This is the post:
Wisdom
The ability to not only be well- informed about a few specific matters and about things in general (past and present),
nor to simply synthesize information,
but to have enough experience in the gut and head to look out at the broad horizon (future) and get a sense of what to do next.
You also listen to a broad spectrum of experience-based advice and opinion.
When this sense arises from the unconscious to the conscious,
becomes explicit thought,
and begins to leave you in the forms of words and actions,
they are filtered through your personal values and ethics
before going out into the world.
That's the post. You need read no farther.
But, if you want a bit more, here it is. During all the frightening events of the past few years, I've vacillated between looking outside myself and inside myself for wisdom to help me stay calm. I have continuously looked for the next new piece of news that will calm my emotions and mind. Hasn't worked.
I have often read that we find peace within ourselves. Doesn't work by itself.
I think this deals with both sources, blended well.
However, in regard to other people, I don't use it as a template to place over someone and evaluate whether they are "wise." I agree with friends who say that wisdom is a quality you recognize in someone else, although I think it may be confused with grace.1
I have read much about wisdom in various ancient religious literature and philosophy, and a smattering of contemporary material. It's all too vague to pack in my mental lunch bag and take along with me. They all require many, many words to explain "wisdom".
A friend whose opinion I requested about the above, asked, "Why not simply take a definition from the OED?"
Capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends; sometimes, less strictly, sound sense, esp. in practical affairs: opp. to folly;" also "Knowledge (esp. of a high or abstruse kind); enlightenment, learning, erudition.
That's why not.
My definition helps me. Does it help you?
1But the grace I seek is an attitude or essence of character. It is a person`s clear ability to allow you room for error or offence without being troubled by it. A person with grace has enough reserve power, self-confidence, resilience, and good humour and affability, to be in your presence in such a way that you do not feel the person is judging you, feeling differently about you, feeling threatened by you, or in anyway not well disposed toward you. That person cares about you, and so is not merely tolerating your mistakes. Your mistakes are accepted along with your other qualities. That, I think, is grace.I often find grace in everyday life. It tends to happen in short spaces of time, is often unrecognized at the moment for what it is, and so ends before I have time to savour it. I see it sometimes in grandparents as they watch and listen to their grandchildren, or other children that age.
Ancient words gone missing: grace – Upon reconsidering…
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