Yesterday I wrote about how “Sometimes a line really catches my attention“.
Today am sharing a list from my friend Chip Conley of his 14 “Wisdom Principles and Practices“. Chip and I think alike in many ways. I’ve learned much from listening to him (“Knowledge Speaks, but Wisdom Listens), and I would love it if he has learned from me too (I love sharing learnings!).
On any given day, any line below could leap out for me, but today the one that “pops” is to “Make sure half your friends are at least 10 years older or younger than you.” I recognise I have friends of many ages who enrich my life and add wisdom for me to be curious and listen to, in their 20s through their 80s and all along that age spectrum.
Popping out the first names that come to mind across that age range, today giving thanks for their wisdom to (in approximate age order!):
Ollie B., Sam R., Alex B., Sam D., Carrie G., Pilar B., Maeve G., Morgan D., Chris V., Steve M., Chip C/. (of course!), Gordon B., Kay S., Alan D., Peter L., Bruce P., Bruce L.
My thanks to each of you for sharing your wisdom with me.
For my readers, do take a look at Chip’s list below and see what Wisdom Principle or Practice “pops” for you today!
1. Life lessons are the raw material for future wisdom.
Practice: Review your life experiences weekly, including how they’ll serve you in the future.2. Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
Practice: Learn active listening and appreciative inquiry to be a “first-class noticer.”3. Wisdom is not taught, it’s shared.
Practice: Create a container for vulnerable, life-changing conversations.4. Wisdom is as natural to our soul as is breathing to our body.
Practice: Move your operating system from your ego to your soul, from external to internal.5. Wisdom is a social good. It’s not the same as being smart or shrewd.
Practice: Invest your compassion into causes and people that deeply matter to you.6. A wise person is naturally curious.
Practice: Become a “long life learner” who lives a life as deep as it is long.7. You accumulate knowledge. You distill wisdom.
Practice: Learn how to discern and edit the essential from the distraction.8. A wise person knows how to “connect the dots.”
Practice: Develop your “crystallized intelligence” to become a holistic thinker.9. A wise person makes everyone around them better.
Practice: Learn mentorship skills that help create “invisible productivity” on a team.10. Wisdom is intergenerational.
Practice: Make sure half your friends are at least 10 years older or younger than you.11. Wisdom creates an alchemical wholeness.
Practice: Become a mixologist of your gravitas & levity, logical & lyrical, doing & being.12. A wise person focuses on the long term.
Practice: Learn how to become a good ancestor by embodying “I am what survives me.”13. Wisdom is dedicated to societal oneness.
Practice: Dedicate yourself to “generativity,” seeing all of nature as kin.14. Wiser person, better human.
Practice: In an era of AI hysteria, bet on human wisdom which is calming and inspiring.