Intelligence is something, some say, we are born with.
On the other hand, wisdom, which is far more useful, is definitely something one can accumulate over a lifetime. Many search for ways to become wise, but few feel they have really achieved it. The Berlin Wisdom Project of the late 80s defined wisdom as: - Spiritual knowledge
- Factual knowledge
- Excellent judgment
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Ability to learn from past experience
- Humility, emotional strength or ability to recover from defeat
- Openness and maturity - allowing another to see you as you really are
- A deeper understanding of human nature, including empathy for others and other cultures
However, if you don't think you embody all these qualities, there are SIX other ways to become wiser in the human experience:
1. Being Social
Research has shown that people who keep more contact with other people display higher levels of wisdom than those who remain more secluded. Some think this may be due to new people constantly giving us new ideas to think about, new information, new experiences, and this enriches the mind and gives us more wisdom. So make an effort, if not for others than for yourself. Stay in touch with old friends, go take a course, and stay in contact with those around you, it's the wise thing to do.
2. Open-mindedness
Wisdom is the ability to understand all aspects of a problem, without surrendering to personal feelings. The meaning of an open mind is to find true empathy and to understand that everyone has a life story that affects them in some way, and it is not our place to judge. A good habit is to write down, every day, what ails you. At the end of the day, take a look at that list and try to get a new perspective on each problem, you'll be surprised what things will come to mind.
3. "I could be mistaken"
A smart person understands that it is impossible to know everything and that life always throws you a curve when you least expect it. Acknowledging our mistakes may, and often does, lead to greater wisdom. Remember, your ability to be wrong shouldn't damage your reputation as a wise man but should increase it because wise people know how to take responsibility for their mistakes. Nietzsche is quoted to have said: "Wisdom sets limits on knowledge, too.". Acknowledge the limits of your knowledge and admit when you are wrong.
4. Experiencing new things
While we each have our own personal tastes in books, music, art or movies, it is important to note that getting familiar with styles unknown will broaden your horizons and introduce new world views, new ideas and new outlooks on life. So put down the novel you're reading and try a science fiction story, a history book or just a great romance. Whatever it is you almost never read, now is the time to add some real experience in things you haven't really touched on. So try something new, or learn a new skill - it won't just make you wiser, it'll also keep you young!
5. Self-awareness
Many will say they have rich life experiences, but when was the last time you really stopped to think of all you've learned throughout life?
Try this exercise: Write down your three biggest failures and your three biggest successes. Next to each of them write some of the events that lead to it and the lessons you learned. Look for patterns, without pride or regret, simple patterns to teach you about how you used each experience to drive you forward. After all, knowing yourself is the biggest challenge of all.
6. Know what goes on around you
Yes, the news is often dramatic, misrepresented or just depressing. But it's hard to make balanced decisions for yourself and others if you don't learn from the mistakes of others and, on larger scales, of your city, country, and world. Keep updated, read a newspaper, watch the news or just read a news site online from time to time. Read the articles, not just headlines, and understand how you fit into this bigger world, and where you stand. This is crucial for true wisdom.
|
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The BEST Drinks to Replenish Your Body After A Workout
What you consume to refuel your body after a workout really matters. The good news is, you really don't have to stick to plain water...
14 Psychological Tricks You Have to Try Today!
How about getting people to agree with you? Kid won't eat their greens? These 14 psychological tricks will get people to do what you want.
Make Your Life Easier With 20 Brilliant Tips!
A collection of brilliant tips that you can find use for every single day.
Host the Best Dinner Parties With These Tips
A handful of tips for hosting a dinner party, stress-free.
Why Sitting Down is Slowly Putting Your Health at Risk
Some facts everyone should know about sitting.
7 Japanese Secrets to Staying Slim and Healthy!
The Japanese have their own ways of maintaining their weight.
The Perfect Morning Guide: How to Start Your Morning Right
Are your co-workers not allowed to talk to you before you’ve had a cup of coffee? You probably need to change up your morning routine!
These Natural Cleaning Solutions Will Remove Anything!
Who would have thought that countless chores around your home can be tackled with these easy, natural cleaning solutions?
Learn to Make a Chocolate Bowl in 2 Minutes Flat!
let's learn how to quickly and easily make chocolate bowls that'll make everyone's day.
Wow! Even We Were Amazed At These 11 Ingenious Tips
Everyone needs some tips in life, and these 11 are worth remembering because they'll help you solve a variety of problems, make life easier and save money!
Eye-Relaxing Tips: Simple and Fast Exercises for Your Eyes
Do your eyes feel strained at the end of the day? These useful exercises will provide some relief.
7 Kinds of Food Known to Cause Adult Acne
There is a significant link between adult acne and diet. These 7 food types are known to cause acne in adults
The Secret to REALLY Cleaning Your Microwave in 3 Minutes
There is a simple trick to cleaning your microwave in just a couple of minutes, and all it requires is a bowl of water and two slices of lemon.
