Charles Darwin on Energy and Attention, from his Autobiography:
“The above various special studies were, however, of no importance compared with the habit of energetic industry and of concentrated attention to whatever I was engaged in, which I then acquired. Everything about which I thought or read was made to bear directly on what I had seen and was likely to see; and this habit of mind was continued during the five years of the voyage. I feel sure that it was this training which has enabled me to do whatever I have done in science.”
Also cool: he paid special attention to collecting facts which did not agree with his prior conceptions. He called this a golden rule. Great proxy for finding breakthrough ideas.
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Two thoughts on leverage and judgement by Naval:
In an age of infinite leverage, judgement is the most important skill. Leverage is a force multiplier for your judgement.