Wisdom is knowledge that comes from experience and observation. While a high IQ may enhance wisdom, high levels of education and intellect do not necessarily equate to wisdom. In fact, there are times when a high level of intellect may actually hinder the acquisition of wisdom.
Wisdom has foresight and distinguishes truth from falsehood. It enables one to distinguish between what is genuine and what is fake. Intellect enables us to accumulate a wealth of knowledge; however, unless we can connect our knowledge to various situations and problems, and use it to its full value in avoiding problems or finding solutions, then knowledge is merely a collection of facts. What purpose will knowledge achieve if we can't use it for judging what is true from false, genuine from fake, objective from biased? How can knowledge be applied to decision-making without these discerning factors?
Furthermore, wisdom is aware of its limitations—it understands that it does not possess complete knowledge. It encourages a careful and deliberate approach to situations, allowing sufficient time to gather information before concluding.
Wise children possess confidence in their own judgment. They become leaders rather than followers. Wisdom enables them to engage in deeper conversations with peers and adults.
Wisdom is 'caught' more than it is 'taught.' We feed children facts and processes, but their wisdom comes from recognizing connections between similar objects, actions, places, events, behaviors, and so on. When the brain catalogs sensory input from hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling, and then places similar sensory input in the same 'catalog' AND connects emotions, memories, and words to their 'catalogs,' their brains have a foundation for wisdom. They 'catch' all of the nuances of life and attach words and language. Then, when observing similar situations, they can refer to their 'catalog' and find similar circumstances, connect those to current information, make appropriate choices and decisions, draw inferences, and draw dependable conclusions.
Add comment
Comments