KnowledgeReform.com » Educational Talks

Why Society Must Use Practical Wisdom to Progress

Jason Cooper — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:26:32 +0000

“Virtue makes the goal right, practical wisdom the things leading to it”

~ Aristotle

Is wisdom really the key for our world to progress? Maybe. Although I have created this blog encouraging everyone to embrace this seemingly rare thing, I have to remain realistic to the fact that it cannot be easily taught. One must discover wisdom for themselves and put it to good use whenever they come across any obstacles that threatens their own awareness and progress in life.

Maybe if one had common sense to begin with, it would help one to become wise. But unfortunately, as is most obviously the case, “common sense is the most uncommon thing in this world.”

In the following video, Barry Schwartz sheds some light on the problem of permeating a society with “practical wisdom”. Schwartz offers solutions on the teaching of wisdom and for institutions to revolutionise themselves towards embracing “practical wisdom” instead of “impractical bureaucracy”. This will more than likely sound somewhat Utopian to most people in the cold light of day.

‘Barry Schwartz makes a passionate call for “practical wisdom” as an antidote to a society gone mad with bureaucracy. He argues powerfully that rules often fail us, incentives often backfire, and practical, everyday wisdom will help rebuild our world.’

~ ‘Barry Schwartz on our loss of wisdom’ appearing on TED Talks

Please watch the following insightful talk by Barry Schwartz:

As I’ve kept on saying incessantly since starting this blog, I think that the only way for progress and a change for the better to happen globally, is if we all, through self-knowledge, develop wisdom within first – which unwittingly sounds more Utopian than Schwartz’s suggestions.

I do love a challenge…any suggestions on this “imparting wisdom” conundrum?

Search for Meaning in your Life Towards Personal Growth

Jason Cooper — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:59:12 +0000

Manly P. Hall again demonstrates his inexhaustible knowledge and wisdom as he gives an educational talk on the Search for the Essential Meaning of Life.

For human beings to grow we must learn to understand our divine and true purpose in life; and where we fit in the universe.

Please enjoy and learn from the following talk on video:

Carl Sagan’s Evolving Human Brain Toward Probable Wisdom?

Jason Cooper — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:51:21 +0000

A fascinating and educational talk given by the much celebrated Astronomer, Carl Sagan who discusses how the brain functions and how it has evolved from the natural instincts of reptiles, to the inventive and critical thinking skills of modern Man.

I wonder what the next stage of human evolution will give us? Wisdom and common sense perhaps? If only…but there is no reason to wait that long to attain such virtues.

Please enjoy the following fantastic video by Carl Sagan:

Jiddu Krishnamurti Points the Way Toward Wisdom

Jason Cooper — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:27:29 +0000

In the following two videos, Jiddu Krishnamurti advises us to illuminate the way, for ourselves, to freedom, peace, and spiritual enlightenment.

Part 1 of 2

Part 2 of 2

From Wisdom to Understanding – Manly P. Hall

Jason Cooper — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:43:19 +0000

Carrying on The Wisdom Series (Click here to listen to ‘From Knowledge to Wisdom’) by Manly P. Hall, where he provides more enlightening knowledge we can all learn from.

This particular talk now focuses on From Wisdom to Understanding. Please do enjoy!

Part 1 of 7

Part 2 of 7

Part 3 of 7

Part 4 of 7

Part 5 of 7

Part 6 of 7

Part 7 of 7

A Philosopher As Parent (Part 1) – Stefan Molyneux

Jason Cooper — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:33:17 +0000

To those would be parents, here is some wonderful advice on parenting from Stefan Molyneux, as he applies philosophy and some wisdom to help him with bringing up his seven month old daughter.

I am of the same philosophical mindset to parenting as Stefan, and as I have said in the past, the wisdom I am learning from just observing my little boy has proved so far to be of valuable assistance toward my own personal growth.

When you get the time please also read my posts ‘The Wisdom of Becoming a Child Again’ and ‘The Wise Lessons of Fatherhood: Baby J is 1 Year Old Today!’ to understand how much having a child can teach us about ourselves and life in general.

Please now watch and learn from Stefan as he may give you some wise pointers on making the difficulties of parenthood a little easier, as demonstrated by the following quote from his video A Philosopher As Parent,

“The first thing that I think is really important, and has been really helpful to me in terms of dealing with my daughter is to remember that when she is upset she is not in opposition to me, but in fact she is trying to help me.”

~ Stefan Molyneux

Update: Read part 2 of 2: ‘A Philosopher As Parent (Part 2) – Ten Commandments to Parenting Wisely’