Think Better, Rise Higher: How a Latticework of Models Fuels Your Growth

In a world that’s constantly changing, the most reliable investment you can make is in yourself—specifically by embracing the habit of continuous learning and building what Charlie Munger called a latticework of mental models. He said:

“You’ve got to have models in your head. And you’ve got to array your experience – both vicarious and direct – on this latticework of models.”

What does this mean in practical terms? First, it means never stop learning. Whether you’re reading a book on biology, attending a workshop on marketing, or simply reflecting on human behaviour, each piece of knowledge adds a new “bar” or “rung” to your personal latticework. Munger argued that facts alone are of little use unless they hang together on a web of theory - without that they remain fragmented and fleeting.

Second, it means actively connecting ideas across disciplines. For Munger, wisdom didn’t come from one field alone but from integrating insights from psychology, mathematics, economics, history, biology and more. When you see how a model from physics (say, “relativity”) applies to social behaviour, business or personal growth, you begin to navigate life with sharper clarity.

Third, those who commit to this approach rise. Because when you build your latticework, decisions that once seemed fuzzy become clearer, mistakes less frequent, opportunities more visible. Munger himself said that mastering the big multidisciplinary ideas - just fifty or so models, he believed - could carry you through most of life’s important decisions.

So if you want to rise in life, don’t aim just for knowledge - aim for usable knowledge. Learn continuously. Connect what you learn. Let your experience hang on that lattice. Over time you’ll not just know more—you’ll think better, act better, and create better outcomes for yourself and others.