#176 - The example doesn’t prove the rule!

Make sure you have a fresh bottle of Kombucha ready for this episode! We dig into Eric's passion for his work and the importance of intellectual exercise. With his new book out and the stories he shares that got him where he is today, I'll let him tell you all about it! Enjoy.

Mentions:

Eric: https://www.ericjaysonnenschein.com/

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Live Rishi: Use the code "TABLE50" and get 50% off your entire order: https://liverishi.com/

Me: https://berawpodcast.com/

'til next time!

The Importance of Intellectual Exercise: Because Who Doesn’t Love Using Their Brain?

Ah, intellectual exercise—because using your brain is apparently just as important as using your body. Who knew? In a world where scrolling through social media counts as reading and binge-watching ten seasons of a TV show in one weekend is considered "commitment," mental stimulation is somehow still relevant. Crazy, right?

Now, let’s talk about why flexing those mental muscles is crucial. Because, let’s be honest, relying on autopilot for the rest of your life might not be the best strategy—unless, of course, you enjoy being outsmarted by your toaster.

1. Keeps Your Brain from Turning Into Mush

You know what’s fun? Having a brain that actually works. Just like muscles deteriorate when they aren’t used, your brain also gets lazy when it’s not challenged. If you think solving a crossword puzzle or reading something more complex than a fast-food menu is too much work, then congratulations—you’re on the fast track to becoming a human houseplant. Keep it up, and pretty soon, forming coherent thoughts might require Google assistance.

2. Prevents the "What Was I Saying Again?" Syndrome

Ah, memory loss—the fun little trick your brain plays when you treat it like an old piece of furniture. Studies suggest that engaging in intellectual activities like reading, problem-solving, and, you know, actually thinking, can help prevent cognitive decline. But sure, go ahead and rely on your phone for everything. I’m sure Siri won’t mind reminding you of your own birthday in a few years.

3. Boosts Creativity—Because Original Thoughts Are Rare These Days

Want to be the kind of person who actually contributes something interesting to a conversation instead of regurgitating TikTok trends? Well, congratulations, intellectual exercise is your secret weapon. Reading, debating, and analyzing ideas help develop critical thinking skills, which means you might actually have a fresh perspective on something. Imagine that—being able to form an opinion that wasn’t spoon-fed to you by an algorithm. Revolutionary.

4. Makes You Less Gullible (Hopefully)

Ever wonder why some people believe everything they read on the internet? Lack of intellectual exercise, my friend. A well-exercised brain can detect nonsense from a mile away. So, if you’d rather not fall for the latest conspiracy theory about how Wi-Fi signals are controlling your thoughts, maybe—just maybe—consider engaging in some critical thinking activities.

5. Gives You Something to Talk About Other Than the Weather

Nobody wants to be that person at a dinner party whose conversational skills are limited to “Wow, crazy weather we’re having, huh?” Reading books, learning new skills, and challenging yourself intellectually make you a more interesting person. Because let’s face it—there are only so many times you can get away with saying, “I don’t really read” before people start questioning your life choices.

Conclusion: Use It or Lose It

At the end of the day, exercising your brain is the difference between staying sharp and becoming that person who calls tech support because their computer won’t turn on… only to realize it’s unplugged. So, do yourself a favor—read a book, learn a language, play chess, or at the very least, do a Sudoku puzzle once in a while. Your future self (the one who actually remembers where they put their car keys) will thank you.