The Value of Obvious Advice and the Power of Commonplace Books

The Value of Obvious Advice and the Power of Commonplace Books

Good advice is often referred to as "obvious." We've all heard the saying, "It's common sense." And yet, there's something intriguing about this notion. Why is it that advice which seems obvious can still be useful and impactful? Scott H Young, a well-known writer and entrepreneur, explores this phenomenon in his article, "Good Advice is 'Obvious'." He suggests that the value of advice lies not in its novelty, but in its ability to challenge our intuitions and provide us with a fresh perspective.

Young argues that even if advice seems obvious, it can still be valuable because it counters our intuitions. Our intuitions are often fuzzy and unreliable, leading us to make flawed judgments. When we encounter advice that contradicts our intuitions, it forces us to question our assumptions and consider alternative possibilities. By challenging our intuitions, obvious advice can help us see things in a new light and make better decisions.

In the realm of personal development, James Clear, the author of "Atomic Habits," provides an interesting example of the power of obvious advice. When asked about his success, Clear revealed that he had been a guest on over 200 podcasts in the first six months after his book's launch. This strategy may seem obvious to some, as it is a common way to promote a book. However, the key takeaway here is that although people may already know that being a guest on podcasts can help promote a book, very few actually take action on this knowledge. Clear's success lies not in a groundbreaking secret, but in his execution of a well-known strategy.

This highlights an essential aspect of knowledge – it is not always about discovering secrets. Instead, it is often about discerning which seemingly mundane explanation or strategy is the most effective. It's about identifying the nodes and relationships between them and resurfacing them in our own lives. This concept can be applied in various areas, from business to personal relationships. By focusing on the basics and executing them consistently, we can often achieve remarkable results.

So, how can we apply this understanding of obvious advice and knowledge to our own lives? One practical application is through the use of commonplace books. The idea of commonplace books has been around for centuries, with readers collecting quotations and insights in personal notebooks. The honey bee serves as a symbol for these books, as they gather nutrients from various flowers. Similarly, readers gather knowledge from different sources and compile them in their commonplace books.

The beauty of commonplace books lies in their adaptability. Even in the digital age of 2023, we are still collecting quotations and insights. However, the question arises: where do we keep these valuable pieces of information? One possible solution is a platform called Glasp. It provides a digital space for organizing and storing quotations, allowing users to easily access and reference their collection.