About Wisdom

Perhaps the most elusive of all human traits is wisdom. From the beginning of time we have sought to make sense of ourselves and the world in which we live. Arguably, over the course of history, mankind is not experiencing fewer problems or making better decisions. We are still seeking answers to the same questions: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?

T. S. Eliot asked, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” We are inundated with information every day of our lives, much more than we can possibly process. And history indicates that we have not learned much, really, in spite of all we know. We are obviously in need of more wisdom and better thinking. The first level of thinking is assembling and organizing information. The next level is knowledge, information that has been digested, understood and given context. The final level is wisdom, which for many is undistinguishable from knowledge. The distinction is that wisdom only occurs with the proper application of knowledge. An arsenal of information can be a stumbling block; we may be so enmeshed in trying to process it that we do not take time for the quiet contemplation that is necessary to develop a healthy perspective and gain wisdom. Many people with great knowledge become arrogant and deceived into thinking they are wise, but knowledge without application is mere trivia. How do we develop wisdom? An article in Foundations Magazine offers some suggestions: Be aware. Be aware of our and others’ successes and failures and the lessons they both offer. Be aware of how we have contributed to our own problems. Wisdom is grounded in reality and we often disconnect ourselves from reality by knowing something works and choosing not to do it or by choosing to do something that we know from experience does not work. We can, and often do, choose to live according to what is unreasonable and makes no sense and we justify doing so. Being aware and living in reality takes an effort, but is essential to gaining wisdom. Seek to understand cause and effect. When you make a mistake, do not just ignore it; seek to understand why you chose the course of action and why it did not work. Then when you find yourself repeating the same pattern, stop yourself. Make a simple change and practice what you have learned in subsequent situations. Many successful lives are made of a series of course corrections. Step back and look at things objectively. Take out all of the personalities, egos and emotions involved and determine the right thing to do, regardless of who is involved. Do not compromise what is right. Be an actor, not a reactor. Determine in advance the types of responses that are healthy and prudent for you in any given situation. Instead of just reacting to the stimulus, look back at the events in your life and evaluate prior responses. If any produced unwanted results, change your approach before you find yourself behaving in a way you will regret. Be teachable. Gleaning wisdom requires a measure of humility. Ben Jonson, the great seventeenth century dramatist and poet, said, “Very few men are wise by their own counsel, or learned by their own teaching; for he that was only taught by himself had a fool as his master.” No one can make us wise, nor can anyone prevent us from becoming wise – it is up to us. As we evaluate the results of our behaviors and choices, learn from our own and others’ experiences, and apply what we have learned, we can begin to live with understanding, meaning and wisdom.