The Pen is mightier than the sword

Ed Chapman believes that the wider we read the more rounded we become,

‘with an understanding of a variety of viewpoints and across broad subjects, critically including reading those that we do not agree with in order to better understand where they are coming from’ . Here he explains.

The power of words is quite astonishing, hence the saying ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’* . Just one example, I was reading an article today where Ukrainians were explaining how their own parents living in Russia don ’t believe that their cities are being flattened by shelling. They truly believe that Putin is saving Ukraine from the Nazis and is liberating the country without targeting any civilian buildings or infrastructure.

Toamuchlesserextent,thewordswesayasleaders or coaches are critically important as well. I am sureweallhavestoriesinourheadaboutwhoweare orwhatskillswehave,orlack,basedonwhatwehave beentoldbyparents,teachers,bosses,etc.inthepast. Once wielded, we cannot take back things we have said, no matter how much we would like to. Therefore, it is my belief that the wider we read the more rounded we become with an understanding of a variety of viewpoints and across broad subjects, critically including reading those that we do not agree with in order to better understand where they are coming from.

Below are some books that I either constantly reread or having read them recently have added them tothatlist,andalsosomepodcastepisodesthatItreat the same.

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said that “ no maneverstepsinthesamerivertwice,foritisnotthe same river and he is not the same man ” , and I believe this to be true with books as well. Even the beloved childhood books that you read contain wisdom and truisms that only come to light as an adult; Alice in Wonderland is full of quite deep philosophical musingswhenreadwiththattiltinmind.Thebestfiction writes also manage this feat by taking real world problemsorcommentariesonlifeandweavingthem intothestories.TerryPratchettisinmyviewthebest in the world at this, with an economist currently working on an inflation index named after one of his characters.

Sapiens: a brief history of humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Official blurb: “Homo sapiens rules the world becauseitistheonlyanimalthatcanbelieveinthings thatexistpurelyinitsownimagination,suchasgods, states, money, and human rights. Starting from this provocative idea, Sapiens goes on to retell the history of our species from a completely fresh perspective. ” This is a truly fantastic and fascinating book which I have re-read on multiple occasions and each time take something different away. I first read this book after about the 47th person on various podcasts recommended it as their favourite book of all time. >

Jingo by Terry Pratchett

Pratchett’ s Discworld series of books is hands down my favourite of all time. It is broken down into miniseries, this one is part of the City Watch group of books and is quite a timely read. Published in 1997 sadly not much has changed in the world when it comestoprevailingattitudesaboutthosepeoplewho are the “ other ” and waging war on neighbours. It strikes at the stupidity, ingenuity, cold- and warmhearted nature of people and is a great read to.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Alongside Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman is my favourite author and this is my favourite of his books. I can ’t recommend the audiobook enough because Gaiman reads it in his magical voice and you ’ll find yourself captivated and able to switch off from the world, something I think we all need right now!

I am sure most people reading this are now thinking “fiction books? I don ’t have time to read any books, why on earth would I waste my time reading fictionwhenIwanttolearnandupskill?” .Inmyexperiencereadingfictionhasincreasedmyempathy,and wider EQ, skills immensely, as well as my general understanding of other people. They can be more provocative in making us think, which can lead to idea generation, and they help take us out of this crazyworldwhichwearelivingin,evenifonlybriefly, for a moments respite, which I think is probably invaluable currently.

Podcast episodes

I thought that rather than simply recommend some podcasts to listen to I would pick out three specific episodes that I have listened to on multiple occasions and have taken a lot from.

The Tim Ferriss Show: Episode 555.

“The Liberation of Cosmic Insignificance Therapy”

This short, 20 minutes, episode is Tim reading an extraction from a book entitled “Four Thousands Weeks: Time Management for Mortals ” and is a great listen when a moment of zen is needed and a reminder of where we are in the universe (spoiler: a tinyblipofafractionoftimeinhistory,onatinyrock in a gigantic universe!).

I am sure most people reading this are now thinking ‘fiction books? I don’t have time to read any books. Why on earth would I waste my time reading fiction when I want to learn and upskill?’ . In my experience reading fiction has increased my empathy, “

and wider EQ, skills immensely, as well as my general

understanding of other people. ”

The High Performance Podcast: Episode 87. “Alistair Campbell: What I’ve learned about winning in politics, sport and business”

I love this podcast and initially had no interest in listening to this episode due to the guest and my prior view of them as a conniving “ spin doctor ” based on a version of reality I had been told as a young teen. In actual fact I found him fascinating to listen to, had so many takeaways from this episode, not least among them to look deeper when I have a preconceived opinion about someone and ask myself why I have that opinion and what if the opposite where to be true.

The Peter Attia Drive: Episode 87.

“Rick Johnson, M.D.: Metabolic Effects of Fructose

Health and fitness has always been an interest and passion of mine and Peter Attia ’ s podcast is a great source of information for this. We all know sugar is bad for us but this podcast took it some steps further and broke down a lot of information, Rick Johnson is seen as the world leading expert on fructose and its effects. My notes were extensive from this episode and it has made me change some of my eating and drinking behaviours which have had positive improvementsonsomeofthemetricsthatImeasure.

I hope you will read or listen to some of my suggestions get out of them as much as I have. I truly believe that reading, and listening, widely is critical to a happier and better world where we can see other viewpoints and want to find the truth rather than argue for what we think is the truth and be open minded to others.

Ed Chapman MSc CMDip spent over six years at the Hong Kong Golf Club where he was Golf Operations Director. He joined from Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City, where he was Golf Academy Manager. He describes himself as a passionate club industry professional, an avid learner and a rational optimist.