--- ## Highlights In retrospect, it makes sense why this physical award meant so much to them. It wasn’t about an accumulation of a material good, or the desire to boast to their friends about how well their children were doing. It was more so a tangible manifestation of relief – an affirmation amongst themselves that everything was going to be okay with their son. As immigrant parents, their marriage was defined by the nature of sacrifice, to work tirelessly to make the move worth it, and to overcome the battles that come with living in a foreign country together. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h0q2cyzeb9heh4tsecxn1j3r)) - 💭 a really heartwarming perspective on parents celebrating their children's successes Most of the things we do in life aren’t done in the pursuit of wisdom, but wisdom may be an accidental byproduct of some events. When this happens, a gold nugget may be released from the block you were chipping away at, and it falls onto the ground. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h0q2jxjrwdrnprxfgdztkevp)) In between the two mines is an underground funneling network that sucks up all the gold nuggets from the Mine of Everyday Events and places them in the Gold Mine of Wisdom ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h0q2k2tw0c3dwb1c2jgrdp3j)) The most common funneling mechanisms are works of creativity, primarily in literature and art. The bits of wisdom you pick up from everyday life may be scattered and disjointed, but an insightful book can act as a structured source of wisdom you can point to for reference. This is why all major religions are founded upon a book that people can point to for their life principles. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h0q2j8rms1mbav03q1bgzd1n)) In order to open these doors, we must press pause on the incessant motion of daily life through the avenue of reflection. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h0q2kcttjm06z88fb63n96wp)) primary purpose of this trophy is not to look pretty, but to remind you of what you are capable of thinking ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h0q2n8kkcz22h19gkh55rp8w)) The more time I spend thinking and writing about the problems that matter, the more trophies I build, all of which illuminate a path back toward the Gold Mine of Wisdom. It is this virtuous cycle that allows me to go about my day with more intention, less haze, and grounded rationality. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h0q2pmc7d0pwcktrczn777tm)) the real utility of the practice is revealed when you face the problems that you’re already addressed in your work. When you realize that you already know how to handle the difficult challenges that await you. The power of writing is not about the praise you receive from others. It’s about the realization that a kinder and wiser version of yourself is accessible whenever you need that person the most. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h0q2qvscxh2sg5nnyskd06qn))