Hello family, here is the paradox of mastery, that explains on how to let go of old strategies that are no longer useful and put in to innovations.

The Paradox of Mastery
In 1921, an Austrian philosopher named Ludwig Wittgenstein concluded his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus with the following passage:

“My propositions are elucidatory in this way: he who understands me finally recognizes them as senseless, when he has climbed out through them, on them, over them. (He must so to speak throw away the ladder, after he has climbed up on it.)”
In simple terms, Wittgenstein is arguing the following:

The philosophical statements he just laid out are only useful to get you to a certain level of understanding.
Once you achieve that level, you will realize those statements were a means to an end—and now that you’ve reached that end, you no longer need them.
Therefore, those statements should be discarded, like a ladder you’ve climbed and no longer need.
The concept—which became known as Wittgenstein’s Ladder—offers an important insight on the paradox of mastery in any domain:

The tools that help you grow at the beginning are the tools you’ll need to scrap to achieve a higher end.

This reminds me of the Shu-Ha-Ri model for mastery:

Shu (to obey): Learn to operate according to the rules.
Ha (to break): Begin to challenge and adapt the rules.
Ri (to transcend): Create new rules.
The first stage (Shu) is about learning the existing conventions.

The second stage (Ha) is about beginning to challenge those existing conventions. You are still using the existing rules, but manipulating them on the edges.

The third stage (Ri) is about complete separation from the existing conventions. You are creating your own conventions beyond the frontier of what was previously understood or possible.

You climb the ladder—then you throw it away.

This model has clear applications to our lives:

In entrepreneurship: Common business frameworks help at the beginning, but innovation requires new ones be constructed.
In creating: Templates work up to a point, but real trust is only built through unique authenticity.
In careers: You have an early reliance on advice, but excellence requires you to lean into your differences.
In personal growth: External mantras provide the base, but growth comes from internal work that no one else can guide.
So, climb the ladder—but don’t cling to it. Because at some point, the only way up is off.

The ladder served its purpose. Now it’s time to fly.

The dust of the Karatu plains often settled on the vibrant green uniforms of Ganako Secondary School students as they bustled into morning assembly. Ganako, nestled in the heart of the Ngorongoro Highlands, wasn't just a school; it was a hub of ambition, discovery, and community spirit.

A typical day at Ganako began with the resonant calls of the school bell, pulling students from their dormitories – a crucial amenity for many who traveled long distances – towards the central Michela Harriman Dining and Community Hall. This beautiful building, more than just a dining space, served as a meeting point for spirited debates, community gatherings, and even impromptu study sessions.

Classes were a hive of activity. In the science labs, a recent boon thanks to generous donors, students gathered around microscopes, dissecting specimens and conducting experiments with a newfound enthusiasm. The availability of a government-certified lab meant more than just practical experience; it qualified Ganako for A-level classes, opening up new pathways for its bright minds. Chemistry teacher, Mr. Joseph Ladislaus, often spoke of how the consistent water supply from the school's borehole not only supported the vegetable gardens that supplemented school lunches, but also improved student health and, consequently, their academic performance. Ganako had, in fact, risen significantly in national rankings, a testament to these improvements.

Beyond the textbooks, Ganako students were encouraged to engage in a wide array of activities. The computer lab buzzed with students researching university information and utilizing e-reader tablets for online learning resources. Debates were a regular occurrence, with Ganako often hosting or visiting neighboring schools like Karatu Secondary, honing their critical thinking and public speaking skills. Sports and games were not just for recreation but for fostering teamwork and discipline.

And then there were the projects that extended beyond the school gates. Students sometimes participated in community outreach, like visiting orphaned children, learning empathy and their role in the wider community. The school library, a unique earthquake-resistant structure, was a treasured resource, with its dedicated librarian, Rehema, guiding students through the world of books and digital learning.

As the afternoon sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the grounds, the energy at Ganako remained. Some students lingered in the library, others gathered in study groups, and the sounds of laughter and focused discussion echoed from the various buildings. Ganako Secondary School, in Karatu, wasn't just educating its students; it was empowering them to become active, engaged, and successful members of their community and beyond.