The Best Time to Plant a Tree Was 20 Years Ago, No Matter Take the advice contained in an old Chinese proverb and start planting today. It's easy to believe that life has passed you by. Your past can seem littered with bad choices and squandered opportunities. Now it feels like the end game, the downward stretch toward an utterly failed life. With your face pressed up against the glass, you see a parade of happy people doing happy things. I like the inspiring wisdom found in this old Chinese proverb: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Let's take a more specific example. Imagine that you have just recently discovered the joys of reading great fiction. But you're over 40, even 50 (any age, in fact), and there are so many books. At a recent gathering of highly cultured folks, your ignorance seemed palpable. What's the point in even trying to catch up? You find yourself wallowing in self-pity and envy. Well, start readi...