A SIMPLE PRINCIPLE

Maria Tallchief (b. 1925) was an American artist. She once shared a simple principle for becoming successful. But this principle is not only for artists—it applies to anyone in any field. The principle is:

see more, be more.

Curiosity is the driving force behind all progress. A person should always try to learn more. He should look more, listen more, and ask questions to expand his knowledge. The more knowledge someone gains, the more progress he achieves. And greater knowledge comes only to those who are always eager to know more.

Most people, however, remain unaware of their own ignorance. Without realizing it, they assume they already know enough. This mindset is harmful. Such a person is ignorant yet believes he is knowledgeable. He is unwise yet convinced he is wise. No matter how highly he values himself, in the real world he holds no value.

The best approach is for a person to think of himself as a student—and to always remain a student. He should never tire of seeking knowledge. His happiest moments should be when he discovers something new, when his knowledge increases.

The more a person knows, the more he becomes in this world. Intellectual growth strengthens action. It lifts a person from being ordinary to being extraordinary. Knowledge has no limit in this world, and therefore, the growth of knowledge has no limit. A person should always think of himself as “still learning,” so that his desire to know never fades.