Being wise instead of knowledgeable

We live in a society that is hungry for knowledge and learning. It has been a beautiful dream of a long time for many people and it is no small wonder to see even the simplest people accessing technology that was available only for high class or academics in a very recent past. However…

There is a cost for life in this knowledge-centered society: knowledge cannot solve all problems. This impossibility generates frustration and even feelings of depression. A high number of articles on topics like 5 Common Mistakes Smart People Make shows this reality. But why knowledge is not enough? That is when wisdom comes in…

After all, besides solving math problems and design complex strategies, a leader or any person also needs to solve relationship issues or to face health problems, for which that person’s knowledge won’t be necessarily useful. But wisdom will be!

It has a variety of meanings, but I would indicate a few levels of wisdom that can be applied to resolve different circumstances in life.

1. A knowledge-based wisdom. I think the first level is pretty simple: just apply knowledge! For instance, you can research about courses that will help you to improve your relationship or heal your health.
2. Intuition. Although some affirm it is restricted to a particular gender, it is not my experience. Basically, it means to listen to the non-logical part, a side of our brain or perception that is able to “catch” signs our conscious self didn’t, and it is not conditioned by gender, age, race, religion or any label. It will guide you in giving a special gift to that special person or talking to a different doctor who would have an unorthodox solution for your problem.
3. Contemplation. There is a point your wisdom comes from a deep contemplation. A few years ago, I tried to discern the difference between contemplation, reflection and meditation; when you reflect, you speak to yourself, while when you contemplate, you let your own self to speak to you… (meditation unites both in one practice). To be wise at this level means you don’t take decisions in a rush; you rather take your time, check between several possibilities and then you take a decision. Therefore, you won’t rush into a solution for a relationship or health, but you will think it deeply and the solution will come to you.
4. A master. It is not the final level, but you can call it a final stage of the path of wisdom. You start sharing and teaching others, and they are able to learn and follow a similar path. Success is measured here not for the master’s achievements – which are still important as they show their own wisdom, – but for their followers’. A master will teach about relationship and health, and their disciples will find solutions.

In which level of wisdom are you?