We’ve all heard of IQ (a measure of logical intellect) and EQ (a measure of emotional intellect). Yet, in the fast-paced 21st century, perhaps the most important trait to have is neither a high IQ or EQ, but a solid adaptability quotient (AQ).

The future is becoming increasingly uncertain. A global pandemic is tearing apart customs, an artificial intelligence revolution is reshaping work and unprecedented problems like climate change and big data surveillance are changing global priorities every passing moment.

The surest way to be left behind is to learn something once, and not know how adapt. Your knowledge; your job; your expertise might not even be relevant in a few years. To be stuck stagnant in a fast-paced world is akin to moving backwards. It’s all relative.

To thrive, one must be able to adapt by forgetting and relearning. As Epictetus once said: “It’s impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.“