"اشغل وقتك بتحسين نفسك بكتابات الآخرين حتى تصل بسهولة إلى ما تعب الآخرون من أجله"

The essence of this quote is about leveraging the knowledge and experiences captured in other people’s writings to accelerate your own learning and growth. Let’s break it down. Instead of trying to learn everything from scratch, you can stand on the shoulders of giants—those who have already spent countless hours researching, analyzing, and documenting their insights. By reading their work, you absorb their hard-earned wisdom, making your own journey a bit easier and faster.

Think about when this advice might have been given. Imagine ancient times, maybe in Greece or Rome, when scholars like Plato and Aristotle were laying the foundations of philosophy and science. Back then, knowledge wasn’t as easily accessible as it is today. Books were scarce, and much of the learning happened through oral traditions and handwritten manuscripts. For someone trying to make sense of the world, reading the writings of previous scholars was a goldmine.

A practical example? Let's look at Warren Buffett. He’s one of the most successful investors of all time. But he didn’t get there by figuring everything out on his own. He spent countless hours reading books by other great investors and thinkers. One of his favorites is "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham. By delving into such works, Buffett could build on the investment principles that others had already tested and refined. This way, he avoided many pitfalls that novice investors typically stumble upon.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start with something you’re passionate about or something you want to improve in your life. It could be anything from cooking to coding to personal finance. Find the best books or articles on the topic written by experts. Don’t just skim through them—immerse yourself. Take notes, reflect on the ideas, and think about how you can apply these insights in your own context. Remember, the goal isn’t to copy someone else’s path but to integrate their lessons into your unique journey.

Now, let’s say you’re trying to get better at writing. You’ve always admired the works of, say, J.K. Rowling. Instead of struggling to find your style and voice alone, you dive into her books, interviews, and essays. Pay attention to her storytelling techniques, her character development, and how she builds suspense. Take notes. Try writing short pieces inspired by her style. Over time, you’ll find that her influence helps you develop your own unique voice faster than if you had started from scratch.

Imagine you’re sitting at a coffee shop with a friend who’s just started learning how to play the guitar. They’re frustrated because progress seems slow. You tell them about this quote. You suggest they pick up a book or watch tutorials by legendary guitarists—people who have spent years mastering their craft. By learning from their techniques and mistakes, your friend can improve much faster. They won’t have to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they can focus on making it roll smoother and faster.

In essence, this advice is about being smart with your time. Why struggle alone when you can learn from the masters? So next time you're tackling something new, remember to seek out the wisdom captured in the writings of those who’ve been there before. It’s like having a mentor in a book, ready to guide you whenever you’re ready to learn.