"本や科目に退屈した途端に頭痛を我慢するのではなく別のものに移りました"

Life’s too short to slog through things that don’t spark your interest. That’s basically what this quote is getting at. It's about the importance of recognizing when something doesn’t hold your attention and having the freedom to pivot to something that does, instead of forcing yourself to stick with it and ending up frustrated.

Imagine you’re back in school, sitting in a history class that’s absolutely draining the life out of you. You’ve tried to stay engaged, but every time you look at the clock, the hands seem to be moving slower. You feel your eyes glazing over, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t make yourself care. Now think of a different class—perhaps it’s biology. The moment the teacher starts talking about the intricacies of human cells, you’re hooked. You’re excited, you’re asking questions, you’re genuinely interested. This is the essence of the quote: allowing yourself to gravitate towards what genuinely interests you rather than beating your head against a wall trying to engage with something you find utterly boring.

This idea isn’t new. Throughout history, many influential people have embraced this approach. Take Leonardo da Vinci, for example. He was notorious for jumping from one subject to another—painting, anatomy, engineering, botany—never sticking to one domain for too long. Some might see this as a lack of discipline, but it’s actually a testament to his immense curiosity and his refusal to confine his mind to a single box. This is what allowed him to make groundbreaking contributions in so many fields.

Let’s break it down with a practical example. Think of a software developer who’s been assigned a project that doesn’t excite them. They’re working on maintaining a legacy system, and every day feels like a drag. The excitement they once felt about coding is nowhere to be found. So, they start exploring new programming languages or dabbling in a side project that’s more aligned with their interests—maybe developing a fun app or learning about AI. By allowing themselves the flexibility to follow their curiosity, they regain their enthusiasm for their work and even bring new skills and insights back to their primary job.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by paying attention to what genuinely excites you and what makes you feel like you’re just going through the motions. If you’re bored with a book, put it down and pick up another one. If a particular subject at work or school isn’t gripping your attention, see if you can shift your focus to something that does. This isn’t about being lazy or avoiding hard work—it’s about finding what drives you and letting that guide your efforts.

Let’s put it in a more relatable scenario. Picture yourself at a bustling coffee shop, trying to read a novel everyone’s been raving about. You’re a few chapters in, but it’s just not doing it for you. You’re reading the words, but they’re not sticking—you’re thinking about all the other things you could be doing. Instead of forcing yourself to finish it (and probably not enjoying it anyway), you decide to switch to a different book, one that you’re genuinely excited about. Maybe it’s a gripping mystery or a fascinating non-fiction piece. Suddenly, reading becomes a pleasure again, rather than a chore.

Life’s too rich and interesting to waste time on things that don’t capture your imagination. Follow your curiosity, and don’t be afraid to change course when you’re feeling stuck. It’s more than just good advice—it’s a way to keep your mind vibrant and your spirit engaged.