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Seek to Be Wise: Finding Extraordinary Wisdom in Everyday Life
We’re all looking for answers. We just need to open our eyes to the world around us to find them.
Author Chess Britt shares a delightful personal collection of down-to-earth maxims with one clear agenda: to inspire us to search for truth and wisdom. If we actively seek wisdom, says Britt, we’re bound to live our happiest and most productive lives. The best part is that we don’t have to look far. Truth and wisdom are often right under our noses in our everyday lives.
And when we seek wisdom and learn from it, we’ll be ready not only to grab life’s opportunities, but to meet the challenges we will inevitably face. Britt believes in us and in our ability to carry out the search, and his encouraging words and (often humorous) stories contain an uplifting message about recognizing, embracing, and valuing those searches.
The maxims—with titles like “Live to Love and Love to Live” and “It’s Going to Be Okay” explore topics such as making the most of our time with other people, why anger is our enemy, the importance of patience, and even why we shouldn’t waste precious time lying in bed when there are things to be done—guide with a gentle hand. Britt’s suggestions are offered without judgment and have something to say to people of all ages, from all walks of life. If after reading the maxims, we want to alter our present course, the author offers questions to ponder on how to move forward. Britt’s life experiences and faith guide him in this thoughtful and generous book you’ll want to experience and share with anyone looking for answers.
Author Chess Britt shares a delightful personal collection of down-to-earth maxims with one clear agenda: to inspire us to search for truth and wisdom. If we actively seek wisdom, says Britt, we’re bound to live our happiest and most productive lives. The best part is that we don’t have to look far. Truth and wisdom are often right under our noses in our everyday lives.
And when we seek wisdom and learn from it, we’ll be ready not only to grab life’s opportunities, but to meet the challenges we will inevitably face. Britt believes in us and in our ability to carry out the search, and his encouraging words and (often humorous) stories contain an uplifting message about recognizing, embracing, and valuing those searches.
The maxims—with titles like “Live to Love and Love to Live” and “It’s Going to Be Okay” explore topics such as making the most of our time with other people, why anger is our enemy, the importance of patience, and even why we shouldn’t waste precious time lying in bed when there are things to be done—guide with a gentle hand. Britt’s suggestions are offered without judgment and have something to say to people of all ages, from all walks of life. If after reading the maxims, we want to alter our present course, the author offers questions to ponder on how to move forward. Britt’s life experiences and faith guide him in this thoughtful and generous book you’ll want to experience and share with anyone looking for answers.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2020
26 people are currently reading
1873 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 13, 2020
The title of this book should be Seek to Be Wise, Like Me.
The author thinks he knows better than we do, and wrote this book so he could share his infinite wisdom with us. Even from a young age, he was better than we were. He boasts of being a good high school athlete, and he was better at studying than others too. Later, in business, he made all the wise decisions while others couldn't come up with any creative ideas. All of this because he took advantage of wisdom more than others did.
The authors says, "I believe my gift or my 'edge' has been my ability to influence those around me to use the talents to become better versions of themselves. I have always loved coaching people." (Read: telling people what he thinks is best for them.)
A wise mentor is someone who realizes they are also flawed and don't have all the answers. Try reading Pema Chödrön, Ralph De La Rosa, or Brené Brown instead.
The author thinks he knows better than we do, and wrote this book so he could share his infinite wisdom with us. Even from a young age, he was better than we were. He boasts of being a good high school athlete, and he was better at studying than others too. Later, in business, he made all the wise decisions while others couldn't come up with any creative ideas. All of this because he took advantage of wisdom more than others did.
The authors says, "I believe my gift or my 'edge' has been my ability to influence those around me to use the talents to become better versions of themselves. I have always loved coaching people." (Read: telling people what he thinks is best for them.)
A wise mentor is someone who realizes they are also flawed and don't have all the answers. Try reading Pema Chödrön, Ralph De La Rosa, or Brené Brown instead.
June 30, 2020
I received an advanced copy of Seek To Be Wise by Chess Britt from GreenLeaf Book Group for the purpose of reviewing it ahead of its release on July 7th. Overall, the book was a quick, easy read with some good commonsense advice and inspiring quotes. As Britt states in the book, "Wise people understand that it is the simple things in life that are extraordinary," and that "the potential for finding wisdom is unlimited."
