Wisdom = Intellect x Experience2
Don’t you think this is a marvelously self serving formula for an old guy to use? Ok, so we can argue about whether experience should be squared, cubed or otherwise adjusted. Hopefully, we can agree on the basic concept that growth in experience contributes more to wisdom than having a high intellect.
Also, I think it is important to recognize that all of these elements are highly localized. Great wisdom in one area does not even mean competence in another area. (I call this the Hollywood Political Advice Rule.) After all, who would you rather perform your appendectomy – an average surgeon or a brilliant attorney?
If you are having a little difficulty with the concept of “localized wisdom”, perhaps you would feel more comfortable using “expertise”. Just be aware that I really mean more than just expertise. As Webster describes it “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment”
Experience is gained three primary ways:
- Education is the introductory level to experience which includes learning the basics. For most of us this is some form of “book knowledge” or a formal training program.
- Mentoring is when someone personalizes and guides you through rapid experience growth heavily influenced by their own experience.
- Live it. Nothing helps you grow better than making a huge mistake or living through a transformative experience.
This site is about the creation of software, an area were I can share some wisdom. I will offer references to places where you can gain education, attempt to provide meaningful mentoring (your feedback will help me here), and share some of my experiences. More importantly, I hope to direct you to some key areas where I believe your invested time and passion will create great opportunities to make huge mistakes and live though transformative experiences.
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
One final note: The problem with experience is that it is based on what has already happened. My greatest career successes were things that “wise men” knew were impossible. I was too ignorant to know, so I accomplished them anyways. (More on this later.) Paradigm shift thinking normally comes from the rebellious, passionate and sometimes ignorant. So, learn from the wise, but trust your intuition.