Wisdom vs Intelligence: what’s the difference?

Everyone is determined to study as much as possible to gain that ideal job, along with the social standing and financial rewards it offers.Wisdom is left behind in the quest for prominence.

Good old-fashioned wisdom has dropped down the rankings of desirable qualities in a knowledge-obsessed and target-driven world due to this quest for academic excellence.

It is important not to confuse knowledge with wisdom. Knowledge provides the means to survive, whereas wisdom offers the means to live.

Have you ever read a job description that required applicants to have wisdom?

In the past, people sought out those with sagacity and a deep understanding of a broad range of life experiences to seek advice and receive the pearls of wisdom.

Grades and additional qualifications are crucial to boosting our salary rankings—not to mention the arrogance and self-promotion accompanying success.

Your terrific academic achievements prove that you are capable of logical thinking, understanding concepts, and working hard.

These admirable qualities. However, research indicates that intelligence is not a sign of well-being.

What is the distinction between sagacity and smarts?

These qualities are not always easy to define, but a quick look at the dictionary definition may help:

Wisdom: The ability to use your experience and knowledge to make sensible decisions and judgments.

Intelligence: The ability to think, reason, and understand instead of doing things automatically or by instinct.

According to these definitions, the critical difference between wisdom and intelligence is that wisdom relies on the perspective gained from life experiences. Intelligence is based on gathering empirical facts and knowledge.

Knowing what to do and when to do it is intelligence; knowing if and when is wisdom.

What is wisdom?

There are many interesting quotes on the subject of wisdom. Here are just a few so that you get the idea.:

      • Doubting is the beginning of wisdom; we find the truth by questioning.
      • Learning never ends, and that is how one acquires wisdom. 
      • Studying is required to gain knowledge, but observing is needed to gain wisdom.
      • Knowing nothing is the only true wisdom.
      • There is a door to the temple of wisdom, and it is knowledge of our ignorance.
      • Real wisdom is knowing what you know and what you don’t know 

      You may be inspired to find the inspiration you need to develop your inner ‘sage’ among these gems. Humility is the thread that runs through these sage words, a quality that is currently unfamiliar in our society, where self-promotion is the norm.

      How can we benefit from wisdom?

      Never before has it been more critical to make the right decisions, deal with the unknown; observe; handle emotions; comprehend; and see past superficial appearances than today.

      Wise people’s ability to look at things from an open-minded perspective leads to a more optimistic attitude.

      A closed-minded, defensive, negative person would see only gloom and doom.

      The wise can keep their emotions in check, controlling them rather than allowing them to manage them.

      It’s never a smart idea to punch someone or scream obscenities, thanks to the inner voice that warns against such actions.

      In addition to being intelligent, having wisdom allows you to see situations from a detached, fly-on-the-wall perspective, viewed in a broader context, which is crucial for making better decisions.

    • How to become a wiser person?
    • Having a shock of grey hair or a lined face isn’t a requirement for being wise. And wisdom isn’t exclusive to the older generation.Developing your inner sage can be accomplished through active steps, resulting in a more healthy and broadened life experience:Don’t worry too much.Working hard to compensate for what you think are your inadequacies, which results in constant busyness, may impress your bosses. It’s like drinking. Being drunk won’t make you smarter.

      Make sure to allocate time each day to relax and calm down, stepping away from life’s stresses for a bit.

      Relax, breathe, reflect, and expand your mind.

      During these periods of calm, spend time thinking about your inner self. You will not be able to understand the thoughts and motivations of others if you don’t know what makes you tick.

      When the noise of frantic activity doesn’t cloud your mind, new perspectives will open up to you.

      Before you speak, think carefully.

      It is said that “knowledge is knowing what to say, and wisdom is knowing whether or not to say it.”

      Listen carefully and be open to new ideas. Instead of instantly responding, give yourself time and space for reflection before speaking.

      ‘Black and white’ is a thing of the past.Nothing in life is truly black and white. Look for the grey areas to better understand what’s happening. You can sit on the fence for a while and gain a better perspective.

      Considering the potential uncertainties rather than concrete facts will enable you to make better decisions.

      Be curious.

      Learning doesn’t cease after completing your formal education.Your mind will rust if you stop feeding it new experiences.

      ‘To live is to change, and to be willing to change is to be alive.’

      You need to open your mind, activate your natural curiosity, and be prepared to experiment to become wiser.

      The phrase ‘beginner’s mind’ in Buddhism signifies a state of freshness and amazement at discoveries.

      It would help if you approached life with the same awe a child feels when seeing the power of the ocean for the first time.

      Be an insatiable reader.

      Read anything and everything during your commute, in bed, and on the toilet. Read books, magazines, and newspapers, as well as blogs, social commentaries, comics, and the work of the greatest philosophical thinkers. Read about your interests or your professional field, or read novels or crime fiction.

      However, think about whatever you read, form opinions, and, if possible, discuss it with friends and colleagues.

      Everything you read will help you build a priceless stockpile ofknowledge beyond classroom facts.

      You will learn how to handle difficult situations by studying the experiences of others.

      Be humble.

      The quotations of great thinkers provide clear evidence that knowing how little we know is the foundation of true wisdom.

      Our culture is all about self-promotion, and it is tempting to exaggerate to land a desirable position. This tempts people to inflate their skills beyond their actual comfort level.

      However, it would be best if you projected a realistic picture of who you are rather than a virtuous corporate individual. You will earn more respect in the long run.

      Accepting your limitations is an essential step on the path to greater wisdom.This way, you will be able to respect and appreciate the talents of others rather than fearing them.

      Intelligence vs wisdom

      Having a high IQ and stuffing as much knowledge as possible into our overloaded minds may lead to financial gains and material prosperity.

      However, wisdom is the winner in terms of life satisfaction.

      To be accomplished makes one a more fulfilled and rounded human being.

      Having been through tough times, you’ll be better prepared to empathize with the problems of your loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

      Rumi, the ancient philosopher and poet, expressed it thus:“I want to change myself today because I am wise, not clever as yesterday.”

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