Widsom

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”- Confucius

Intellect is very important to develop and challenge in an ever changing world. This is why education systems are put in place and children are required to go to school in the majority of countries in the world. Intellect is something that can be conditioned and practiced until it is mastered. Intellect separates the smart from the dumb.

            Though intellect is a foundation for progress in the world I believe that change can only come through wisdom. Wisdom is intellect, but inspired intellect. Wisdom is knowledge that comes from a deep understanding of self and surroundings. I believe that that wisdom is an unwavering knowledge that develops from the spirit of an individual.

            What does that mean, that it develops from the spirit of an individual? Many people can unlock true knowledge just by studying and training their brain to recite facts. This is the great skill of intellect. It is the few people that can search deep within themselves and use their intellect along with their faith and belief in truths that go beyond the realm of physical proof to make a decision.

            Religion is one way in which we can start to understand the importance of wisdom. We see countless times in the bible the mention of wisdom, and God putting those who have wisdom in power. Wisdom is a gift given by God to his people, which is what we see with characters in the Bible such as Solomon. A great passage in the bible which describes wisdom can be found in James 3:13-3:18. It says:

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

            This passage describes wisdom as something greater than what can be acquired here on earth. It describes wisdom as a heavenly quality. It is a heavenly knowledge that is characterized by peace, servant hood, mercy and sincerity. Those who have wisdom have righteousness. Wisdom is also rejoiced in other religions. In the Qur’an in the second Surah it says:

2:167

Those who followed will say, "If only we had another turn [at worldly life] so we could disassociate ourselves from them as they have disassociated themselves from us." Thus will Allah show them their deeds as regrets upon them. And they are never to emerge from the Fire.

2:168

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

2:169

He only orders you to evil and immorality and to say about Allah what you do not know.

2:170

And when it is said to them, "Follow what Allah has revealed," they say, "Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing." Even though their fathers were void of wisdom, nor were they guided?

2:171

The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but calls and cries cattle or sheep - deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand.

            Just as the Bible states over and over, so does the Qur’an, wisdom is heaven sent. Wisdom is not something to be achieved through following others, but it is something to be revealed to us by heaven. Just as people of faith are on a quest for sanctity, we are also on a quest for understanding that comes from wisdom.

            Now wisdom can be defined in that spiritual way, but there are many people who do not have faith, but this does not mean they are not seeking wisdom. Wisdom is a knowledge that can be characterized by choice and decision. Sure we can understand the symbiotic relationship between African Oxpeckers and Elephants but that does not make a wise person. It makes us an intelligent person because it does not involve critical thinking, decision making or demand a trust greater than what is known. A wise person is one who can step back from a problem, view it from all angles, throw away any preconceived notions and make the proper decision. Intellect precedes knowledge, knowledge precedes understanding, and understanding develops ones knowledge and intellect into wisdom. It is not about what you know, but how you use what you know. That is how you become wise.

            I value wisdom as the greatest of all qualities because with wisdom comes the understanding that it is not a choice whether or not to be respectful, to have integrity, to serve others or to give your all in everything, but it is an obligation. I want to lead people in a way that shows it’s not a choice whether to be a good person or not. It is everyone’s obligation to not just be a good person, but a great one! It is this wisdom that I have learned from my parents and all the great leaders that I have had in my life that I want to lead with. I want to lead with the wisdom that no matter what the world will be a better place because I am part of it. This is the wisdom I wish to instill in every player I touch and every person I can touch with this blog.

Here is a spoken word poem I wrote on Wisdom… I will try to record it and post it on here soon.

My name is wisdom

Son of love and intellect

Grandson of maturity and respect

Enemy of closed-mindedness

And let me tell you this

The world is in serious trouble

We’ve become so free

Others have no right to be

They’ve been stripped the opportunity to succeed

Happiness and industry

Has been replaced by money and greed

Now days people cant climb the ladder

Without stepping on someone else’s feet

But I am what the world needs

I am the foundation

The father of prosperity

Wisdom is my name

And I am always looking forward

Always looking beyond

Always looking toward

That better day head

When success is measured in self-satisfaction

Not only daily bread

And in those days we will see

A society based on equality

Integrity and unity

We will all live in a perfect and peaceful community

I am wisdom…. Follow me