Wisdom is about being, having and many other elements that make up or destroy us. Philosophers have been concerned with wisdom for centuries. What is meant by a wise person today?
Last update: July 28, 2022
To act wisely it is not necessary to have a very high intelligence quotient (IQ); on the other hand, it is necessary to show a certain tendency to common sense and kindness. As Socrates said, acting wisely starts with recognizing one's ignorance and the impossibility of absolute knowledge.
If we asked ourselves about the psychological competence that would allow us to better respond to a world in crisis, uncertain and changing, this would be the best example of wisdom.
Although philosophy and religion have ventured further than any other discipline into the terrain we explore today, psychology has been particularly interested in it for the past twenty years.
The University of Illinois and the University of Klagenfurt in Austria have long been studying the definition of wise behavior in everyday life. The working hypothesis is that what we call wisdom is especially important in the most difficult times.
Because some more and some less find themselves in this existential situation, it is worth understanding how to develop this wonderful tool.
“The ignorant says, the wise doubt and reflect”.
-Aristotle-
How can we act wisely?
Wisdom is defined as the ability to make healthy decisions. At the same time, it allows you to help others better.
In other words, it not only encompasses a sense of efficiency, but also a component that appeals to the ability to inspire. According to GlĂĽck and Weststrate (2022), authors of the aforementioned research, wise behavior is characterized by:
- The ability to solve problems in the short term. In other words, difficulties are faced before they become complicated.
- Generating a greater good (supporting and helping friends, relatives, acquaintances or strangers, etc.).
- A certain ability to know what is correct in all circumstances. Even if this implies, at times, a smaller profit.
Although wisdom has been understood for centuries from a rather spiritual view like that of Buddhism, it is time to go further. Psychology now offers concrete strategies for learning to act wisely.
1. Regulate emotions to think better
None of us will make a wise decision when in anger or frustration. For this reason, a first exercise is to refine emotional management and regulation.
Understanding every sensation, feeling and emotion, so as to exploit them in our favor and not against us, is the basis of wise behavior.
2. Calm and serenity
To act wisely, one must develop a relaxed temperament. Only from calm can the turmoil of the world be better observed. Only with a serene look one can understand opposing perspectives and opinions. Nothing is as decisive as knowing how to understand others, grasping what lies behind every event and circumstance.
The essay always acts after analyzing a situation and understanding every dynamic that shapes that event. And this can only be done by a calm, centered and calm mind.
3. Exploratory mindset
Each challenge has more than one way out. In general, he who acts wisely is a lover of knowledge and has a mind that loves to learn and explore. This explains why, faced with the same challenge, they propose multiple solutions.
“The wise man can change his mind. The fool, never. "
- Immanuel Kant-
4. Empathic Concern to Act Wisely
To act wisely, personal interests must be put aside. The common good counts and the achievement of a broad and shared benefit should be a priority. This is what often distinguishes the intelligent from the wise.
While the former focuses on personal gain, the latter is highly empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others.
5. Ethical behavior
Wise people not only make informed decisions, but these resolutions are always ethical. Their values ​​are noble and they are unlikely to cross the line of kindness.
6. Metacognitive skills
Wise people have great metacognitive potential, in other words they enjoy great self-control, they regulate their learning, they know how to plan, evaluate information ... However, one aspect that usually defines a wise person is the ability to combine great knowledge with cognitive resources with humility.
Its character is simple, open and always accessible. He shows a hopeful, very determined and stimulating attitude, even fresh, capable of arousing smiles for his ingenuity and closeness. Very positive minds, appreciated for their humility coupled with deep knowledge.
7. Self-reflection to act wisely
The wise mind is not the product of the mere passing of time, but also of self-reflection. This ability to evaluate each event, to think about actions and decisions, allows us to understand experiences as life lessons.
The wise do not forget that ups and downs, failures or losses are part of the daily landscape, just like successes or achievements. It is the future, they are the events of existence and which allow for the accumulation of knowledge.
In essence, treasuring wisdom requires developing a deeper, more sensitive and caring awareness of what surrounds us. We encourage you to adopt these strategies.
