Wisdom (original) (raw)

Wise people generally share an optimism that life's problems can be solved and experience a certain amount of calm in facing difficult decisions. Intelligence may be necessary for wisdom, but it definitely isn't sufficient; an ability to see the big picture, a sense of proportion, intellectual humility, and considerable introspection also contribute to its development.

Wisdom can be acquired only through experience, but by itself, experience does not automatically confer wisdom. Researchers are continuing to probe the social, emotional, and cognitive processes that transmute experience into wisdom.

How do researchers define wisdom?

Numerous theories are emerging to try to measure and model wisdom. A leading theory, developed by psychologists Paul Baltes and others, defines wisdom as “expert knowledge in the fundamental pragmatics of life that permits exceptional insight, judgment, and advice about complex and uncertain matters.” That encompasses five key components: rich procedural knowledge, rich factual knowledge, an understanding of different life contexts, an awareness of the relativism of values and priorities, and the ability to recognize and manage uncertainty. These criteria are measured by introducing hypothetical scenarios and assessing what participants would consider or do in those situations.

But there are other theories of wisdom as well. Sociologist Monika Ardelt believes that individuals develop wisdom as personality characteristics encompassing reflection, compassion, and the pursuit of truth. Psychologist Robert Sternberg understands wisdom as balance between oneself and others so that actions are directed at the common good.

What are the components of wisdom?

Wisdom encompasses cognitive components, such as knowledge and experience, reflective components, or the ability to examine situations and oneself, and prosocial components, meaning benevolence and compassion. Wisdom is also connected to abilities such as perspective-taking, open-mindedness, and intellectual humility.

What’s the difference between intelligence and wisdom?

How is wisdom related to age?

Do hardships make you wiser?

Difficult experiences certainly have the potential for growth—but they don’t automatically confer wisdom. Wisdom is acquired only by learning from the experience. Both research and clinical observation suggest that people who work to process adversity, derive meaning from it, and allow it to catalyze change are the people for whom hardships lead to wisdom.

How does wisdom differ across cultures?

Culture can influence which traits are considered virtuous and the education that individuals receive. For example, American culture places a stronger emphasis on achievement, while Japanese culture puts more value on perspective-taking. Experience substantially contributes to the development of wisdom, and culture informs which experiences people have and how they handle them.

Wisdom and faith are in some ways intertwined. They both depend on decentering oneself and seeing a broader picture. Religions often emphasize the importance of living a meaningful life, building community and caring for others, and mentorship and scholarly pursuits, all of which pertain to developing wisdom.