Why Conventional Wisdom is Often Wrong & How Others Shape You Thoughts and Actions

Common Sayings

David Libman challenges the validity of widely accepted phrases like "practice makes perfect" and "live each day as if it's your last." He argues that these sayings often lack practical value and can be misleading. For example, David points out that practicing doesn't necessarily lead to perfection but rather improvement, which is a more realistic goal 1. He also critiques the idea of living each day as if it's your last, noting that such an approach could lead to poor decision-making 2.

If this was my last day, no offense to you, I probably wouldn't be talking to you. I might be, you know, eating at a buffet, spending as much money as I possibly could, maybe doing many things that on an everyday basis would be poor planning.

--- David Libman

David emphasizes the importance of questioning these common sayings and adapting them to fit individual circumstances.

   

Workplace Wisdom

In professional contexts, David Libman examines the limitations of sayings like "there's no I in team" and "think outside the box." He argues that great teams should include members with unique approaches and perspectives, rather than everyone having the same mindset 2. Additionally, David criticizes the overuse of the phrase "think outside the box," suggesting that if so many people claim to do it, it loses its meaning 3.

If that many people are saying they think outside the box, it seems to me that couldn't possibly be outside the box because that phrase is used just far too much in the society.

--- David Libman

He advocates for more original thinking and language in the workplace to truly stand out.