What is wisdom? (America, experience, easter)

Hope · #1 10-31-2004, 10:30 PM

How does one define wisdom? I think knowledge and wisdom are definitely not the same thing. Do others agree?

Pah · #2 10-31-2004, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hope

How does one define wisdom? I think knowledge and wisdom are definitely not the same thing. Do others agree?

My feeling is that wisdom is a product of knowlwedge - wisdom is ruminated knowledge.

-pah-

Master Vigil · #3 10-31-2004, 10:41 PM

I feel the same as Pah. Even though some say wisdom not how much you know, wisdom is how you use the knowledge you have. But how would someone know how to use that knowledge without the amount of knowledge to do so?

The Voice of Reason · #4 10-31-2004, 10:53 PM

Wisdom is the discretionary use of knowledge for the highest good. Wisdom is accumulated over time, and is a product of learning from the past. Like the old saying - "There is no substitute for experience" - and this is where wisdom comes from.

I think this is one of my favorite things about Eastern philosophies - they place a great value on age and wisdom, to the point that old people are truly venerated. In America, we look at old people as if they are footstools that are in the way. We put them in retirement homes, and turn our backs on them. What a tremendous waste of wisdom....

TVOR

Hope · #5 10-31-2004, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Voice of Reason

Wisdom is the discretionary use of knowledge for the highest good.
TVOR

Wow! I like that! Did you make that definition yourself?

Lightkeeper · #6 11-01-2004, 01:19 AM

Wisdom is knowing you don't have the answers. Wisdom is a cup with a hole in it.

Irenicas · #7 11-01-2004, 03:35 AM

To me, knowledge is knowing about others and other things. Wisdom is about knowing yourself.

The Voice of Reason · #8 11-01-2004, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hope

Wow! I like that! Did you make that definition yourself?

Thanks, Hope - yea, that one is all mine. Well, nothing I say is actually ALL mine. That is based on the people that taught me how to think and how to use the English language, but the definition is mine (and I think it's pretty accurate).

I just looked this up - from Webster's Online Dictionary:
Main Entry: wis·dom

Pronunciation: 'wiz-d&m
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wIsdOm, from wIs wise
1 a : accumulated philosophic or scientific learning : KNOWLEDGE b : ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : INSIGHT c : good sense : JUDGMENT d : generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians -- Robert Darnton>
2 : a wise attitude or course of action
3 : the teachings of the ancient wise men

Oddly, I find this definition wanting. That is rare, because I think Webster's is a great dictionary.

I searched a little deeper and found this, from a less abridged version of Webster:
Wisdom (a.) The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity.

Wisdom (a.) The results of wise judgments; scientific or practical truth; acquired knowledge; erudition.

Of all of these, I like the one I highlighted in red the best. I think it is definitely the best of the three definitions from Websters.

TVOR

Runt · #9 11-01-2004, 08:29 AM

Wisdom: The appropriate application of knowledge.