If the internet has given the world something, it is an abundance of knowledge. Devices are constantly used to access every kind of information, from current events to ancient history. We no longer have lingering arguments over how many times Phar Lap won the Melbourne Cup or the name of Australia’s first prime minister. We have Google at our fingertips to resolve our disagreements and answer all our questions. Technology has permitted us to increase our knowledge on any topic.

Has our abundance of information resulted in a greater depth of wisdom? The dictionary defines wisdom as the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgements. When determining a course of action, we combine our library of knowledge with our personal experiences. Wisdom is the process through which we develop our judgements, decisions and actions. Someone once said, “knowledge is being aware that tomatoes are a fruit, wisdom is not including them in your fruit salad”.

There are a couple of important factors that determine the depth of our wisdom. One factor is the quality of the information that makes up our knowledge. With so much information available to us, we need to be discerning about what we take on board. When you see or hear information it’s a good idea to conduct some basic research on the source of the information. Since we draw our wisdom from the well of our knowledge, we won’t make wise decisions if our well is full of misinformation.

Wisdom knows that it may need to draw on more than one facet of knowledge in order to make a prudent decision. Take Christmas shopping as an example. You may have extensive knowledge of all the things that little Johnny wants for Christmas but you also need to take into account your knowledge of your financial situation. Wisdom accesses all stored data, defines limits and makes a reasonable choice by balancing Johnny’s wishes with the current state of your budget.  

How do we grow in wisdom? An important factor is how we respond once we make a poor choice. If we allow shame or guilt to prevent us from taking responsibility, we are destined to repeat our poor choice. We will get trapped in a defensive stance which makes no space for change. If we are willing to acknowledge our mistakes, reflect on them and let them teach us what we could do differently, we grow in wisdom.

Wisdom comes not only through personal experience but through an open mind that is open to new possibilities. Listen with curiosity to others' perspectives and opinions. This doesn’t mean indiscriminately changing your viewpoint whenever another opinion is raised. Make it your practice to discerningly consider alternate perspectives before choosing a course of action.

A wise philosopher once wrote “Wisdom is the most valuable commodity – do not forsake her and she will protect you. Cherish her and she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honour you.” Sounds like wisdom is a companion worth keeping.

Linda Gray
linda@relationshipsanctuary.com.au
0401 517 243