Some worship at the invent alter of Warren Buffet. Some at Benjamin Graham’s. Some Consider Jim Rogers or Ray Dalio their investing mentors. And certainly they can offer much wisdom and knowledge. But what if we look beyond professional investors, to ideas, hobbies, philosophies and strategies that are about something other than investing? What can we learn? Can it improve our outcomes? Can it benefit out lives?

Miyamoto Musashi – Samaurai, Ronin, philosopher, writer, artist and calligrapher – had much to say about the value of knowledge. Deified in Japan as a ‘sword-saint’, Musashi, who was born in approximately 1584, was a firm believer in the study of a ‘whole’ life. And his writings reflect that learning one thing well has broad applicability across many disciplines.

“From one thing, know ten thousand things” is one of his many famous quotes from his treatise on philosophy and combat “The Book of five rings”. What exactly was he getting at?

My interpretation is that deep study and learning – Of a skill, art, discipline – which requires commitment, growth, and change – Allows one to understand all disciplines more deeply and fully. Self improvement, working towards enlightenment, seeking to improve one’s craft – Is in itself a voyage that creates knowledge and wisdom about ‘the way’ of the world.

An artist can appreciate and understand the discipline and work ethic of the athlete. The Merchant can understand the challenges of a farmer. A warrior can comprehend the challenges of an architect. Learning things creates ‘relation’. One can ‘relate’ to other things if one has a broader range of experience to draw on. And the deeper that experience, the better.

Study mechanics, and you may sense the way of the artist. Learn the skills of a chef, and the way of the farmer will become more clear. Perfect the process of a musician, and you’ll see the path of an athlete. Learn about the world around you, and become a more complete and successful investor.