W.I.N. Wednesday: Starving for Wisdom
“We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom.”
E. O. Wilson
Information is more readily available and abundant now than at any time in history. You carry a super computer in your pocket. You are continually inundated with information through your e-mail and social media links and 24-hour news channels.
According to some sources until1900, human knowledge doubled approximately every century, by 1950 human knowledge doubled every 25 years, in 2000 human knowledge doubled every year and now, our knowledge is almost doubling every day.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
Confucius
Wisdom is different from information in that it requires us to study, pause, reflect, question, connect, discuss, debate, apply and assess. It requires us to seek to connect the dots between thoughts, ideas and information in order to find meaningful ways to apply the information in different fields. It requires the patience to stick with a problem and not just jump at the first possible answer.
“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”
Khalil Gibran
The great teachers in your life and throughout history challenge you to think. They ask you questions to guide you to self-discovery, instead of simply giving you the answer. They are humble enough to say, “I don’t know.” And encourage you to continue to seek a deeper understanding.
“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”
Albert Einstein
Wisdom is not about rote memory of facts and data. It is about the examination, exploration and questioning of information and ideas so you can gain an understanding.
Two of the challenges in seeking wisdom are:
1. Being humble enough to enable curiosity.
2. Determining where to spend your time and energy. You need to decide what topics, ideas and information to study and seek understanding and which ones it ok to simply look up on your phone when you need that information.
Mastering these two challenges itself requires wisdom.
What’s Important Now? Seek wisdom, not just information.
Take care.
Brian Willis
www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com
Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
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