“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Goethe starts this post with an apt quote which states, perhaps wisely, how one should apply the knowledge and experiences, they have accumulated in life, towards making the best possible decisions.

Therefore, by making a reasoned decision when called for, will not only make us more virtuous but will also put us on the true path towards goodness and happiness.

According to ‘The Art of Manliness’ bloggers Brett and Kate McKay, Aristotle’s philosophy of phronesis – which usually translates to ‘practical wisdom’ – best describes a more pragmatic life (rather than just contemplative) towards right action and virtue which deals, adequately, with all possible circumstances that may arise. Read more…

My old friend, Manly P. Hall, shares with us a Christmas message of enlightening wisdom and esoteric knowledge – enjoy!
 

Manly Palmer Hall The Solar Christmas Part 1 of 2
 

Manly Palmer Hall The Solar Christmas Part 2 of 2
 

This detailed study of the lives and teachings of Confucius and Socrates compares how and what they taught in order to help others to become wiser. The appendix includes English translations of ancient texts describing their teaching in action.

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I start this post with a relevant question: Can one confidently say that with the increase of scientific and technological knowledge we are getting closer to wisdom?

As Bertrand Russell writes in his short essay Knowledge and Wisdom, purposeful knowledge without the prudence of wisdom can lead, inadvertently, toward a final, and perhaps not desired, outcome that one can call ‘evil’.

Russell further states that if we as a progressive world wish to avoid evil actions because of our thirst for knowledge, we would do well to also impart the teaching of wisdom, and to encourage everyone to embrace open-mindedness and impartiality in their use of this knowledge.

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Toward Wisdom addresses the nature of wisdom, humanity’s need for it, and ways and means of developing it.

The situation the world faces today is extremely complex. Long-cherished values have begun to conflict with each other: material comfort vs. an uncontaminated world; economic growth now vs. economic well-being for our grandchildren. Toward Wisdom takes the position that the only way to make the world a better place is to make it a wiser place. Wisdom is no longer an option or a frill. We, and the world, need wisdom-based analyses of our problems followed by wisdom-based action.

In the past, becoming wise was left to chance; a few people became wise before they died, but most did not. This lackadaisical approach will no longer do. Wisdom can be developed intentionally, and Toward Wisdom shows us how. The book examines some of the key impediments to wisdom — what they are, how they work, how they came to be — and introduces us to techniques for getting beyond them.

About the Author
Copthorne Macdonald is a writer, independent scholar, and former communication systems engineer. He writes about wisdom, personal growth, the nature of reality, and creating a sustainable future. His published works include six books (two on the subject of wisdom) and over 130 articles, reviews, and column installments.

Cop is also the owner of the biggest Wisdom website on the net called The Wisdom Page which is a website dedicated to helping us better understand wisdom — that vitally important but poorly understood pinnacle of human functioning.

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