Wisdom, is a strange and elusive thing: ineffable in nature, but you know it when you see it. For some reason, Diogenes comes to mind when I think of Wisdom.
It is said, at the first meeting between Alexander the Great and Diogenes, Alexander asked Diogenes what he, Alexander, could do for him and Diogenes told Alexander, you can stand out of my sunlight. At a later time when Alexander came across Diogenes rummaging through some bones, Diogenes said, I’m looking for the bones of your father and I can’t tell them from the bones of the common man. On yet another occasion Alexander asked Diogenes who he, Diogenes, would want to be if he weren’t Diogenes and Diogenes replied, if I weren’t Diogenes, I would want to be Diogenes. Whether these could be considered words of wisdom, words from a clever man, thoughtful words, enlightened words, I don’t know. What I do know or suspect is, though probably related, there are subtle but meaningful distinctions that exist between being wise, clever, educated, intelligent, and or enlightened, and we often miss or are unaware, that such distinctions exist. It is these distinctions I wish to explore in this blog.
Four final things.
First, I am an old man, and what you’ll find here are only my reflections on the topic of wisdom. I make no pretense of being wise or an authority on the topic.
Second, a special thanks to my granddaughters, my nieces and nephews, and all the other young adults who have contributed immensely to my life through their willingness to include me in their conversations. No greater gift can the young give to the old. To this end, I extend a very special thanks to my granddaughter’s friend Alison Colby who, unbeknownst to her, was the impetus for me starting these writings.
Third, a deep and profound thanks to the many other people whose paths have crossed mine during this life. Each and every one of them has touched me and shaped my thinking in ways that would never have happened had I tried to do life on my own.
Finally, this is not meant to define wisdom; it’s meant to be an exploration of the topic. If anything here resonates, take it, make it your own, and use it as you will. If not, ignore it, chuck it aside, and find something that does.
