These days, it’s challenging to know truth from fiction and misunderstanding. That’s why it’s helpful to have others who are diligent enough to trace origins, review facts, and help carry the torch of wisdom. For it’s through them that we gain a passing of the baton to future generations. And this is where my friend, Erik Tyler’s new book, Tried and (Still) True: Old Wisdom for a New Generation, comes in. I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy and offered up my honest review here.

Wise Thinking Never Goes Out of Style

In the mid-to-late 90s, I stumbled onto an upstart magazine called ICON Thoughtstyle Magazine. I was drawn to the approach the publishers and writers took to bring insight to common day elements we too often take for granted. For instance, one issue featured a brief column that offered up a history of connotations associated with the middle finger. It had features on individuals who achieved legendary or heroic status in society, and pontificated on the wisdom that guides them to such heights. ICON proved to be a source of knowledge and truth during my early adulthood years. Sadly, though, the magazine folded (if you enjoy puns like that, there’s plenty like it in Tyler’s book!). With its demise, we lost a lot of resources, wit, and wisdom. Through Tried and (Still) True, Tyler brings new life into the truths of yesteryear. Like Icon, Tyler aims to "reintroduce a new generation to real wisdom" that is at critical risk of neglect and/or extinction.

Dusting Off Our Neglected Social Assets

One of the coolest things about Tyler’s approach and style is in how he digs up the history of words and phrases. Through his efforts and narrative, readers are treated to an etymology of sayings, such as "those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" and "a stitch in time saves nine”. He also uncovers, among many other things, how the Rolling Stones named their band. Along with the true origin stories, Tyler takes great effort in correcting common misconceptions or misguided assumptions and beliefs. Sometimes, in doing so, a whole new understanding is revealed. Finally, after sharing what is truth and what is myth, Tyler expounds upon what the phrases mean to him. Often, as he does, he is illustrating it with anecdotal advice gained from personal experiences.

The Rest of the Story

By gaining cultural context and understanding, we also gain knowledge about why select proverbs are going out of fashion. They just lose relevance and impact. It’s a good lesson for students of Scripture in how to read and interpret Biblical Proverbs. Because of this evolutionary characteristic, Tyler, in genuine Paul Harvey fashion, uses Tried and (Still) True to go beyond historical fact. He crafts the wisdom into modern context while spinning it forward so readers may apply generational knowledge into future social seasons.

Applying Wisdom into Your Life

An avid reader and seeking of truthful wisdom will be both entertained and challenged by Tried and (Still) True. It will have you…

• Questioning what you know and don't know.
• Wondering if we have become slaves to our own preferences.
• Pondering Orwellian fates.
• Learning to see people as people instead of non physical elements.
• Identifying meaningful ways to prioritize what is important to you.
• Being challenged. Questions provided by the author at the end of each chapter help you to apply insight into your own life.

Tried and (Still) True

Packed with tons of wisdom to help us understand why, Tried and (Still) True is an important addition to the library of anyone who values knowledge and applicable wisdom in life. You will be a stronger mentor, coach, teacher, and person by accepting the challenge to apply truthful wisdom into your life. Tyler has assembled a treasure trove of information that is far more than trivial knowledge benefiting only Jeopardy contestants. He’s peeled back the curtain to bring understanding from a multitude of previous generations so others may benefit from it. And his personal anecdotal examples accompanied with witty narrative makes it highly relatable. While Tyler does some alluding to his previous work (The Best Advice So Far), it's not done in a sales pushy manner. There is no calls to action requiring the reader to buy so they can get the insights he’s referencing -- although, they may find themselves wanting to do so! Start the new year and decade by building your knowledge of timeless wisdom. Uncover not just the origins and evolutionary history, but the applicability to modern contexts.

Buy the Book

About Erik Tyler

Erik is an author, speaker, blogger, mentor, facilitator, workshop leader, people lover, creative force, conversationalist, problem solver, chance-taker, noticer, and lover of life. He lives in the Boston area of Massachusetts.