Wisdom in fragments

Fictions grant us a semblance of understanding, a hint of control, and a sense of community during times of solitude. This makes misinformation appealing, as it fulfils these basic human desires: comprehension, control, and community.

Unlike a machine, which processes myriad data points yet remains detached from meaning, we humans instantly ascribe significance to our sensory perceptions. The colour red transcends mere visual data, morphing into a spectrum of experiences.

We do not operate like cameras, capturing a 1:1 replica of the external world. Our sensory faculties are not conduits of raw data; they are gateways to a world laden with meaning.

To me, phenomenology embodies the philosophical discourse on experience. It's not about a verbatim representation of the world, but rather an exploration of how experiences manifest. Phenomenology serves as a methodical lens through which we scrutinise social phenomena.

These three facets of attention—focus, panoptic, and hyper-reflection, are inherent human abilities, each vital in its own right. Their harmonious cultivation is instrumental in leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. They are not merely skills, but essential components that enrich our understanding and interaction with the world.

Many founders delay implementing governance structures and view governance as a burden rather than an opportunity. Our key message here is that governance is not just important; it's crucial.

The idea itself constitutes about 20% of the success, the remaining 80% hinges on execution. This understanding is vital for an early-stage investor to gauge the potential success of a venture.

Vice President of the United States under William Howard Taft

Industry expertise can sometimes be a hindrance in innovation. Those deeply entrenched in an industry are often the least likely to disrupt it.

Vice President of the United States under William Howard Taft

It's important to differentiate between a large market and a large opportunity; they're not one and the same. The ideal scenario is to tackle a significant problem within a substantial market, thereby creating a sizable opportunity.

Vice President of the United States under William Howard Taft

The classic 'lightbulb moment' is largely a myth. Remarkably, about half of these founders engaged in what we've termed a 'deliberate ideation process.' Intriguingly, they set out to establish a company with no specific idea in mind.

The real power lies in being able to apply these techniques in everyday life. Whether you're on the subway, stuck in traffic, or taking a stroll in the park, these practices are accessible.

Tuning into these feeling tones reveals their powerful influence – they often control our lives in ways we're completely unaware of.

There's a moment when the unconscious crystallises into consciousness, leading to all our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In ancient texts, this moment is referred to as 'vedana', and we describe them as 'feeling tones.'

These accumulating errors can foster feelings of the world being against us, a sense of continuous misfortune, and the magnification of everyday stresses and unhappiness.

Our brains actively construct a model of the world, which is our actual experience. Incoming sensory data serves mainly to verify and correct this internal model.

However, if the supply is infinite, (that's true of emails), then you're never actually going to get that position of mastery over time. What's going to happen is that you just get busier and busier and move faster and faster!

Guardian columnist & author on psychology, time management, and happiness