Words are the main tools we have for formulating and expressing our ideas. That means that our understanding cannot be more precise than the meaning of words. If we use vague words, then our ideas will be vague.

Every field of study has a specialized vocabulary. The first step in learning a new subject is to learn the exact definitions of the words used in that field.

Excitement gives us extra energy, which is good. It also focuses and narrows our thinking and can lead us to overlook something important.

I knew a prison warden who took great pride in his record in catching escapees.  Part of the reason he was good at catching them was because he had lots of practice.  His facility had the highest rate of attempted escapes in the state.  After a while, he was replaced by a new warden who had his priorities straight.

We have been hearing and seeing a lot of short statements presented as important truths.  As we have thought about them from different angles, none of them have stayed simple.  Together, we have come up with exceptions to many of these “rules”, while they are useful guides, they are not pure truths.  Pure truth requires an understanding that is deeper than mere words can express.  Let us continuously strive to be aware of the complexity of reality.

Fear raises its ugly head when we are confronted by situations that we aren’t sure that we can handle.  Fear makes us want to avoid the things that we are afraid of.  But, the fear is not inherent in the thing we are facing; it rises out of our doubts.  Madame Curie’s advice is to seek to understand the scary things so that we learn how to handle them.  Understanding will eliminate the fear and expand our comfort zone.  For example, since I understand how lightning works, I can shield m...

Napoleon is often portrayed as an egotistical military genius, but here he is quoted as saying that everybody (together) is wiser than the greatest genius.  Maybe we shouldn’t be looking for a wise man to follow when we could be taking advantage of the collective wisdom of all the people around us.

Like the Honduran farmer in the picture, Jimi Hendrix was not a highly educated man.  So it may seem strange to quote a rebellious rock musician as a source of wisdom.  Yet, he seems to have captured a truth that escapes many “experts.”

Knowledge is information that can be given out by simply talking and explaining.  Wisdom is more complicated; it requires knowing the best choice that can be made in a given situation.  Since every situation is unique in some way, telling what I have le...