Study The Classics And Ignore The News

Via Zen-Articles: http://www.zen-articles.com/Personal_Development/PD_3/56-PD_3/186-study-the-classics-and-ignore-the-newsnn"So it is with minds. Unless you keep them busy with some definite subject that will bridle and control them, they throw themselves in disorder hither and yon in the vague field of imagination.... And there is no mad or idle fancy that they do not bring forth in the agitation." - Michel de Montaignenn

The brain has two modes of operation: input and output. Using one mode at a time enhances functional efficiency. Additionally, your brain has a finite amount of processing power. It allocates computation time and memory in relation to your orders. If you saturate the brain with sensory input, few resources are left available for creative output.

In modern society, we suffer from a condition known as information overload. The excessive amount of stimulation available to us has reduced our production of actual work in the office to a fraction of our capabilities. The constant flow of distractions include employee visits, Wikipedia articles, blogs, RSS feeds, industry magazines, meetings, e-mails, BlackBerry alerts, SMS texts, pop-up notifications, background music, and ringing phones. It seems our creative output mechanism is jammed by the constant attention today's "information buffet" era requires in order to process the vast quantities of information available.

In order to unlock your hidden creative potential, it is essential to switch off the input-mode of your brain. Quitting this habit cold turkey is the best method, especially if you have been overfeeding your brain for years. The longer you have been abusing your brain, the more apparent the rewards offered by your increased creative output will be. Restricting input by putting your brain on a diet is just as important as feeding your body nutritious foods in reasonable portions. Quality of output is essentially an indicator of the health of this critical balance.

It should be noted that the classics were generated in a time when sensory input was sparse. The creators of the classic works had to search within themselves for guidance. The results of their modest stimulation are masterpieces that are replete with human wisdom which will never be outdated. Shakespeare's insight is as relevant today as it was when he was alive. The same may be said of Seneca, Plato, Socrates, and many other revolutionary minds.

Input only the classics and your creative output will be guided to be timeless and universal. Strive to leave your mark on the human body of knowledge as great thinkers did and you will gain immortality through your work.