The series, The Wisdom In This, are actionable insights from key topics, articles, authors, and interviews to help you quickly and easily apply wisdom in all things. These are emailed to you when you sign up for the Wisdom In All Things newsletter
Mind | Why critical thinking matters now more than ever
Critical thinking, is, well, critical in today’s world, where echo chambers and charismatic leadership can distort decision-making and truth. Everyday scenarios, such as hustle culture or blindly following influencers, demonstrate how universal human desires for connection, certainty, and purpose can make us vulnerable to manipulation. The antidote is fostering intellectual independence, resisting the pull of charismatic but unsubstantiated claims, and at the very least, challenge that charisma with good questions.
Body | Why You’re Chronically Overcommitted
There is a tendency of early-career professionals to overcommit, driven by the need for validation, fear of rejection, and unhealthy comparisons with others. Overcommitting often leads to poor work quality, burnout, and decreased productivity, rather than focusing on doing the right things well. Check yourself against these signs of overcommitment: saying yes without considering capacity, avoiding prioritization and tackling only urgent tasks, or frequently working extra hours to “catch up”, and adopt the recommended remedies.
Soul | How Not to Respond to Suffering
Recall Job’s wife’s response to their immense suffering in Job 2:9-10. While Job remained steadfast in trusting God, his wife, overwhelmed by grief, suggested that Job should “curse God and die.” Pastor John Piper explains that her response aligns with Satan’s desire to use suffering to provoke people to turn away from God. However, Job rebukes her gently, pointing out God’s sovereign right to give both blessings and calamities. Though we suffer, we need not despair.