My only criticism is the issue of not citing others' words and works that Britt used within the book. In the forward, Britt is upfront about it, explaining, "I will give no credit for quotes or ideas," reasoning that "nobody's ego needs to be stroked." To be honest, I found that to be lazy writing, as well as unprofessional. We are taught throughout school (and life) to do the work of researching and citing work/words that are not our own, otherwise it is plagiarism at best, theft at worst.
The majority of the errors and missing citations are easy google searches, so I'm not sure what the real issue was. Honestly, this glaring issue got in the way of my giving the book more than a 3 star review. As a writer (I use that term in the loosest sense of the word) myself, I can't imagine including other people's words and works in my own work without giving proper credit/citation. I can only imagine how I would feel if someone were to claim my work as their own, which is essentially what you're doing any time you use another person's work without citing it. Other than the citing issue, Seek To Be Wise is an enjoyable, worthwhile read.
My only criticism is the issue of not citing others' words and works that Britt used within the book. In the forward, Britt is upfront about it, explaining, "I will give no credit for quotes or ideas," reasoning that "nobody's ego needs to be stroked." To be honest, I found that to be lazy writing, as well as unprofessional. We are taught throughout school (and life) to do the work of researching and citing work/words that are not our own, otherwise it is plagiarism at best, theft at worst.
The majority of the errors and missing citations are easy google searches, so I'm not sure what the real issue was. Honestly, this glaring issue got in the way of my giving the book more than a 3 star review. As a writer (I use that term in the loosest sense of the word) myself, I can't imagine including other people's words and works in my own work without giving proper credit/citation. I can only imagine how I would feel if someone were to claim my work as their own, which is essentially what you're doing any time you use another person's work without citing it. Other than the citing issue, Seek To Be Wise is an enjoyable, worthwhile read.
July 21, 2020
Seek to be Wise is a quick read and I would categorize it as a self-help book.
The author fills the book with stories illustrating the wisdom he has acquired during his lifetime. In a humble way, he brings to the reader practical, common sense examples of how to deal with people and make good decisions. The secret to a successful life is to always be seeking wisdom, according to Britt. The book gives you a fresh perspective on how to approach life and live it! I’m sure I will reference this book again in the future.
I was provided a free advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
The author fills the book with stories illustrating the wisdom he has acquired during his lifetime. In a humble way, he brings to the reader practical, common sense examples of how to deal with people and make good decisions. The secret to a successful life is to always be seeking wisdom, according to Britt. The book gives you a fresh perspective on how to approach life and live it! I’m sure I will reference this book again in the future.
I was provided a free advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
September 30, 2020
I loved this book, so many applicable gems to consider and reflect on.
July 7, 2020
This book is hospitable. Enjoy a plate of cookies and some warm milk.
It seems to be an authentic offering of one man’s reflection on his life’s experiences, sharing what has been helpful for him: emphasis on for him. This is Mr. Britt’s philosophy, attributed to and gleaned from his family, friends, acquaintances and media such as books and movies. It is shaped in a friendly, conversational manner.
However, as a lifelong student of philosophy and wisdom teachings, I don’t consider the title represents the contents. Maxims, yes. A few life insights, yes. Read further. This is a playbook of beliefs, formed by maxims, from a man who states his beliefs in God, in hunting, in the glory of competition and sports. Unfortunately, for the few useful guidelines herein, the author’s overt claim that there is a God, and that as his creator led him to create this book, puts up a bill board that blocks the view of usefulness from non-religious yet very capable readers.
I certainly applaud the call to seek wisdom! I endorse inspiration and encouragement to be open to the lessons of skillful teachers who walk their talk. It is the over claims that I find inaccurate and which lessen its value. These are helpful folk sayings, helpful ancestral teachings within a certain ancestry. It is a collection of a very specific, cultural transmission. Wisdom is a weightier concept, requiring sagacious discernment, deep insight into the essential nature of life -- different from this friendly, coaching playbook.
