Wisdom is often defined as an ability to make right choices. Dr. Robert Sternberg, a professor of Psychology and Education at Yale University, defines wisdom as the application of intelligence and experience as mediated by values toward the achievement of a common good through a balance among intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal interests, over the short and long terms.
There are some important points that Sternberg makes in his definition. Sternberg implies action in his definition of wisdom, through its application towards the achievement of a common good. It is crucial to understand the dualistic nature of wisdom’s movement. Quantum mechanics has taught us that neutrons, protons, and quarks are in constant motion. Yet from some perspectives, this river of wisdom seems still and unmoving (Felser, 2006). This is the nature of wisdom.
Another distinguishing point of Sternberg’s definition is wisdom’s drive towards balance. It is a beneficial harmonizing in all interactions. Stephen R. Covey, author of the best selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, says that the integrated individual uses clear guidance and true wisdom to direct their actions, thus bringing about a balanced character. Almost every major theology tells of this needed balance; with our minds, our bodies, and our environment. What name we give to this wholeness matters not, be it Tao, Allah, God, Elohim or any other, what matters is our active, balanced, moral understanding of the one flowing and living wisdom; to merge with the source of the river, becoming it (Felser, 2006).
As seekers, spiritual people tend to search for knowledge, which is similar behavior to those who are described as being wise.” According to a study undertaken at the University of California-Davis- “The Wisdom Project”- 1,000 college alumni were asked for traits of wisdom and concluded that seeking spirituality, a way of relating to God, was an identifying attribute. In the article, “Finding the Wise People”, Dr. Jeff Myers says, “It occurred to me some time ago that the wisest people I know all have something in common: they voraciously seek wisdom!” This quest for wisdom, truth, and a personal relationship with the One, is by and far the most common trait amongst the wise. It helps one to pray to the Great Spirit for further knowledge of the One who is the source of all things (Felser, 2006).
Immanuel Kant argues in his Critique of Practical Reason that people become immoral when they attempt to set a different standard for humanity than they do for themselves.
When Abraham Maslow, presented his Theory of Human Motivation, he established a recognizable pattern in the self-realized, wise people and noted an inspired egoless compassion, amongst other things. Maslow's self-actualizers focused on concerns outside of themselves; they liked solitude and privacy more than the average person, and they tended to be more detached than ordinary from the dictates and expectations of their culture. They were inner-directed people. They were creative, too, and appreciated the world around them with a sense of awe and wonder. These traits, indeed, pave the way to wisdom.
