Books + People = A Cool Life?

I heard a quote recently and I've been turning it over in my mind; I think it is an interesting and profound thought. Read it for yourself and tell me what you think:

"A man or woman is the same person a year from now except for the books they read and the people they meet."

It was said at the Christian Heritage Conference by Doug Phillips, one of the speakers. I think he attributed it to his dad.

So, reading...ya, I agree with this one! And meeting people...what a great way to learn! The only thing that I wonder about is the discounting of experience as a teacher. I've always thought that just by living and walking through different situations I would learn; of course I have to have an attitude to learn in every situation and a willingness to change but human experience is a powerful thing.

Or is it? Is it necessary to live to learn? Is it just as valuable to read from the wisdom and folly of mankind, read the true words of God in the Bible, to meet as many different people as possible as it is just plugging along in my everyday routine?

Perhaps by introducing good books and wise people into a normal routine, one's life can become better. Maybe that's more what the quote is talking about. Interesting!