Genius Hotel and Packing Tricks You’ll Surely Appreciate
These invaluable tricks will help you get around 18 common traveling problems, particularly those that deal with hotels and luggage packing...
These Guides Are Chock-a-Block With Helpful Info
Take our advice – keep these useful guides at hand for they might come in use someday.
Get Rid of Excessive Ear Wax with These Easy Home Remedies
Earwax is important for protecting our ear canals, however if our body produces too much of it, it can become a problem. Here are some home remedies.
The Best Time of Day to Eat Healthy Foods!
In this article we have outlined the best time of the day to indulge in some of your favorite foodstuffs.
Four Ways to Tie Your Shoes for Foot Pain Relief
This helpful guide will teach you how to tie your laces based on the specific issue you're experiencing.
Eat Eggs? Keep Those Egg Cartons, They're Very Useful...
Egg cartons can be used for many diverse purposes.
One of These Facts May Save Your Life One Day
10 simple facts that we should all know, because they may save us some day.
These Body Language Tricks Will Make You Seem Confident
Use These body language tricks to help you appear more confident in a social gathering.
10 Great Extra Uses for Charcoal Briquettes
Here's how you can put those extra charcoal briquettes to good use at home.
10 Popular Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money
Some beauty and self-care products are just a waste of your money, and all 10 of these popular items are better off in the trash...
Cheap and Great Tips for Removing Rust from Any Surface!
Ugly rust will become a thing of the past, using these simple methods to remove it from metal surfaces and even clothes.
You Wouldn't Believe All That You Can Do with a Bobby Pin
You'll be surprised at how much you can truly do with a simple bobby pin! Take a look:
The Way We Were - Shocking Ads from the 1950s
This series of advertisements from the 1950s is more than just your regular nostalgia. Look at these ads and be amazed with all the progress women have made!
15 Reasons to Never Throw Away Used Corks Again!
There's no limit with what you can do with a simple collection of corks. Make your used corks useful again with these brilliant DIY ideas.
This Handy DIY Project Will Have You Collecting Corks
There are so many useful things you can do with a cork. Start collecting your now!
WATCH: 10 Amazing Life-Hacks You Wish You Knew Years Ago
If there were only 10 life-hacks you needed to learn, these would be them.
These YouTube Channels Are a Delight for Senior Citizens
Discover the best YouTube channels for seniors that offer a plethora of engaging and entertaining content.
The Best Plant Milks For Every Task
Different plant milks work best for various tasks, which can be tricky. This culinary guide will help you choose the best ones for you
10 Clever Ways to Eat Less While Staying Healthy
How to eat less and still enjoy yourselves? Here are 10 easy ways to do just that!
10 Excellent Uses for Mayonnaise Around the House!
Mayonnaise is a great complimentary condiment for food, but did you know there are multiple non-food-related uses for this kitchen staple?
GUIDE: Learn 3 Proven Problem-Solving Methods
Your ability to solve problems, or lack thereof, has a great bearing on whether you can be happy and successful. Try these 3 problem-solving methods.
Using Vinegar to Clean These Items Can Really Damage Them
Cleaning these common home surfaces and other items with vinegar can seriously damage them...
11 Mistakes Any DIY-er Should Avoid
Before you begin your long awaited project, take a look at these common DIY mistakes and make sure you’re not making any of them along the way.
Here Are the Safety Precautions You Need to Take This Xmas
Christmas can be ruined by not paying enough attention to safety, but this guide will bring your attention to all the things you need to be aware of.
50 Ways to Unwind Without Spending a Cent
Here are 50 different ways to help you unwind which are totally free of charge.
Pears Aren't Just Yummy, They're Incredibly Healthy Too
No wonder the ancient Greeks believed pears were a gift from the Gods! There are loads of health benefits contained in these juicy wonders...
Try this Ancient Indian Method for Removing Body Hair
An ancient and natural method that both men and women have been using for centuries to get rid of unnecessary hair from their bodies.
Hydrators vs. Moisturizers: Who Should Use What?
This article would like to provide clarity on the various types of moisturizers and help you understand what your skin truly requires.
Spruce Up Your Garden With These Brilliant DIY Ideas
This brilliant video contains 16 different DIY ideas that are perfect for any garden. What's more, they couldn't be any simpler to make!
Stop Making These Common Storage Mistakes
Find out how to store a whole range of common things including different kinds of food, clothing and much more...
9 Ways to Keep Your House Clean Using Just a Simple Lime
Limes are just as good as lemons when it comes to cleaning. Here are 9 great ways to clean with them.
In Case of an Emergency, Keep These 14 Things In Mind
These are essential items for your family emergency kid recommended by the American Red Cross and FEMA which will help protect yourself and your family during an emergency.