True Wisdom Comes In Recognizing How Little You Know
I thought I knew it all at 20...
Hi there!
It’s often said that you’ll never be smarter than you were in your early 20s.
Oh, man, was I smart at 20. I knew all the answers and was fearless in telling people. Then, three years later, living far from home and unemployed, my mental health sinking into a swirling abyss, I began to understand how little I knew.
Maybe it’s good that we don’t realize how much there is to learn when we’re young.
The wisdom we believe we possess makes us brave and adventurous. I left home with little money, no plan, and no job. I was confident I would figure it out. In my mind, I was the guru at the top of the mountain. Everything was going to work out.
“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.”
- George Santayana
Scott Ninneman also publishes the free All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) The Sunday email features the newest content about bipolar life.
Life changes you
I miss that young man. He didn’t let social anxiety keep him from being himself. He danced like no one was watching and gave his opinions without restraint. Okay, so maybe the last one wasn’t the best trait, but I still envy it.
True wisdom comes in understanding there is so much more to learn. Even if we live forever, we’ll never know everything. The quest for knowledge has to be a lifelong pursuit.
The best way to cope with a mental illness such as bipolar disorder is to learn as much as you can about it. Even if you think you already know everything, there is still much to learn.
Doctors are learning more about how to treat mental illnesses each year. What were standard treatment methods thirty years ago are unheard of today. Genetic testing can tell you if a medication will work for you before you even take it. And there’s more information than ever online from reliable sources.
But there’s another reason: bipolar disorder changes with time.
Mental illness changes
For me, one of the biggest changes is the increase in anxiety.
While I can identify many of my triggers, my coping methods are a constantly moving target. The struggle keeps me constantly reading about potential solutions and trying them out in my life.
Whatever it is in your life, whether an illness, an art form, or a career path, continue to learn. Sharpen your mind by expanding your viewpoint. Remember that the wise always understand they have more to learn.
Journal Prompt: Write about a time when you thought you had the answers but later discovered how little you knew. What did that experience teach you?
Creative Writing Prompt: You’re 21 years old and really do know everything. What do you do with your knowledge? Will you share it with the world? How?
Scott Ninneman
Please click on ❤️ button or leave a comment.
Additional Reading:
Disclaimer:
This email may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
I had that genetic testing for my meds and found out the psychiatric nurse practitioner was doing everything right as far as meds. Folic acid is one thing to check that is very important.
I never felt like I knew it all--especially at 21. I was a drinking, smoking, untreated one with bipolar 1. I was a mess and didn't know what was wrong with me. No self-esteem. Certainly not brave.
Great article, Scott.
P.S. I "cured" my anxiety with DBT, especially being mindful and not predicting the future. Imagining I would fail at any challenge as I had before treatment.
I was on Klonopin for 25 years! I got off it totally and fast.
I might have been smart in my 20's but I certainly wasn't wise. I can only hope that anyone with mental health issues can reach the acceptance and peace part of the journey before they give up on getting better.. so yes maybe age is a true component of wellness that hasn't been tapped yet.