Wisdom

What is Wisdom?

Wisdom is the quality or state of being wise. The knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, or insight. Also, scholarly knowledge or learning.

Related words for wisdom include knowledge, intelligence, prudence, poise, experience, understanding, foresight, acumen, caution, savvy, sophistication, and judgment.

Thoughts

Sometimes, two different ideas or topics can take on an ironic relationship when learning them. We have to learn one thing to better understand the second. Knowledge and wisdom share that relationship. Knowledge and wisdom have been used in the same sentence. Knowledge is one thing while wisdom is the knowledge necessary to take action on the one thing. Knowledge is simply having clarity of information, while wisdom is the ability to make good decisions with the information. For example, knowledge might be having the information and understanding of what a 30-day challenge is whereas wisdom is the experience of the amount of work that it takes to complete the task. Knowledge is learned, wisdom is experience. To put it another way; learning builds knowledge, experience builds wisdom.

Based on your education, learning, and experience, what does wisdom mean to you?

Understanding Knowledge & Wisdom

Quotes

“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

“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.”
~Lao Tzu

“We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.”
~Marcel Proust

“Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply and relate to each other.”
~Steven R. Covey