Eric-Jorgenson The-Almanack-of-Naval-Ravikant indd

How do you define wisdom?
Understanding the long-term consequences of your 
actions. [11]

---

P H I L O S O P H Y · 201
If wisdom could be imparted through words alone, we’d all 
be done here.

---

202 · T H E A L M A N A C K O F N A V A L R A V I K A N T
THE PRESENT IS ALL WE HAVE
There is actually nothing but this moment. No one has ever 
gone back in time, and no one has ever been able to success-
fully predict the future in any way that matters. Literally, the 
only thing that exists is this exact point where you are in space 
at the exact time you happen to be here.
Like all great profound truths, it’s all paradoxes. Any two points 
are infinitely different. Any moment is perfectly unique. Each 
moment itself slips by so quickly you can’t grab it. [4]
You’re dying and being reborn at every moment. It’s up to you 
whether to forget or remember that. [2]
“Everything is more beautiful because we’re doomed. You will 
never be lovelier than you are now, and we will never be 
here again.”
—Homer, The Iliad
I don’t even remember what I said two minutes ago. At best, 
the past is some fictional little memory tape in my head. As 
far as I’m concerned, my past is dead. It’s gone. All death really 
means is that there are no more future moments. [2]
Inspiration is perishable—act on it immediately.

---

P H I L O S O P H Y · 203
INSPIRATION IS PERISHABLE, ACT ON IT IMMEDIATELY.

---

---

BONUS
The democratization of technology allows anyone to be a 
creator, entrepreneur, scientist. The future is brighter.

---

206 · T H E A L M A N A C K O F N A V A L R A V I K A N T
It’s statistically likely there are more advanced alien 
civilizations out there.
Hopefully, they’re good environmentalists and find us cute.

---

N A V A L ’ S R E C O M M E N D E D R E A D I N G · 207
NAVAL’S 
RECOMMENDED 
READING
The truth is, I don’t read for self-improvement. I read out of 
curiosity and interest. The best book is the one you’ll devour.

---

208 · T H E A L M A N A C K O F N A V A L R A V I K A N T 
BOOKS
(Since there are so many links in this section, you may prefer a 
digital copy. Go to Navalmanack.com to get a digital version of 
this chapter for your convenience.)
Read enough, and you become a connoisseur. Then you 
naturally gravitate more toward theory, concepts, nonfi ction.
NONFICTION