TL;DR: Feeling stuck or directionless? The solution might be simpler than you think: "Read more." This isn't just a platitude. Understanding the Ship of Theseus paradox reveals how continuous learning, like replacing planks on a ship, allows us to iteratively rebuild and redefine ourselves and our ventures. The key is to start, even with an imperfect first version, and let knowledge guide your evolution.
A phrase that often echoes in discussions about personal and professional growth is deceptively simple: "Read more." You might dismiss it as an old adage, but a recent conversation illuminated this advice in a way that powerfully resonated with me, connecting it to a profound philosophical concept—the Ship of Theseus.
The insight shared was this: the true value of reading, especially in a world of constant change, is akin to the continuous rebuilding of this ancient ship.
But before we delve deeper into that connection, let's understand the paradox itself.
The Ship of Theseus: A Paradox of Identity
The Ship of Theseus, also known as Theseus's Paradox, is a fascinating thought experiment that has intrigued philosophers for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece. It raises fundamental questions about identity, persistence, and what it means for something to remain the "same" over time.
Here’s the essence of it:
The story goes that the ship sailed by the legendary Greek hero Theseus was preserved by the Athenians for a long period. As the wooden planks of the ship aged and decayed, they were gradually replaced with new, identical planks of the same material. Over many years, every single part of the ship was eventually replaced.
This leads to the central question: Is the ship, now composed entirely of new materials, still the same Ship of Theseus?
There's no single, easy answer, and that's precisely why it's a paradox.
- If you argue it is the same ship, you imply that identity is maintained by its form, design, and continuous history, rather than its physical material. It continues to embody "The Ship of Theseus."
- If you argue it is not the same ship, you suggest that identity is tied to its original components, and the complete replacement of these components means the original ship has ceased to exist, replaced by a new, albeit identical-looking, one.
The paradox deepens with a further variation: What if, as each old plank was removed, it was carefully stored and then, years later, used to reassemble another ship? Now you would have two ships: one made entirely of new planks but occupying the continuous historical lineage of "Theseus's Ship," and another made of all the original, albeit aged, planks. Which one, if either, is the true Ship of Theseus?
The importance of this paradox isn't necessarily in finding a definitive answer, but in the process of contemplation it ignites—about identity, change, and continuity.
Reading: The Continual Rebuilding of Your Own "Ship"
So, how does this ancient paradox relate to the simple advice, "Read more"?
The connection lies in that "process of replacement" and evolution. In our lives, our careers, and even in the businesses we build, we are not static. The reality is that many significant endeavors don't begin when we feel perfectly "ready" or "complete." Instead, they begin, and through that process of starting, we can then slowly repair, modify, and improve.
Think of your current knowledge, skills, or even your business plan as your "ship." Reading provides the new "planks." Each book, insightful article, or piece of research offers a new perspective, a new skill, a piece of data, or a fresh idea. These new "planks" are integrated into your existing framework, gradually replacing outdated notions, refining imperfect strategies, and strengthening your overall structure.
You might have drafted what you now consider a rudimentary business plan, launched a modest brand, or shared an entrepreneurial vision that didn't initially capture widespread attention. That doesn't matter as much as the fact that you created a first version. That "Version 1.0" is your initial ship, however leaky or unadorned. With that starting point, iteration becomes possible.
Jensen Huang, the visionary CEO of NVIDIA (a company with deep roots here in Taiwan and a global innovation leader), famously recounted how he didn't know how to write a business plan when he was starting. His solution? He went to a bookstore and bought a copy of "How to Write a Business Plan." He described that book as his own "Ship of Theseus"—not because the book itself was a perfect, immutable guide, but because it gave him a tangible starting point, a first set of "planks" that he could then modify, adapt, and build upon.
Overcoming Inertia: The Peril of "No Starting Point"
So often, we find ourselves stuck—not due to a lack of intelligence or effort, but because we lack that crucial "starting point." We get caught in cycles of overthinking, apprehension, or waiting for the "perfect" moment or "perfect" plan. This is where the simple act of reading can be transformative.
Reading provides an immediate starting point. It offers frameworks, case studies, ideas, and inspiration. It allows you to begin laying down those first few planks, even if your ultimate destination isn't entirely clear. The very act of engaging with new information begins the process of change and refinement.
At Mercury Technology Solutions, our ethos is to "Accelerate Digitality". This inherently involves continuous learning and adaptation. The digital world doesn't wait for anyone to be perfectly prepared. We must constantly integrate new knowledge, adopt new technologies like AI, and refine our strategies—essentially, always be rebuilding our ship while it's sailing. Our Customized A.I. Integration Solutions, for example, are about helping businesses integrate new "planks" of AI technology into their existing operations to make them stronger and more future-ready.
Your Invitation to Renovate
So, if you're feeling a sense of stagnation, unsure of your next steps, or seeking to evolve but lack clear direction, I encourage you to embrace that timeless advice: "Read more."
Pick up a book on a topic that intrigues you, delves into a skill you wish to acquire, or offers a perspective that challenges your own. It’s not just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about initiating your own "Ship of Theseus" process. It’s about giving yourself a starting point for iteration, growth, and transformation.
Your "ship" – your career, your business, your personal development – is meant to be a dynamic entity, continuously rebuilt and improved, plank by plank, idea by idea. And it all begins with the courage to lay down that first piece of new timber.
