I just finished reading Wisdom by Andrew Zuckerman which I stumbled on via GOOD’s 15 Books You Must Read in 2010.
The book was inspired by the idea that sharing wisdom is one of the greatest gifts that one generation can give to the next. As such, Zuckerman went to great lengths to cultivate the thoughts of 50 of the world’s most prominent individuals over 65 years old.
You should read it. But, until then, here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Is it so important to get somewhere in a big hurry or is it better to take your time, one step at a time, and methodically reach the destination in a more efficient way?” - Buzz Aldrin
“Either you’re growing or you’re decaying; there’s no middle ground. If you’re standing still, you’re decaying.” - Alan Arkin
“Wisdom is the constant questioning of where you are. And when you stop wanting to know, you’re dead. You’re walking, but you’re dead.” - Billy Connolly
“The answer is invariably in the question.” - Billy Connolly
“Take your profession seriously; don’t take yourself seriously.” - Clint Eastwood
“You have to see it to be it.” - Billie Jean King
“Don’t be too ambitious. Do the most important thing you can think of doing every year and then your career will take care of itself.” - Henry Kissinger
“It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.” - Nelson Mandela
“Life is not perfect; it never will be. You just have to make the very best of it and you have to open your heart to what the world can show you. Sometimes it’s terrifying and sometimes it’s incredibly beautiful.” - Graham Nash
“Be here. Be present. Wherever you are, be there.” - Willie Nelson
“True compassion is recognizing true peace in yourself.” - Nick Nolte
“Learn from the past if you want what matters most in the present.” - Massimo Vignelli
