What’s new? Familiar question.

What’s known? Less frequently asked but no less important.

Neophilia is an obsession with the new for the primary reason that it is new. Not necessarily better or improved, but novel. It makes people stand in line overnight for the newest technology release, or scour the internet to find the latest and greatest product, trip or experience.

We often read books and attend seminars to find new things to ponder. Sometimes the influx of new information and ideas is so rapid that we don’t use them or integrate what we’ve learned into our behavior.

So what if we thought about the important things we’ve learned or respond to questions we already know we should answer?

What is know but not recalled or revisited can shape and improve your life.

Think about these knowns:

Things you think you know because somebody told you? Think independently.

Things that you don’t visit because they can be frightening? Be courageous.

Things you’ve only thought about superficially? Go deeper.

Things you’d like to do? Dream a little.

Things you’ve stopped doing that used to bring you joy? Revisit them.

Things you need to know? Learn them.

Things related to your values and world view. Live them.

Things that would improve your health and longevity if you consistently did them. Do them.

The bible says in Philippians 4:8 “think on these things” and then lists known and timeless things–what is right, what is true, what is lovely, what is pure. Nothing new in the list, but everything worth thinking about often and deeply.

Sometimes the known is as or even more valuable than the new.