Despite chairing the University of Cambridge philosophy department for eight years, Ludwig Wittgenstein was described by his biographer as a “reluctant professor.” He did not believe that philosophy should be approached like a job, and he often attempted to dissuade his students from pursuing academic careers. Indeed, Wittgenstein changed direction in his professional life numerous times. For a while, he lived in a wooden hut that he had built next to a Norwegian fjord; he later contemplated farm work in the Soviet Union. Deriving from a 1948 journal entry that Wittgenstein wrote at age 59, this bit of advice reminds us that the celebrated author was, unfailingly, young at heart. Wittgenstein was wary of anyone who tried to elevate themselves above others by sounding smart. Instead, he preferred the authenticity of those willing to laugh at themselves.

We’re often told to go with our gut. Following that feeling is all about trusting our intuition, those instinctive feelings that occur to us without intellectual reasoning. Steve Jobs believed intuition is a powerful tool that guides important decisions and leads to innovative ideas. In his work at Apple and in his personal life, he prioritized intuition over intellect because of its ability to lead him to unexpected outcomes. Jobs said this approach never let him down, and encouraged us to trust our own instincts as a driving force for our personal and professional growth.