We all know someone who seems to know a little about everything. They are trivia wizards. That’s impressive—but is it something everyone should strive for?
Seneca wrote about people who knew countless facts—dates, names, and who did what first—but referred to this as useless knowledge. He questioned the value of knowing so much if it doesn’t help you become a better person or contribute to the lives of others.
This idea becomes even more important when we think about how we learn in modern life.
It’s good to know some things, but knowing a little about everything without developing depth in anything is pointless. Instead, we should focus on what excites us and commit to learning it deeply.
We shouldn’t be learning to impress others, but to build knowledge that helps solve real problems—and to develop the wisdom to explain it clearly. Harry Truman once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
Leaders aren’t reading to impress others. They read to better themselves and to find ideas they can apply in their own lives. They don’t read simply to make small talk at events or dinner parties. They read to become better leaders, friends, spouses, parents, and citizens.
We should read to learn and grow—anything else is wasted.
The next time you’re reading, ask yourself how you can apply what you’ve learned.
Take care.