You Understand #1927

In our last +1, we wrapped up our exploration of Steven Hayes’ brain.

As I was getting ready to move on, I noticed a little quote from the Note and realized I needed to do ONE more +1 based on his wisdom.

Here it is.

Steven tells us: “None of the techniques will work simply by reading about them, any more than reading about physical exercise will build your muscles. The techniques will be of value to you only if you do them, and do them repeatedly. If you have been reading this for understanding, fine. You understand. Now practice.”

It’s not possible for me to read anything about the idea of moving from Theory to PRACTICE without thinking about Donald Robertson’s brilliant distinction about moving from being a LIBRARIAN of wisdom (cataloging various ideas in your mind) to a WARRIOR (using life’s challenges as the training ground for your practice of these ideas).

Musonius Rufus, the old-school Roman Stoic few people have heard of who trained Epictetus (who trained the guys who trained Marcus Aurelius) talks about this idea as well.

I love his take on it that we discuss in our Notes on his work.

In those Notes we learn: “On another occasion we asked him whether practice or theory is more effective for acquiring virtue, given that theory teaches what we ought to do and practice is demonstrated by those who have been trained to act in accordance with the theory. Musonius thought that practice was more effective, and in support of his own opinion he questioned one of the people present as follows: ‘Suppose there are two doctors. One of them can talk about medical matters as if he had the greatest possible acquaintance with them, but has never actually cared for sick people. The other is not able to talk about medical matters but is experienced in healing in accordance with medical theory. Which one would you choose as your doctor if you were ill?’ His companion answered, ‘The one who is experienced in healing.’

‘Given that this is so,’ said Musonius, ‘isn’t being self-controlled and prudent about all one’s actions much better than being able to say what is involved in prudence or self-mastery?’ The young man agreed with this point—that speaking ably about self-control is less important than and indeed is insignificant in comparison with actually being self-controlled. Then Musonius summarized his comments as follows: ‘How then would knowing the theory of a thing be better than practicing that theory and doing things in accordance with its guidelines? Although understanding the theory behind the action enables one to speak, it is practice that enables one to act. Theory which teaches how one must act assists action and logically precedes the practice, for it is not possible for something good to be accomplished unless it is accomplished in accordance with theory. But as a matter of fact, practice is more important than theory because it more effectively leads humans to actions than theory does.’”

And…

That’s Today’s +1.

Enough Theory.

It’s time to Practice.