Walk into the library with no plan. The shelf next to the one you came for is where it gets interesting.

CREATIVITY

WHAT THIS MEANS

Searching for something specific gets you that thing and nothing else, which is efficient and also a closed loop. Physical shelves put unrelated neighbors in front of you, arranged by a system that had no idea what you wanted. That accident is the useful part. Nothing can surprise you when the only thing shown is what you already asked for.

Go with a vague direction rather than a title this week and wander a section. Pull down three things you have no reason to pull down. Read the first page of each standing up, and take home whichever one you did not expect to want.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

What might you find on the shelf beside the book you wanted?

MORE IN LEARNING & CURIOSITY

Free, with nothing to buy inside it.