"No matter what you choose, build stuff and be around smart people"

The essence of this quote is really about two things: creating and surrounding yourself with intelligent people. It’s simple yet profound advice. By building—whether that’s physical structures, businesses, software, or even ideas—you’re constantly learning and improving. And being around smart people? That elevates you, pushes you to think in new ways, and opens doors to opportunities you might never have considered.

This quote doesn’t come from a vacuum. It’s been echoed through history by successful people across various fields. Think of Silicon Valley’s startup culture. The biggest tech giants—Apple, Google, Facebook—were founded by people who were not only bright but were also in the right environment, surrounded by other smart, ambitious individuals. This advice has been a cornerstone for innovation and personal growth, catalyzing everything from the Renaissance to the tech boom.

For a real-life example, let’s look at Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. When they started Apple, they didn’t just build a computer. They created a revolution. Jobs had an eye for design and market potential, and Wozniak possessed the technical genius to bring those ideas to life. They were constantly surrounded by other smart folks in the Homebrew Computer Club—a gathering of tech enthusiasts who pushed each other to innovate. Look where that led!

So how do you apply this in your life? Start by finding your passion—what do you love to build? Then, go out and seek communities or groups that share your interests. Join clubs, attend meetups, or take courses that are related to what you want to create. Engage with people who are smarter than you in these areas. Don’t be intimidated; be curious. Ask questions, share your ideas, and be open to feedback. You’ll find that your growth is accelerated just by being in a stimulating environment.

Imagine you’re in a small town with a tight-knit community. You love writing, but there aren’t many opportunities to grow. Instead of isolating yourself, you join an online writer’s group. You engage in forums, participate in writing challenges, and start sharing your work. You meet a published author who gives you invaluable feedback. You start to see improvements in your writing, and soon, you’re getting noticed. All this because you took the initiative to build—your writing in this case—and surrounded yourself with smart, talented people.

At the end of the day, this quote is a reminder. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect project. Just start building something. And as you do, make it a point to find those who challenge and inspire you. Your growth, both personally and professionally, will be exponential. You’ll create things you’re proud of and form connections that could change the course of your life. So, pick up that proverbial hammer and start building—your future is waiting.