Here is your second Seven-Bullet Monday for August
1. A quote I am pondering:
'To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom." - Socrates
In today's world, with all its social media, the posting of endless selfies and updates, and following other 'influencers', we have forgotten who we truly are. We have become a caricature of what we think others want to see, keeping up the facade of happiness and success while we struggle internally. Why don't, instead, we spend more time getting to know and love ourselves? Indeed, that's where the journey to wisdom begins.
2. A question I am asking myself:
Why am I like I am?
In line with Socrates' quote, I have been trying to understand why I like certain things, dislike others and have strong and sometimes uninformed opinions on issues. I hadn't explored the genesis of these opinions before, and it has been illuminating as I come to understand myself better and work on improving some of the less desirable traits.
3. A book I am reading:
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living – Ryan Holiday
This book is designed for reading one quote a day with its interpretation. It can also be read as a single book. It brings together the best thoughts of some of the greatest philosophical thinkers the world has seen, including Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus. The wisdom is timeless and practical for living a better life, and I took away many great lessons from the book. I am going to continue referring to it in the future.
4. My favourite podcast this week:
The Journal – Europe is Turning to Coal. What Does That Mean for Climate Change?
With Europe forced to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, it has had to turn to thermal coal plants to bridge that power gap. The increased demand has resulted in thermal coal prices trebling this year, and, in 2023, global coal consumption is projected to be the highest on record. This is hardly the story that climate change advocates want to hear. On the positive side, the Russian crisis is also accelerating the take-up of renewable power, which may ultimately offset the short-term jump in GHG emissions.
5. Hugh-Tips
Lessons from Charlie (Part XI)
Charlie Munger's quote this week: "The big money is not in buying or selling, but in the waiting."
Charlie's quote goes well with a similar one from his business partner, Warren Buffet, who said, "The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient." Some of us just can't resist making a trade because we want something to do, rather than wait out a more informed strategy. Research has shown that, on average, those who make fewer trades do better than those who trade frequently. So work out your strategy and exercise patience – it will serve you well.
6. My highlight this last week
Enjoying the contrast of a glacially fed freezing lake and hot springs at Harrison
Harrison Lake is huge (250km2), very cold because it is glacially fed, and it has a hot spring at its exit, all to boot. Spending the weekend here enjoying this magnificent lake, the towering landscape, and the hot summer weather has made me appreciate nature even more. I am very grateful to experience all of this and thankful for the beautiful part of the world I get to live in.
7. My challenge to you for this week
Listen, really listen
We spend far too much conversation time thinking of what we will say next instead of listening deeply, so let's do it differently this week. With a ratio of two ears to one mouth, practice listening twice as much as you talk in your one-on-ones this week. And when you listen, put yourself in the person's shoes and listen carefully to what they are and aren't saying.
Have an awesome week
Comentários