3 words to live by: Read, read, read
I came across a piece about General Mattis that highlighted his discipline of reading. Here are some points:
- “Mattis was known to have had a personal library of over 7,000 books, and prompted the study of history for his troops through required reading lists of various history books for his officers before battle.”
- “He noted that his reading, ‘doesn’t give me all the answers, but it lights what is often a dark path ahead.'”
- “Mattis reportedly never owned a television set.”
I’ve experienced some things in reading that may have helped deepen his intellect:
- Books require you to follow an argument in close detail. A book’s length allows it’s author to dig into great detail and requires close and sustained attention from readers.
- Novels allow authors to develop characters over time, requiring readers to navigate subtlety.
- In this fast media age, books require us to give them time. We won’t resolve things in the 30 minutes of a sitcom or the 2 hours of a movie. Instead, we have to display patience as we digest the book.
I have to think that reading discipline gave him an intellectual depth that helped him find his way through dilemmas. We often find ourselves on the horns of dilemmas, confronted by 2 alternatives neither of which lead to favorable outcomes. A deep intellect can help us find a 3rd way. Being able to find ways through dilemmas leads to a good reputation. Some points from the article:
- “Beyond the bravado, and tough wartime rhetoric, Mattis was known to be an intellectual among the military’s upper ranks, a thoughtful and well-read commander, emphasizing (perhaps in a monkish way) the study of both history and philosophy.”
- “Mattis emphasized that his Marines always take a reasoned approach to the battlefield”
- “Mattis’ ethics ensure that he has always told politicians and higher-ups his honest views on often thorny political or military issues.”