The conversations surrounding wisdom and intellect seem to fluctuate from “wisdom is
far more valuable than intelligence” to questions like “how can one exist without the other.” As I
grow older it is increasingly obvious that wisdom is the superior trait. As the brilliant Albert
Einstein said, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”
While he does define wisdom’s attainment, Einstein's definition straddles the answer of “how
can one exist without the other” when considering wisdom and intelligence. In my own
experiences, I have learned that wisdom does not come with education but with time. It is
possible that Einstein intended to infer this same idea when he mentions the “lifelong attempt”
however he leaves the question up for interpretation. The quality of wisdom is added on with
age, each year and experience refines the individual. It is the compounding quality that gives
wisdom its superior quality over intelligence.
Wisdom is a trait that is valued and frequently utilized throughout literature and media.
This is due to the obvious value of wisdom, while not every individual is delegated the same
amount of wisdom, no individual will live without encountering it. In order to expand and grow
your perception you must first seek out those who know more than you, this means that wisdom
can only be granted through experience or impartation. As it is often said, experience is the best
teacher be it yours or that of another. Part of the beauty of this idea is that if you seek wisdom,
you will find it and if you do not eventually it will find you regardless. It is impossible to pass
through this life without coming in contact with a piece of knowledge that will be held with you.
The trade of this knowledge occurs so frequently throughout parenting, mentoring, coaching,
teaching and is something that is not given through basic education. The movement of
knowledge needs human connection and communication.
There is obviously a lot to be said about the value and attainment of wisdom but how can
one define it explicitly? It is a discernment that comes ingrained in pieces of knowledge and
experiences. In order to strengthen this discernment, one must agree to remain teachable. Every
individual who desires to become wise must be malleable to the experiences of life that face us
all. This discernment eventually becomes protection against the adversities of life. For the
travesties that are destined to occur in life, wisdom can act as lighthouses in the storm. Wisdom
is a powerful force that is not simply obtained but it can act as protection and a guide throughout
life.
As I have aged, I have learned to value the wisdom that is presented to me. A common
misconception is that only our elders are wise, and while they may have had the time to develop
their knowledge, wisdom can be presented by peers and those younger than you as well.
Remaining teachable is the most important step to achieving wisdom.
I love when you stated that although everyone has a different level of wisdom through their experiences, everyone will still gain wisdom as this validates anyone who questions themselves on not only this topic but topics similar to this that they often feel invalidated about. Furthermore, the idea that one must stay “teachable” is the perfect way to put it and I could not have said it better myself, an open mind is so important in growth and the betterment of your mind. I also thought the metaphor you used that compares wisdom to lighthouses was also a very creative way of explaining this perspective. Overall, I loved your topic and loved even more how you executed your point of view on it.
ReplyDeleteYour insight on wisdom really opened my eyes. Rather than wisdom being handed to you by experience, it's also by your reception of other's experiences that you gain wisdom, which is something I never really thought about. I always thought that it was learned through making a lot of mistakes. I really like choosing a topic that seemed so well developed but there's always new insight to be gained through someone's review of it.
ReplyDeleteThis piece was very well written and I think the way you clarified your perception on wisdom and how it is obtained was thoughtful and interesting. This is typically not a topic that would have caught my eye because it was centered around a rhetorical, philosophical concept of wisdom vs intelligence but I thoroughly enjoyed how you envisioned wisdom as such an essential pillar to our growth and our own human nature. My favorite part personally was when you discussed the inevitability of wisdom from either our own seeking or wisdom coming to us. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteI found this piece amusing due to the fact that I never thought that wisdom could be so subjective. This piece talks about how much we learn as humans as we age as humans, the experiences we get is what makes us humans and it builds our wisdom slowly. From where I was 3 years ago to where I am now, I gained so much experience and gained much wisdom that I can pass on to younger generations. This is an amazing piece that inspires me to grow as a person.
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