Seeking Wisdom Part I

Andy Andrews | July 9th, 2021

When Andy became homeless, he met a man names Jones and began reading biographies.  During the process of reading these, he found 7 things each of these people had in common.  These seven principles became the foundation for The Travelers Gift. 

One of these principles is… “I will seek wisdom”

Best question: “Is this a wise thing to do?” to be able to answer that, we have to know the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is information that is remembered.  The vast majority of 12-year-olds could drive a car through knowledge, but you wouldn’t toss them the keys because they wouldn’t have the wisdom to operate the vehicle in a consistent manner.  Wisdom is gained through experience.  And not necessarily ours.  Other peoples experience is the best experience. 

Wisdom is a deeper of understanding of a principle. A humble person can find wisdom before anyone else. Wisdom is only acquired by the diligent. 

First part of seeking wisdom…

1. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS CAREFULLY
  • Most parents are concerned with the kids our kids hang out with because our kids will turn out like them. Our kids are at a greater risk of doing the same stuff
    • At what age does peer influence stop being a factor? It’s always a factor
    • When you tolerate mediocratic in your friends, you will accept mediocrity in your life
    • If lazy doesn’t bother you, than you have accepted lazy as normal


  • What is a true friend to you?
    • More than 80% said, “someone that accepts me as I am” – this is dangerous because a true friend will hold you to a higher standard and expect will the most from you, makes you better being around them. 
    • Surround yourself with people who are better than you. Gain their wisdom. 
    • Keep a personal board of directors
    • Increase probability of success 
    • Put together a board of directors to maintain your growth
    • They don’t even know they are the B of D
    • Make a list of the important things in your life
      • Make a list of people that you respect in each of those areas 
      • Ask questions to seek their wisdom, use their experience to gain your wisdom.  Follow the previous footsteps in a minefield. 

Keep in mind three things…
  1. Dead people can be on your board, they may be some of the best
    • A good biography will provide details of their wisdom
    • Use their experience to gain your wisdom
  2.  Living people don’t even really need a relationship with these people, you can observe, listen and learn.  Proximity principle states you can be around the right people 
    • Who do I need to know?
    • Who do I need to be?
    • What do I need to start doing?

         3. You don’t have to tell these people they are on your board, you can someday but don’t have to. They will give purer and to the point answers if they don’t “know” they are on your board because they won’t feel the pressure to perform.