Wisdom isn’t just what you seek out. In fact, much of the most important wisdom we learn in life seeks us out. The piece of unsolicited advice from someone who has been in our position. The ​painful consequences​ of a bad decision that become undeniably clear. The feedback from the audience or the customer after all those years of work.

The question, as we talked about in a recent Daily Stoic email, is whether you’re willing to be taught. Life is constantly speaking to you. The world is always trying to teach you. But do you hear it? Are you open to it?

Epictetus said ​we can’t learn that which we think we already know​. Zeno reminds us that conceit is the impediment to growth and change. If you’re not willing to be taught, you cannot learn.

In this regard, let us take Marcus Aurelius as our model and example. That he loved to read and study was only a smart part of what made him so great. Marcus was willing to not just respect the unique position of being emperor-in-waiting to Antoninus, but also willingly ​showed up to class​ for the next two decades. It’s incredible. No one had the power to force him to submit to that, to be open to being taught and tutored. That was something he chose.

Will you choose the same? Are you willing to be taught? Let’s hope so.