In the sagging shelves of ‘self-help’ books, what makes this book stand out? Potential buyers should peruse the table of contents and a few maxims to decide for themselves. I consumed many such books in my 20-40s, seeking ‘success’ and ways to improve. Ultimately, these Hallmark flavor books offered diversion, a few confirmations of my experience, and fewer substantial insights or inspirations by which I developed more fully. I wasted a lot of time within the chain of fast food ‘success’ books. (For example, he offers a rule that “It’s going to be okay”. Really? Experience parenthood, marriage, decades of working to survive and realize everything is not okay and will not be okay. There is much tragedy, suffering, and ignorance that is not abated in one’s life).
Overall, it is a fitting family tribute, a gift from an elder to his family and friends. It is as a family album, sharing the highlights of one’s man's life. A maxim is a rule of conduct; this may be a useful guide if the recipients are not rebuffed by the author’s religious claims and business-sport-male mentality. And beware, while ‘feel good’ sells in America, often everything may not be or turn out okay. Yes, true wisdom often helps navigate the dangers of mortal life. May we keep seeking.
It seems to be an authentic offering of one man’s reflection on his life’s experiences, sharing what has been helpful for him: emphasis on for him. This is Mr. Britt’s philosophy, attributed to and gleaned from his family, friends, acquaintances and media such as books and movies. It is shaped in a friendly, conversational manner.
However, as a lifelong student of philosophy and wisdom teachings, I don’t consider the title represents the contents. Maxims, yes. A few life insights, yes. Read further. This is a playbook of beliefs, formed by maxims, from a man who states his beliefs in God, in hunting, in the glory of competition and sports. Unfortunately, for the few useful guidelines herein, the author’s overt claim that there is a God, and that as his creator led him to create this book, puts up a bill board that blocks the view of usefulness from non-religious yet very capable readers.
I certainly applaud the call to seek wisdom! I endorse inspiration and encouragement to be open to the lessons of skillful teachers who walk their talk. It is the over claims that I find inaccurate and which lessen its value. These are helpful folk sayings, helpful ancestral teachings within a certain ancestry. It is a collection of a very specific, cultural transmission. Wisdom is a weightier concept, requiring sagacious discernment, deep insight into the essential nature of life -- different from this friendly, coaching playbook.
In the sagging shelves of ‘self-help’ books, what makes this book stand out? Potential buyers should peruse the table of contents and a few maxims to decide for themselves. I consumed many such books in my 20-40s, seeking ‘success’ and ways to improve. Ultimately, these Hallmark flavor books offered diversion, a few confirmations of my experience, and fewer substantial insights or inspirations by which I developed more fully. I wasted a lot of time within the chain of fast food ‘success’ books. (For example, he offers a rule that “It’s going to be okay”. Really? Experience parenthood, marriage, decades of working to survive and realize everything is not okay and will not be okay. There is much tragedy, suffering, and ignorance that is not abated in one’s life).
Overall, it is a fitting family tribute, a gift from an elder to his family and friends. It is as a family album, sharing the highlights of one’s man's life. A maxim is a rule of conduct; this may be a useful guide if the recipients are not rebuffed by the author’s religious claims and business-sport-male mentality. And beware, while ‘feel good’ sells in America, often everything may not be or turn out okay. Yes, true wisdom often helps navigate the dangers of mortal life. May we keep seeking.
July 11, 2020
I was provided a complimentary copy in exchange for a review. This book found me just as I was finishing up on a Daniel Fast which focused on .. calling on God for wisdom regarding a difficult decision I needed to make. With that, this book was very thought provoking and I appreciated what I walked away with when finished.
August 7, 2020
3.5/5
I throughly enjoyed reading this book. I appreciate Britt writing this as these are lessons that, at my age, I'm now starting to truly see manifest in my life. I've personally never had a parent or grandparent sit down and talk or discuss maxims like Britt has in this book. I finished reading with more appreciation for the world and those around me than I initially did.
I especially appreciated the final maxim in the book regarding being your own person and making your own decisions based off of all you've learned and not to be a puppet on a string.
After each maxim, Britt lists some questions to ponder. I found myself appreciating those as I was able to reflect his writing into my own life. I think these would be great journal prompts.
