"Essayez toujours de vous associer et d'apprendre autant que possible de ceux qui en savent plus que vous qui font mieux que vous qui voient plus clairement que vous"

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend, chatting about life. You know how people often say to surround yourself with good company? Well, this idea takes it a bit further. It’s about hanging around people who are smarter, better, and see things more clearly than you do. The main point? You learn tons from folks who are ahead of you in some way.

Think back to school days. Remember that kid who always seemed to have it all figured out? They were like a walking, talking encyclopedia. You might have envied them a bit, but you also learned a great deal just by being around them. That’s the heart of what this quote is getting at.

Flashback to the Renaissance period—this idea was alive and kicking. Take Leonardo da Vinci, for instance. He didn't just hole up in a studio and paint. No way. He hung out with scientists, mathematicians, and other artists. By doing so, he absorbed a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that fueled his genius. Leonardo's curiosity led him to people who were the best in their fields, and he soaked up everything he could.

Let’s bring it to a real-life example. Think of a young chef, Sara. She’s fresh out of culinary school, passionate and eager to make a mark. Sara lands a job at a top-tier restaurant where the head chef, let’s call him Chef Marco, is renowned for his culinary brilliance. Sara watches him closely, picking up techniques and tips. She sees how he handles the kitchen chaos with calm precision, learns the art of balancing flavors, and understands the nuances of running a world-class kitchen. Over time, working with Chef Marco pushes Sara’s skills and knowledge to a whole new level. She didn’t just learn recipes—she learned how to think like a top chef.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by looking around your own circles. Who’s doing what you want to do, but better? Who’s that person who’s always two steps ahead? Engage with them. Ask questions. Listen more than you speak. It’s not about copying them—it's about learning their mindset, their process.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Picture yourself at a new job, eager to climb the ranks. Instead of sticking to your comfort zone, you make it a point to lunch with the top performers. You listen to their stories, understand how they tackle problems, observe their work ethics. Over time, you start noticing a shift in your own approach. You’re sharper, more innovative, and your productivity soars. Why? Because you didn’t just rely on your skills—you borrowed the wisdom of those who were already succeeding.

In a nutshell, by associating with those who are more knowledgeable and proficient, you're setting yourself up for growth. It’s like turning on a light in a dim room—you suddenly see things more clearly. So, next time you’re pondering how to get better at something, think about the company you keep. Seek out those shining stars and let their brilliance rub off on you. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn and grow just by being in the right crowd.