What I Learned in 2023 - Alexandr Wang  ## Metadata - Author: **Alexandr Wang** - Full Title: What I Learned in 2023 - Category: #articles - URL: https://alexw.substack.com/p/what-i-learned-in-2023 ## Highlights - The conceit of an expert is a trap. Strive for a beginner’s mind and the energy of a novice. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01htxt3sz1bezd6fgkq83cfmc1)) - Winning requires an incredible level of discomfort. It’s not for the faint of heart. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01htxt413yazzncq2feznsjveh)) - Startups innovate by idea recombination and evolutionary pressure. They win by being fast. Big companies must innovate through a clear and executable mission. They win by being right. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01htxt4vmqh72fp71p9h0jp2x7)) - Your therapist might tell you it’s unhealthy to be anxious. But only the paranoid survive. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01htxt5hyp8y3va1kjwvpm9cx0)) - Fight for exceptional people. Every exceptional person is the product of unique circumstance, and they deserve to be fought for. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01htxt68c4fywq3schrdr6rf8e)) - The world will train you to not study things too deeply; it seemingly rewards breadth over depth. The exact opposite is true—extraordinary discoveries come from extreme depth and a curious, borderline obsessive, analysis of fine details. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01htxt7znqgj88aqgh88932vtm)) - Focus on compounding activities. Avoid perishable pursuits. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01htxt8kv56127xcn77418w1pq)) - We often fall into the trap of shoring up our weaknesses rather than doubling down on our strengths. If your story for how you win does not involve your superpowers, then it is likely wrong. We win through strength, not lack of weakness. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01htxt9ne6hm4va78k1y98wtvc))