Just finished The Man Who Loved Numbers, the biography of Paul Erdos, and now that I am finished with the book, I am obsessed with Paul Erdos, who spent his life doing nothing but studying mathematics, collaborating with friends, and solving complicated math problem after problem.
He lived really nowhere but traveled anywhere. If he read an interesting article or paper, or heard some interesting news, he called the person who was working on it, and went there. He carried one suitcase and a bag, both half full, that contained nearly all his belongings. He had no house, no clutter, no wife or children, he wanted no set teaching position, he simply wanted to travel the world, finding those things that he found of interest, and worried only about them. He was no hermit, he traveled everywhere. He definitely wasn't anti-social, he had friends everywhere, and has more papers with collaborators than just about anyone. He liked people. But he loved mathematics, the beauty of it, the challenge of it, and he build his liufe so that bhe could do exactly what he wanted with the minimum of anything else. Most of us might spend 5 percent of our time doing what we dream of, if that, and the rest doing what we should, or what we believe we have to do. Paul Erdos spent 100 percent of his time doing what he wanted. He lived his life. Most of us simply exist, dreaming of a life, but thinking of him, mhow he lived, I know anyone can, they just need to choose to live how they want. I am simply inspired. D New days bring brand new worlds.
Its something we all want but its like the weather, we all complain, but no one does anything about it, but we can influence the weather, at least our own private storm system We should focus on one goal at a time, and bring all energy to bear on that one goal. We need to be able to switch goals and tasks as resources come available, and to insure we are balanced we need to walk the middle of the extremes and chose four areas that balance out our time and focus; For example; Mind – the goal is to learn to focus and improve concentration and discipline - meditate 10 minutes a day Money – Start a business that allows me to be self-sufficient and learn - try a website business Body – Improve my strength and endurance - watch nutrition and set up a new work out plan Life – get the most out of the world and make our world a little better for us being in it. Each goal will have a target and a scorecard goal for each goal, with concrete projects designed to get you there. Measure yourself and document, basically the new rebuild project is you. D I am credited with being one of the hardest workers and perhaps I am, if thought is the equivalent of labour, for I have devoted to it almost all of my waking hours. But if work is interpreted to be a definite performance in a specified time according to a rigid rule, then I may be the worst of idlers.
“It was the artist, too, who awakened that broad philanthropic spirit which, even in old ages, shone in the teachings of noble reformers and philosophers, that spirit which makes men in all departments and positions work not as much for any material benefit or compensation -- though reason may command this also -- but chiefly for the sake of success, for the pleasure there is in achieving it and for the good they might be able to do thereby to their fellow-men. Through his influence types of men are now pressing forward, impelled by a deep love for their study, men who are doing wonders in their respective branches, whose chief aim and enjoyment is the acquisition and spread of knowledge, men who look far above earthly things, whose banner is Excelsior! Gentlemen, let us honor the artist; let us thank him, let us drink his health!” ~ Nikola Tesla |
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