Our brain is filled with information pouring in daily. However, not all information is valuable. As Sherlock Holmes once said, our brain is like an empty attic. What we choose to fill this attic with can shape our lives. It is crucial to prevent useless knowledge from crowding out useful knowledge.
1. Sherlock Holmes’ Attic Analogy
Sherlock Holmes likened the human brain to an empty attic, emphasizing that one should carefully choose what to store in it. While fools clutter the attic with whatever they stumble upon, a skilled person selects only the necessary tools and keeps them well-organized.
This analogy teaches us an important lesson. A brain cluttered with unnecessary information lacks the space to retain what is truly needed. Therefore, we must fill our minds with carefully selected information.
2. Volatile Knowledge and Persistent Knowledge
Morgan Housel categorizes the knowledge we store in our brains into two types: volatile knowledge and persistent knowledge.
Volatile Knowledge
Volatile knowledge consists of the myriad of information that surrounds us daily. This information often grabs short-term attention but is quickly forgotten over time. Volatile knowledge informs us of what has happened, while persistent knowledge tells us why it happened and whether it might happen again.
Persistent Knowledge
Persistent knowledge does not fade easily and retains its value over time. Though it may be buried in books and hard to find, its value far exceeds that of volatile knowledge. Persistent knowledge provides us with deep insights and is crucial for long-term success.
3. Choosing the Knowledge to Fill Our Attic
So, what should we fill our attic with? We must first clarify our goals and values. After that, it is important to selectively acquire persistent knowledge related to them.
For instance, if you are interested in stock investment, reading books on basic investment principles and the experiences of successful investors will be more beneficial than following daily stock market news. This persistent knowledge will help you achieve stable, long-term profits, free from the volatility of the stock market.
Conclusion
What we choose to fill the attic of our brain with can determine our future. It is important not to be swayed by volatile knowledge but to selectively acquire persistent knowledge. By carefully filling our attic, we can live a better life. Now, it’s time for you to thoughtfully choose the knowledge to fill your attic.
Reference: Morgan Housel, “The Psychology of Money”