I read “Why Kids Should Read Obituaries” and I now believe that everyone can derive value from reading obituaries.

Insights learned in one session reading:

1. Libby Titus died - see yesterday’s post. What all can we learn from taste makers?

2. Ward Christensen may have invented the world’s first computerized bullet board — imagine Facebook, but it’s a computer. Why aren’t we dreaming up crazy ideas like that now?

3. Toni Vaz, stuntwoman pioneer and founder of the NAACP Image Awards. Who are our pioneers now?

As I read, I ask my questions like:

• What challenges might they have faced? How did they overcome?

• What inputs did they use to make their outputs? What did they discount and disregard? What did they value?

• What bites of ageless wisdom am I able to extract and apply to my life?

Fascinating all around. Give it a try.

H/T Tyler Cowen for sharing the Common Wealth Beacon piece via his blog.