Wisdom is a flywheel.
This idea has become a guiding principle in my life, especially after stepping into the role of a parent.
Imagine life as a flywheel — a giant wheel that, once set in motion, keeps gaining momentum. In the context of family, this flywheel is fueled by wisdom. I stumbled upon this idea when my first child arrived, a time filled with chaos, sleepless nights, and countless “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?” moments. It made me realize that the real legacy we can pass on isn’t just wealth or knowledge but wisdom — the kind that’s been seasoned by experiences, failures, and triumphs.
We often pass down stories, values, and lessons almost subconsciously, but what if we did it more purposefully? Imagine if we could look two or three generations ahead and sow seeds of wisdom that can guide them long after we’re gone. This isn’t about teaching them how to run a business or master a skill but about imparting the moral compass and common sense that have guided us.
This kind of wisdom shapes how we interact with our families, how we handle tough times, and how we celebrate victories. It’s about turning everyday moments into opportunities to share insights that could someday help our children or even our grandchildren navigate their own paths.
Here’s something I’ve come to realize: Our families, in all their complexities and quirks, are our most significant assets. Not just in the literal sense, but in the wealth of diverse experiences, perspectives, and strengths they bring to the table. Investing time and effort into nurturing these relationships, sharing stories, and listening — really listening — to one another, is where true wisdom is cultivated.
So, my advice? Start today. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures or formal sit-downs. It’s in the small, everyday interactions. Share a story from your past, ask for their opinions on a tricky situation, or simply talk about your day and the lessons it brought. You’d be surprised how much wisdom is passed in these simple exchanges.
I encourage you to think of your family as a beautiful, intricate tapestry of stories and lessons, each thread representing a piece of wisdom that can be carried forward. Let’s weave this tapestry together, not just for us but for the generations that follow.
Take care, and let’s keep this conversation going.
See a visual example of the flywheel.
What’s the difference between knowledge, which includes practical expertise and formal education, and wisdom, which is more about common sense and moral judgment? Wisdom accumulates and transfers through generations. In this video, I explain visually how each generation builds upon the wisdom of the previous ones, leading to a scenario where the fourth generation possesses significantly more wisdom than their ancestors. This generational wisdom isn’t about being better people but rather having a different, more insightful worldview, avoiding the need to start from scratch with each new generation.
What caught my attention
Give the gift your young family will love: A Rolodex
Sometimes, it’s possible — it happens — I will talk about an obscure technology, so old, and so ancient that must be explained further. Otherwise, the upcoming generation cannot comprehend the analogy! This is one of those times. Before the internet and email, the smart phone, QR codes, and Apple Wallet, you had to exchange, in person, a paper business card in order to stay in touch. But how will I ever keep track of all the people in my network?! Welcome to the Rolodex … get one for a loved one this Christmas. They’ll love it!
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
This is another foundational book that really gets us to think beyond ourselves. For teenagers and young adults, a lot of wisdom and continued conversations can come from reading or listening to this book. Regardless of your age or even if you have read this book at some point in your life already, I would encourage you to run through it again and again. You will be surprised as to what little wisdom nuggets you find.
Living a Rich Life
James, the author of this book, is a Cincinnati guy and I love his take. In my words, not his, money and wealth are what we may aspire for, but really what we seek is purpose and relationships. Keep it simple and remind yourself that there is more to a content life than go, go, go and more, more, more. On the flip side, contentment is also about reducing the stress and fear and anxiety of losing it all and holding onto it for dear life but instead instilling some peace of mind. This is true with our family businesses, our wealth, and our relationships.
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