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
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.
If You Want Advice, Go to the Animals!
These animals have consented to lend us some of their wisdom. Here are some tips to help you get by...
Suffering From Swollen hand? Find Out What's Wrong Here
Are you worried about your swollen hands? Here is everything you need to know and everything you can do to beat your affliction.
How to Reduce Blood Triglycerides? 8 Expert Backed Tips
High levels of blood triglycerides raise the risk of heart disease. These simple lifestyle changes could help you manage your triglyceride levels much better.
10 Signs You Have a High Level of Intelligence
If you find yourself relating to these characteristics, it is possible that you possess an exceptional level of intelligence...
Make These Baby Products Naturally at Home!
To help you create your own natural remedies for your little one, we suggest trying out the following homemade "recipes".
10 Reasons Why Your Nonstick Cookware Is SO Short-Lasting
Here are 10 common cooking and maintenance mistakes that can ruin nonstick cookware for you to avoid in the future!
Say Goodbye to Rotten Fruits & Veggies with These 12 Tips
The way you store your groceries can affect their shelf life. These 12 tips will help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
9 Ways to Use Coffee to Make Your Hair and Skin Shine
Caffeine, a familiar component of coffee, can stimulate blood circulation, leading to radiant, healthy, and bright skin.
Never Struggle to Get Out of Bed Again with These Tips
Do you have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? If so, you can add some much needed energy to your mornings by taking heed of these simple tips.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Your Favorite Material
A chocolate stain can be one of the trickiest stains to remove as it’s known as a combination stain. Thankfully, these tips will help!
Loop, Knot, Drape: Fall Scarf Tying 101
This lovely woman demonstrates the better versions of how to wear a scarf, what not to do and how to easily make beautiful fashion choices.
Your Toothpaste Can Be More Harmful Than You Think
Stop using toothpaste that fills your body with nasty chemicals, and try making one of these natural versions instead.
You MUST Pay Attention to These Numbers When Buying Fruit
The numbers you see on fruit have much more significance than you think. You can learn everything you need to know about the fruit you're buying from them.
The One Ingredient in Shampoo that Damages Our Hair...
Most shampoos have at least this one ingredient that might damage your hair - protein.
Darken Graying Hair Using Potato Peels!
Do you spend a lot of time fighting gray hair? The following simple idea will allow you to darken hair graying quickly using something we all have: potato peels!
Bananas Can Do So Much More Than Just Being Food...
Bananas are more than just food, there are at least 15 more uses for them...
Body Wash vs. Bar Soap: Which One Should You Choose?
Body wash or shower gel? Which one do you prefer? If you’re uncertain, we’ll help you find out when to use each one.
9 Body Language Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making
most communication between people is through body language, make sure you're not conveying the wrong messages by avoiding the 9 mistakes.
The Ultimate Makeup Guide You Need in Your Life!
Learn how to prepare makeup for day-to-day as well as special occasions the right way thanks to the nifty tricks given by this life-saving infographic!
Everything You Wanted to Know About Coffee...
Is coffee healthy? Is it addictive? Is there any way to reuse coffee grounds? Find the answer these question in this coffee themed collection
Are They LIARS? 7 Signs to Look For
A regular person lies to prevent hurting someone's feelings or to protect themselves, but that's not the case when it comes to a compulsive liar...
Do You Have Dandruff? Here's How to Get Rid of It!
Do you suffer from dandruff? If so, instead of buying expensive shampoos, try these 8 natural remedies instead!
19 Household Items You Need to Change Now
It's high time you change these household items.
Granny Always Knows the Answer to Life's Problems
Life is full of little problems. So that's why you need to ask your granny for the answers.
Keep the Bedroom Cool in the Summer Heat with These Tips!
Getting a good night's sleep during the hottest summer months doesn't have to be a challenge. With these clever easy tricks, you'll sleep like a baby!
Keep Your Shoes in Top Shape with These Tips and Tricks
Learn how to always keep your shoes in top shape, no matter their age or fabric. I guarantee, it will save you a lot of money because you won’t have to buy new shoes so often anymore.
How to Clean 'Dry Clean Only' Clothes at Home
Dry cleaning can be a huge hassle, as well as quite the expense, which is why it is so much better to do it yourself at home...
This is How You Keep Your Marriage Strong & Life-Long!
Here are 12 ways you can keep your marriage long-lasting, strong, full of love and support.
GUIDE: Are You Feeding Your Cat Right?
To help cat owners with this task, we've created a guide on the recommended daily amount and type of food to feed their cats.
Quick! Grab Some Steel Wool, and Here's What You Do...
We have compiled 11 tips for various household uses, along with a bonus tip you can use on a field trip.
These Winter Skincare Solutions Are Utterly Genius
The winter can take its toll on your skin, but that doesn't mean that you can't rectify problems quickly and easily. Find out about these 10 genius solutions.
10 Creative Ways to Create a Hanging Garden
Try your hand at vertical gardening with one (or a few) of these creative projects.
Should You Choose or Avoid Copper Pans?
Copper is a great antibacterial metal. Why then don't we all cook in it? This video will help you decide.
10 Repelling Plants that Keep Bugs Away
Many of the solutions to our problems can be found in nature, and this is also true when it comes to insects. Here are 10 plants that'll repel bugs.
Are Your Houseplants Leaking Water? This Is What It Means
Is it good if your indoor plants are emitting droplets of water? Every houseplant owner ought to know the answer to this one...
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!
16 Useful Inventions That You Never Knew Your City Needs!
These cool and awesome inventions have been designed to make the world a much better and easier place.
Clean Your Washing Machine With This Easy DIY Cleaner
This natural DIY formula will keep your washing machine safe and clean.
These 10 Fantastic Life Hacks Will Make Your Life Easier
These life hacks will allow you to get things done quicker and generally make your life easier. Watch this informative video now.
Using Vinegar to Clean These Items Can Really Damage Them
Cleaning these common home surfaces and other items with vinegar can seriously damage them...
Guide: How to Make a Tasty Fruit Salad In No Time at All...
This video will show you how to quickly chop fruit for those delicious and fresh fruit salads.
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.
Our Complete Guide to Peeling Fruits and Vegetables!
Each fruit and vegetable has a different way of being effectively peeled. Our guide will teach you the very best methods!
DIY: 12 Ways to Give Your Plastic Bottles New Life
Recycling is good but did you know there are lots of other things you can do with plastic bottles? Here are 12 ideas for do-it-yourself projects to create masterpieces out of junk.