A beautiful mind. Perhaps you’re now thinking of Russell Crowe; I’m thinking of Chris Archer. Too dramatic? Maybe, but it’s how I feel. Next time Arch is on TV or conducting a radio interview, listen closely. His thought processes, regardless of topic, are not typical for anyone, let alone an elite professional athlete. His mind is different. It’s beautiful. Read for yourself.
10 pages a day, 1 book a month, 12 books a year can change your life. A change in your life is a change in the world.
For me, life isn’t about getting your college degree and then going to work in whatever field you studied. Learning isn’t spending years in school and then never stretching your mind again. Take a step back and look at our education system. I’m not trying to knock it; it serves a purpose. However, it’s very bland, basic and, most importantly, limited. The things I learned in the public education system were barely the tip of the iceberg. There is a universe of truth, history, knowledge and wisdom that is actually out there.
My mentor always told me the only thing in life that is constant is change. I have found that to be true. Science and our worldly perspectives are evolving at a rapid pace. How can we stand still and never do further research, never crack open a book, never search for the latest articles, never watch documentaries?
I didn’t always find reading essential. I never had a desire to even step foot in book store. I despised reading and made any and every excuse not to read. “It makes me tired,” “I don’t have the attention span,” “I don’t have the time.” When I was 17, my mentor gave me a book. I’m not going to mention the book’s name; it’s irrelevant. What is relevant is how I suddenly fell in love with what reading has to offer. I discovered there was so much more than memorizing and regurgitating information for tests. I felt like I could add more to conversations after being exposed to other people’s experiences and ideas. I was sharper and more articulate when expressing my thoughts. Most importantly, I learned to look inward and recognize the difference between what my actual thoughts are versus what society tells me to think.
How are we supposed to know if we agree with the things we’ve been taught (or have been programmed to think) if we never delve into other philosophies, deeper into science or further into history? Some of your thoughts will be confirmed. A few (maybe significant, maybe not) will not be confirmed. It is essential to make sure your current thoughts are updated, but it’s also a challenge. It can be hard to accept when you come across something that contradicts what you’ve always believed to be true.
I’ll leave you with this: the physical side of human evolution is over. We are not going to develop extra limbs or new sensory organs to help us navigate the land. But we have only tapped into the slightest portion of the strongest muscle any of us possess, our brain. It’s our job to strengthen our brains as much as we can through reading, applying new thought patterns, discovering new experiences and passing those things to our next generation. The great thinkers and philosophers of the past did those things for us, and we can do them for others. All it takes is a little effort.
Thanks to all who took the time to read this and a special thanks to Gabe Kapler for the challenge of writing. You were right; it was a great experience to take the thoughts swimming through my mind and put them down on paper.
Chester says
True, Chris — for reading not only exercises the brain but allows us to stretch the boundaries of our imagination and hear our own voice interpreting others’ thoughts. Cliches aside, thank you for this post. Might be a good idea to share with school-age children — coming from a ballplayer, this is likely to have positive effect.
Gabe Kapler says
Dig that, Chester. Thanks for chiming in today.
billstraehl says
Fantastic post-thanks to Chris and Gabe. Want to meet an interesting person? Find one who reads a lot.
Gabe Kapler says
Ain’t that the truth?
Jerry says
Bravo Gabe for such a great, poignant post. Chris – you are a breath of fresh air. I find that people communicate in sound bites rather than well researched (or at least well read) conversations regarding situations in the world. I had someone say to me recently “Unions bankrupted Detroit”. I think the financials of one of America’s greatest cities of the 20th century are far more complex than something this simple. People want the easy way out; the canned, positional political sound bite as definite argument points.
I am excited to look forward to my sunset years enjoying many, many more books. Its exercise for the mind!
Gabe Kapler says
Nice job with this comment, Jerry. Like your angle.
Sean says
You should have Archer do a guest post sometime. I heard Archer on Ferrin and Duquette’s show earlier in the season and he was brilliant.
Sean says
More often I meant to say haha. Recommendations on books perhaps!
Gabe Kapler says
I love that idea. Thanks, Sean.
Msquared says
Thoughtful and articulate Chris.
Well written. I will book (Kap?) a reading session this evening.
Gabe Kapler says
Bravo.
Michelle Williams says
Fantastic post! Reading is one of my favorite things. I always try and get people to read more and often, regardless of genre. It’s amazing what the written word can do for the mind. : )
Gabe Kapler says
That’s right, Michelle. Thanks for participating.
Duane says
Very nice post Chris. I must admit that I don’t read as much as I should but I get some pages in on the weekends. My japanese woodworking tends to keep my mind and imagination going. Finding new and creative ways of doing shoji screens and wood joints keeps it fun as well. Kap thanks for allowing Chris to drop some knowledge on us.
Gabe Kapler says
Duane said Japanese woodworking, dropped the mic, and walked off the stage.
darby wright says
Read john wooden books .they will inspire you
Gabe Kapler says
Seconded, Darby.
kbeyazdancer says
You don’t stop learning just because you’re out of school-my father told me that when I was younger. This post made me think of that. It also made me think of one of my favorite books-Fahrenheit 451. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t read.
This is a great post Chris. Thank you for writing this. I am sure you have a really interesting reading list. And once again, a big shout out to Kap for finding another guest blogger.
-Kelebek
Gabe Kapler says
Thanks, Kelebek.
Matthew D says
Mind. Body. Spirit. All three go together and all three strengthen each other. Often times the emphasis is placed on training the body and, unbeknownst to us, holds back our physical conditioning. It’s amazing the impact a sound mind and tuned spirit can impact overall health.
Gabe Kapler says
Preach, MD.
Kent says
Are you reading the dictionary? Oh, you caught me. I like to break a mental sweat too.