Knowledge

What kind of Surgeon are you?

As a book collector I have an extensive library, with my oldest book dating back to 1652 but there are many books in my library that I have not yet read.

For the past 30 years I have constantly encouraged my clients, friends and anybody who would listen, to read, learn and share information. My own reading habits are so strongly engraved in my mind that it is simply impossible for me to go to bed at night, unless I have done some reading.

With the instant access to information on the web many people have adopted the position that, as they can access anything whenever they need it, reading books is a bit of a waste of time.

Some perspective is required and a simple example might illustrate an answer to the new "web literate" brigade.

You are faced with having to undergo brain surgery and have to choose between two surgeons. 

Surgeon 1 has studied and researched a vast range of subjects relating to his field of specialization. He continuous this learning habit as part of his daily routine.

Surgeon 2 After qualifying as a surgeon he has stopped reading and researching, because he believes that whenever he needs information he can just call it up on the web.

Which one will you select ?

In your industry are you surgeon 1 or 2 and should you be a 2, consider the risk you are exposing your clients to.

Web access has clear value and could be a great tool to assist  in the ongoing reading research and learning required to build better foundations of knowledge. In many ways the web enables us to access books even more easily and for very little money.

The habit of continuous learning, whether by book of web, has the advantage of building knowledge before you need it and provides a platform for experience to build on.  

For all those with the Surgeon 1 habits,  I would recommend reading Nassim Taleb's  Black swan  and the story of Umberto Eco's antilibrary.

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