The first half of life is about doing all sorts of wonderful, crazy things. We defy the odds, take absolutely crazy chances, and proceed full speed ahead no matter the risk. In doing so we build a container for the second half of life. In the second half of life we go deeper and gain wisdom. Unfortunately, much of the wisdom is gained through the gradual loss of much of the ability that allowed us to build in the first half. Paradoxically, it is in that letting go that we come to appreciate the things we did in the first half, and also to realize how worthwhile but nonessential they really were. That’s the first step toward wisdom.