The Wrath of Reading & Writing: Unleashing the Power of Chance and Prepared Minds

The Wrath of Reading & Writing: Unleashing the Power of Chance and Prepared Minds

"I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say." - Flannery O'Connor

In today's world, reading and writing have taken on a whole new level of importance. Frederik Gieschen, in his article "The Reading Obsession," highlights the obsession with reading that investors often attribute to Warren Buffett. However, Gieschen argues that while reading is crucial, networking, building friendships, and traveling also played a significant role in Buffett's success. The act of "working" in knowledge is a fundamental aspect of being human.

What has changed is not the significance of reading and writing, but rather the volume and mediums of information. The industrial revolution, among other factors, led to an explosion in literacy rates worldwide. Reading allows us to build a "prepared mind," as Louis Pasteur noted, "In the fields of observation chance favors only the prepared mind." The prepared mind reacts to different aspects of opportunities, recognizing preconditions and leveraging them for success. Just as insects evolved from little stubs on amphibians and fish, great innovations like Uber and Instagram were made possible by preconditions like mobile phone penetration and GPS technology.

By reading, we engage in the process of building a prepared mind. Without understanding the concepts, we are ill-prepared for conversations and lack the ability to contribute meaningfully. This aligns with the perspective shared by Packy McCormick, who emphasized the importance of writing something good rather than writing something each week. Writing allows us to articulate and bring our ideas to life, enabling us to delve deeper into our thoughts and gain a better understanding of what we truly think.

Dr. James Austin, a neurologist and philosopher, explores the role of luck in entrepreneurship in his book "Chase, Chance, and Creativity." He introduces four types of luck: Chance I, Chance II, Chance III, and Chance IV. Chance I refers to pure blind luck, something that happens completely accidentally without any effort on our part. Chance II involves action and motion, stirring up the pot and allowing random ideas to collide and stick together in fresh combinations. It requires persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment and explore.

Chance III goes beyond mere luck and requires a special receptivity, discernment, and intuitive grasp of significance unique to one particular individual. It favors those with a solid knowledge base and the ability to observe, remember, recall, and form significant new associations quickly. On the other hand, Chance IV is deeply personal and favors those with distinctive hobbies, lifestyles, and motor behaviors. It is not easily understood by someone else, as it stems from who you are and how you behave.

The connection between reading, writing, and luck becomes apparent when we consider the qualities that contribute to each type of luck. Curiosity, knowledge, and the ability to form associations are crucial in unlocking the power of chance. Reading cultivates curiosity and expands our knowledge, enabling us to have the building blocks for crafting solutions to problems we come across. Writing allows us to articulate our thoughts, making them more accessible for ourselves and others.

To harness the power of chance and prepared minds, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Cultivate a reading habit: Make reading a daily practice. Choose a variety of topics and genres to expand your knowledge and stimulate curiosity. Challenge yourself to read outside of your comfort zone.

• 2. Embrace experimentation: Don't be afraid to try new things and explore different paths. Be open to chance encounters and unexpected opportunities. By stirring up the pot and embracing motion, you increase the likelihood of stumbling upon something valuable.

• 3. Reflect and articulate: Take the time to reflect on what you read and what you think. Write down your thoughts and ideas, even if they are not perfect. The act of writing helps to clarify your thoughts and allows you to articulate them in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, reading and writing are powerful tools that enable us to build prepared minds and unleash the power of chance. As we immerse ourselves in knowledge, we become better equipped to identify preconditions and seize opportunities. By embracing curiosity, experimentation, and reflection, we can tap into the different types of luck and increase our chances of success. So, grab a book, start writing, and let your prepared mind guide you towards a future filled with serendipitous moments and breakthroughs.