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A
few weeks back, one of the attending ER physicians saw me reading the book "Warren
Buffet Thinks Like a Girl" by the Motley Fools. He seemed surprised to see
me reading the book but never uttered a word. A few hours later, he came back
to me and said, “If I were you, I would quit medical school. If you really
believe in all the books I see you read, I would never pursue a career in medicine.”
I was shocked. When I asked him why, he told me there was no real money in
medicine, besides, he takes too long to make ‘medicine’ money.
This
was the beginning of a semi-lengthy conversation that got me thinking. Several
questions ran through my mind. How can an attending physician tell me not to go
to school? How can he tell me school is a waste of time if I really want to be
financially successful in this world? But he was right. Even the books I read
are a testament to his advice. How many big time game changers earned a college
degree? The likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Dell, the owner of the Virgin
Atlantic and many more businessmen make this list. These men only needed a
vision, plan and capital. Today, they are bosses to some of the most educated
men in the world.
To
execute big projects, you need capital. I mean HUGE capital. The ER physician proceeded
to confirm the difference between him and I; he has a huge capital to execute but
I don’t. Before we ended our conversation, he advised me to read other books to
reaffirm his statement. I was puzzled, very puzzled. A week later, I found
another book I had always wanted to read in a friend’s library.
A
couple of weeks after our initial discussion, the ER physician asked me if I
had changed my mind. I replied, “no”, and I gave my reasons. His reply, “I
think you can achieve that goal faster if you don't become a physician, unless
you really want to treat patients.” That was where he got me. Don't get me
wrong, I love money, but I want to make money doing what I enjoy. Medicine to
me is not an end; it is a means to an end. Bestowing the gift of health to
individuals should not be motivated by money. A passion should be observed in
the practice. Yes, the degree looks fancy, but I believe the effective application
of my medical education would hold more value. My reasons for going into
medicine….. that's a topic for another day.
Reading
these 'self help' books have enlightened me for over two years. But it wasn't
until that very moment I thought about the difference between education and
'real education' (that's my definition by the way).
We
have heard in previous times that 'knowledge is power.' I believe there are two
kinds of knowledge; general knowledge and specialized knowledge. General
knowledge, no matter how great, is of little or no importance to the
accumulation of money. The departments of great universities possess
practically every form of general knowledge known to civilization. Hence, most
professors and teachers have little to minimal money generated in their
lifetime. They specialize in teaching knowledge but do not focus on the organization
and application of that knowledge.
I
think it is important to note that knowledge will not attract money, unless it
is organized and intelligently directed through practical plans of action, 'to
the definite end of the accumulation of money.' Lack of understanding of this
fact remains one of the fundamental sources of confusion to people who falsely believe
that knowledge is power. I say knowledge is only potential power. It becomes
power ONLY when it is organized into definite plans of action and directed to a
definite end.
Moral
of the story: Before you decide to get an education, have an end in mind. That
way, posterity has no regrets.
Sincerely,
LazioM.A.N
