What is The 301?

On the surface, people who inspire us—whether they are the world's most remarkable artists, thinkers, chefs, entrepreneurs, scientists or craftsmen—don't seem to have much in common. But they share something fundamental. At some point in their lives, they discovered what they love. What some call their calling: they found their passion.

If they were lucky, they were also talented in the area of their passion. But that isn't a given. Many people are deeply passionate about something but don't have enough talent to become exceptional. That may either lead to decades of hard work in pursuit of that passion, or to simply "finding a reasonable job". Most of us do that. And it's perfectly okay.

Those who are fortunate enough to be talented in the area of their passion have the opportunity to refine their talent through years of deliberate practice. Over time, they develop extraordinary skill. And if they remain curious, hungry and open-minded, they may eventually reach a point where it is fair to say that they have become the best possible version of themselves.

Becoming that best possible version of ourselves is never permanent. The moment we stop being curious, the moment we become self-sufficient or complacent, the moment our curiosity begins to fade, we gradually move away from that ideal again. But if we stay on this journey—with what feels like five percent highs and ninety-five percent lows—we gain experience. Experience gives us depth. Depth refines our judgment. Judgment becomes wisdom. Eventually, we develop what I call an inner compass.

The 301 is about people on this journey. Because these are the people who teach us what is worth caring about. The world often calls them geniuses. We prefer to think of them as people who never stopped being curious. And we can all learn from them.

The 301 is about understanding what is worth caring about.