Submitted by: Submitted by jujo
Views: 203
Words: 899
Pages: 4
Category: Philosophy and Psychology
Date Submitted: 10/30/2011 06:50 AM
Wisdom is incredibly difficult to define. There seems to be no adequate definition that would encompass all essential aspects of what wisdom truly is. In asking several family members of all ages what they considered wisdom to be, I received varied responses such as age, spirituality, accumulation of knowledge applied to life, knowing how to live, being smart, righteous, and successful happy living. In considering those responses, I could only conclude that all of them would incorporate the meaning of wisdom. Age alone does not necessarily make one wise, however, the experiences an individual encounters throughout life would accrue wisdom. Naturally, the further one progresses in age, the more experiences they live through, which then accumulates wisdom. Spirituality plays a large role in acquiring wisdom as many believe sacred texts, such as the Bible and the Quran, offer wisdom and content living if one only studies and applies what is written. Accumulation of knowledge, commonly known as being book smart, and the application of such information to life experiences has been considered a form of wisdom, though, many scholars and geniuses have been described as having no common sense. Is wisdom common sense? Quite possibly a large part of what wisdom means is to use common sense and apply it to life, much like what philosophy is. Knowing how to live, living a life of happiness and being righteous would all require application of philosophy. Having the ability to discern what would be successful, positive and beneficial for oneself rather than damaging, negative and destructive, would be my personal definition of wisdom. I believe this is precisely what Socrates meant when he made one of the most famous statements known to mankind, “Know thyself.” If you do not know yourself, how could you possibly begin to examine your life? How could you establish goals, improve flaws and master weaknesses or fears? How would you develop morals and boundaries? How could you seek...