Luck is obviously an important consideration if you’re aiming to be successful at anything. But what does it mean for someone successful to be lucky? I can think of three main ways. The first is when the element of chance occurs before that person comes into the world. This kind of luck is pervasive and […]
Is Old Advice Better?
Should you pay more attention to wisdom, when it comes from an ancient source? Or should you stick to advice that heeds closer to the scientific principles and moral scruples of our current time? Some argue that ancient wisdom is definitively better. There are some good reasons for this. First, there’s probably a filtering effect […]
How to Take Notes While Reading
Note-taking is an incredibly powerful tool for learning. Notes extend your memories. I’ve explained before how writing can be seen as an external enhancement of your brain, allowing you to think more complicated thoughts and solve harder problems. Notes you keep, therefore, act to expand your memory. Notes enhance your focus. The act of taking […]
How to Push Past Your Analysis Paralysis
You know you should really get started but you can’t. What if you make the wrong choice? What if you start it out the wrong way, and it all gets ruined? You start to feel that weight in your stomach, that tension in your chest, as you feel a little panic about the idea of […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.