With all that said, my one qualm was in the intro where it was stated that no quotes were going to be used as to avoid stroking egos. I didn't really appreciate that, even though Britt did in fact seem to quote everyone properly throughout the book. Maybe I just misunderstood, but it did rub me the wrong way when I read that statement.
Overall, a nice thoughtful read!
Disclaimer: I did not purchase this book. I won this through one of Goodreads giveaways & I am very grateful to have won the opportunity to read this book! (#GoodreadsGiveaway)
I throughly enjoyed reading this book. I appreciate Britt writing this as these are lessons that, at my age, I'm now starting to truly see manifest in my life. I've personally never had a parent or grandparent sit down and talk or discuss maxims like Britt has in this book. I finished reading with more appreciation for the world and those around me than I initially did.
I especially appreciated the final maxim in the book regarding being your own person and making your own decisions based off of all you've learned and not to be a puppet on a string.
After each maxim, Britt lists some questions to ponder. I found myself appreciating those as I was able to reflect his writing into my own life. I think these would be great journal prompts.
With all that said, my one qualm was in the intro where it was stated that no quotes were going to be used as to avoid stroking egos. I didn't really appreciate that, even though Britt did in fact seem to quote everyone properly throughout the book. Maybe I just misunderstood, but it did rub me the wrong way when I read that statement.
Overall, a nice thoughtful read!
Disclaimer: I did not purchase this book. I won this through one of Goodreads giveaways & I am very grateful to have won the opportunity to read this book! (#GoodreadsGiveaway)
March 25, 2021
I listened to this on audio in the car, and I liked it. Several times I had to sit at my destination and wait until a story had concluded before I could unplug. Lots of good, sound advice.
I think the only think I did NOT like is that the author spoke about someone's bad language at one point, citing how it affected or colored people's perceptions.....then he pulls out some language that is distracting and unnecessary. Hmmm.... So if you're gonna talk the talk, then walk the walk, right?
I think the only think I did NOT like is that the author spoke about someone's bad language at one point, citing how it affected or colored people's perceptions.....then he pulls out some language that is distracting and unnecessary. Hmmm.... So if you're gonna talk the talk, then walk the walk, right?
June 17, 2020
All our answers are already answered if we listen to ourselves and find the wisdom within. We have to seek to be wise.
Britt shares timeless truths he picked up from family, friends, her life experiences.
This is a book you’ll want to read and leran from it again and again.
Love it.
***Thanks Netgalley!***
Britt shares timeless truths he picked up from family, friends, her life experiences.
This is a book you’ll want to read and leran from it again and again.
Love it.
***Thanks Netgalley!***
September 11, 2024
Lots of good advice here, but nothing ground breaking. The maxims he chooses to explain good rules for life are sound, easy to understand and apply, which is why we miss them in the hectic pace of life. The book is very engaging and the author provides good context on how to use the principles presented.
September 13, 2020
This book is certainly a useful and insightful read, and for that reason I'd recommend it. There are times, however, where Britt comes across as preachy and "I know best", which can be a turn off. That being said, that doesn't mean the book is devoid of wisdom and helpful snippets.
September 20, 2020
I received a free electronic copy of this book from Goodreads. The author provides 32 maxims for readers to follow as they seek wisdom (most are familiar). Lots of Christian and sport references to drive home the points. This book would be a decent gift for a recent graduate.
August 5, 2020
The book is a great wise sayings
August 19, 2020
Received this in a giveaway and can’t wait to read!
August 20, 2020
Excellent book!!!
Want to read
September 3, 2020A good read
December 26, 2020
Great book! Short-fast-easy read! A lot of great life remnders.
July 21, 2021
The information was okay, but not every author should read their own work.
June 5, 2023
Good book. A very religious undertone.
November 30, 2022
Seek to be wise is a great read. Helps to give a perspective on how to approach life, take decisions and it illustrates wisdom and basic principles for everyday life.
Chess Britt seem to have squeezed all the wisdom from the experience from his life and put them together in this book. Very nicely crafted piece of art. This is a good read for every person from any walk of life.
Chess Britt seem to have squeezed all the wisdom from the experience from his life and put them together in this book. Very nicely crafted piece of art. This is a good read for every person from any walk of life.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews