"ما تعرفه هو وظيفة لما تعرضت له"

What you know is shaped by your experiences and what you’ve encountered in life. It’s simple, really. The more diverse your experiences, the broader your knowledge. It’s like building a library in your mind—each book, each story adds to your understanding of the world.

Think back to when you were a kid. Remember how every new thing you learned seemed like magic? That’s because it was all novel. You were constantly being exposed to new ideas, new sensations, and new ways of thinking. As we grow older, we sometimes forget the importance of keeping that curiosity alive. We get stuck in routines and familiar patterns, and our knowledge can become stagnant.

This concept isn’t new. It dates back centuries, and you can see its relevance in the Renaissance period. Individuals like Leonardo da Vinci exemplified this idea. He didn't just limit himself to one discipline. Da Vinci was a painter, a scientist, an inventor, and so much more. His vast array of experiences informed his genius. He connected dots that others couldn’t see because he had been exposed to so many different fields.

Let’s bring this idea into the modern world. Think about Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Jobs famously took a calligraphy class in college. At the time, it seemed completely unrelated to his major or future career. However, this exposure to the artistry of fonts and design ended up playing a crucial role in the development of Apple’s user-friendly interfaces. It’s a vivid example of how knowledge from one area can inform and enhance another.

So, how can you apply this to your life? Start by shaking things up a bit. If you’re always reading the same types of books, switch genres. Dive into a subject you know nothing about. Take a class that seems unrelated to your career. Travel to a place you’ve never been. Each of these experiences will add to your mental library and expand your understanding of the world.

Imagine you’re a software developer. You might think that studying psychology is a waste of time. But, by exposing yourself to the intricacies of human behavior, you could design more intuitive and user-friendly software. Or, let’s say you’re an artist. Learning about history or science might seem irrelevant, but it could lead to new themes and ideas in your work.

Let me tell you a little story. There’s a friend of mine, Sarah. She’s a chef. A few years ago, she decided to take a pottery class—completely unrelated to cooking, right? But that class taught her about patience and the beauty of creating something from scratch. She began to see her cooking as an art form, not just a job. Her dishes became more creative and visually stunning. She even started making her own serving plates, giving her restaurant a unique edge.

So, next time you feel like you’re in a rut, remember this concept. Get out there and expose yourself to new things. It’s like adding vibrant new colors to your palette. You never know which one will lead to your next great idea. Don’t limit yourself to what you think you should know—explore the vast expanse of what you could know.