. 

Our abilities to create new knowledge today depends on how we've transmitted knowledge in the past. 

Knowledge transmission started with the humble pen and paper, which evolved to the book, expanding with the printing press, and then exponentially growing with the Internet. 

So what determines our continued human existence is because of our ability to communicate, and to codify knowledge. 

1 talk

We exist longer today, because we have learnt to pass down more knowledge in more efficient ways. 

1 tip

What does this have to do with you? 

For one, perhaps don't just think about how to get more knowledge, but how to create new ways of seeing the work you already do. However long you've lived, it's unique to you. You've a unique way of doing things that no one has. You've a different way of seeing the way that no one else does. 

That's worth sharing. 

Not just through pixels on the screen. 

Why not take some time to share it via a handwritten note to a colleague? Maybe you have some feedback for your friend. Write it down. 

Of course, if you're up to it, you could always write a book (it's not that hard, really). 

When we first started publishing, I confess. It was just a way to figure out how to get my books to the market. I (wrongly) believed I had some good ideas.

I figured out everything, printed the books, and waited for people to come. 

No one came. 

I spent $8400 over 2 years, and sold $230 worth of books. 

Whilst I never made back my money, I learnt something that profits alone would never teach me. 

Professing your expertise is easy. But until you put your name to the publication, not many are going to believe you. 

It's why books continue to exist, even though there are fancier ways of sharing knowledge today, like TikTok. 

Because everything else fades, but only the written word endures. 

Don't just consume knowledge. Publish the new ways you are seeing it. 

P.S. If you want us to publish your book, you could always contact us too.

John

Live Young, Live Well - Work Your Love

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