"Un homme n'apprend que de deux façons, l'une en lisant et l'autre par l'association avec des personnes plus intelligentes."

People gain knowledge in two principal ways: through reading and through interacting with people who are more knowledgeable. Pretty simple, right? You can either pick up a book and dive into the collective wisdom of the ages, or you can hang out with folks who already know a lot and absorb their insights.

Let’s rewind a bit for some context. This idea has been around for ages, but it was popularized by Will Rogers, a humorist and social commentator from the early 20th century. He had a knack for distilling complex ideas into pithy, relatable statements. Rogers was living in a time where education was becoming more accessible, but the idea of seeking knowledge from those around you was equally stressed.

Imagine this: you’re working at your first job in a big tech company. You’re a newbie, fresh out of college, with a head full of theories but not much practical experience. You’ve got access to all the best manuals and training materials, and you spend your evenings reading up on the latest trends in your field. But it’s the conversations you have with your more experienced colleagues that really light the bulb. Over coffee breaks and team meetings, you pick up on the little tricks they use, the shortcuts they’ve developed, and the pitfalls they’ve learned to avoid. Through these interactions, you’re learning at a pace that no book alone could replicate.

So, how do you make this wisdom work for you? First off, never underestimate the power of a good book. Make it a habit to read regularly. Choose books that challenge you and expand your horizons. But don’t stop there. Seek out mentors and build a network of knowledgeable people. Engage with them, ask questions, and really listen to their answers. It’s not just about picking their brains but also about observing how they think and solve problems.

Here’s a story to bring it home. Think about a young artist named Sarah. She’s passionate about painting but feels stuck. She’s read every book on technique and art history she can find, but her work still feels uninspired. One day, she meets an older, established artist at a gallery opening. They strike up a conversation, and Sarah starts visiting the artist’s studio regularly. She watches him paint, listens to his critiques, and slowly, her own work begins to evolve. The colors she uses become bolder, her compositions more daring. She’s still reading, still learning from books, but it’s the direct influence and guidance of her mentor that sparks the biggest changes.

In a nutshell, don’t silo yourself into thinking you can only learn from books or only from people. Use both avenues. Read widely and deeply, but also engage actively with people who know more than you. It’s this combination that will supercharge your learning and personal growth. So, next time you’re at a crossroads, pick up a book—and then go find someone who’s already walked the path you’re starting on.