Question.Wisdom.Definition

What's *YOUR* definition of 'Wisdom'? The idea here is that by examining lots of different definitions of 'wisdom', we will get a larger, broader and more accurate view of what it reeally is. Just jot down what your take on wisdom is in the form below, fill out an email address (fake if you want, but please note all entries are left at the Editors' discretion ;) ), and voila! We'll compile these over time, moving long ones to their own page. Feel free to revise your own take on wisdom.. one of the qualities of wisdom is that it often arises through deeper reflection! Some definitions to get you going, from Dictionary.com wis·dom Understanding of what is true, right, or lasting; insight Common sense; good judgment The sum of scholarly learning through the ages; knowledge

Your definitions:

Wisdom is the combination of what you know and what you've done/experienced.

psilo none-given

Wisdom is the knowledge of how to apply knowledge.. it is Meta-Knowledge

valerie valeri@global-dialog.org

Participant Comments follow below

Wisdom is consistently making choices that lead to good outcomes for all. James Card 10/19/04 04:11:28 GMT

Wisdom: the universal way in which every thing contributes to the general quest for relative truth? As for acting wise, to which most people are referring to, could be the centermark in the triangular relationship between knowing the truth, righteousness and full insight in all causal effects of judgement. I'm pretty sure wisdom has little to do with neither rationality nor emotion, especially in the form of any diety. Vrek 03/12/04 17:13:58 GMT

wisdom is evil dj 01/07/04 23:14:39 GMT

WISDOM COMES FROM TRUE LOVE FOR OTHER HUMAN BEEINGS AND FOR THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE. In true love we want to be in the unity with subject of our love. This true love is very far from egocentric point of view. In this unity with other people and the universe we never make desisions, which would harm our environment or other people, because we know that harmfull decisions will harm us, as well. So with this love we always do what's good for US AND FOR THE UNIVERSE. Thinking about and doing what's GOOD for us in the unity with people and the universe is WISE. Justina 12/10/03 21:04:09 GMT

Wisdom is the prize of living the excellent and good life. It is a quest for what is ultimate and most imortant. Its concerns are truth, goodness, beautiful, and eternal. Irwin Engel irwinengel@yahoo.com 10/06/03 20:12:03 GMT

wisdom-it's like the phonetic paradox presented in this form of the word-wisdom-wis-dom-wise-dumb, it is an acceptance of how insignificant knowledge can be in the face of constant experience, to not use our previous experience to judge a moment, to consider what is in front of you as part of you, knowing that good and bad are dependant on each other and exist because of this distinction, desiring the best for everything and acting on this desire, to consider everything that comes into consideration, and to have a sense of the short/long term, micro/macro, self/other. Also, to listen. jake jacobz99@hotmail.com 09/11/03 22:03:56 GMT

Wisdom simply is the knowlege of right and wrong and that there is a distinction between each. R T Brown nukehollywood.com rtb1960@bellsouth.net 07/24/03 22:46:18 GMT

What many interpret as wisdom is really either knowledge or intelligence. However: Intelligence is the Gift and is primarily dependant on God's actions. It is the ability of the brian to operate. We cannot modify this to any great extent and is decided whenever our makeup is decided. Knowledge we acquire and is primarily dependant on our actions. We call this learning. some of us learn quick, slow. The higher the intelligence the greater the ability to aquire knowledge. When we study and seek and question, this is what we are doing. Independently each is useless. Together they are powerful and can be used in any fashion, that is to say unwisely and wisely or justly and unjustly. This logicly indicates that Wisdom is separate yet it uses the other two. For example Solomon could not have made the 'cut the baby in two' judgement had he not had knowledge that the mother in any species will defend its young and the intelligence to retrieve that knowledge and adapt it to a new situation. The wisdom was in the implementation of the knowledge. I define wisdom is the positive and intelligent use of knowledge for altruistic result. Mel Harrietha melharrietha@yahoo.com 07/23/03 20:59:06 GMT

Wisdom which does not arise from within and is rather imposed on one from without is better called 'dogma' and not wisdom at all. Follow not the blind demiurge yahwah who rules with fear and hatred but rather seek the source of all knowledge in his Mother Sophia who can be found even in your own heart. 01/11/03 19:50:26 GMT

Wisdom is knowledge guided by the understanding of God found only in the Holy Spirit. Anyone can obtain knowledge, but true Wisdom is found when that knowledge is illuminated by understanding. Wisdom, in reality, is a gift of God... Proverbs 2:6 "For the Lord gives Wisdom, from HIS mouth comes knowledge and understanding." Paul Sides pres@myboatrv.com 01/11/03 19:15:39 GMT

Wisdom is the measure of inter-neural connections; it is the measure of how someone can correlate information and experience. As such, being wise and being knowledgeable are two distinct features. This is not a comment. This is the true definition of wisdom. Hani Mustafa hani.mustafa@noorgroup.net 11/23/02 19:45:45 GMT

Wisdom is the ability to discriminate between things transient and things eternal. J J Constable cnsjjc@aol.com 05/02/02 22:08:34 GMT

the gift of wisdom helps us look upon life as a great and remarkable gift from God. Wisdom help's us recognize Gods presence in all people, places and things. wisdom helps us judge events in our lives accrding to our beleif in God. Mackenzie bigmack524@aol.com 02/21/02 00:48:07 GMT

The wisdom of God ( as interpreted by man ) is the beginning of fear. converbs 02/08/02 02:43:13 GMT

Wisdom is granted to us only through humility and by the great mercies and love of God. Wisdom is not lofty or condescending but is always lowly and filled with love. Love God therefore and pray that he grant all mankind his great and everlasting mercies!!! anonymous 02/06/02 04:12:22 GMT

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. proverbs landin landin@hotmail.com 02/06/02 04:02:16 GMT

If you really reflect upon it, you will understand that wisdom is beyond definition. Wisdon is like perfection; perfection is impossible. It is only within our own (personal) realm that we attain perfection. Therefore, Wisdom is in every respect like perfection. One is only wise because he/she labels oneself so. The road to wisdom is, however, the humbleness to know that you're really not while realizing that you should be. (1/23) Luis Lespinoza@apa.org 01/24/02 02:37:24 GMT

Wisdom is the ability to understand and choose what is good. The Writer JPZPost@Juno.com. 12/14/01 12:51:22 MST

Wisdom is USING your God-given talents and knowledge to glorify and edify Him and bring the world to an awareness of Him. It consists of right living (righteousness) and discernment (learing and doing God's will). Jane Brasovan janieb@comwerx.net

Wisdom is to consider the matter beforehand and to imagine the case so vividly that when it happens the routes are clear. This is a very rare kind and the one who has it should keep it. This kind has two bad faults: The case just doesn´t happen at all, just for the fun of it or it happens differently. Whoever can take also these two faults in account has an pleasant and easy way to tour the world. borisLL borisl@artic.net