Originally posted by Mentat
So wisdom has to do with being a balanced human being? I thought being a balanced human being had to do with morality (and, perhaps, enlightenment).
I was just referring to exposing yourself to a full range of human experiences. If you stay in your house and only read books, you may become a great book reader, but you cannot possibly learn anything about social skills, the experience of nature, romantic love, developing a talent such as playing music or cooking, athletic achievement, and so on. Some people dive into life with the intent of learning all they can; what lies dormant inside you will come to fruition as you explore. Others are intent only on pursuing that which furthers their selfish or obsessive desires, and so end up narrowly developed.
Originally posted by Mentat When I was younger, my single greatest goal in life was to make absolutely certain that no older person could tell me [something to the effect of], "you'll understand when you get older". This tendency hasn't entirely left me, although I am not nearly as competitive anymore.
I understand this. Something that goes on, particularly among men IMO, is this constant competition to establish a pecking order. Who is above whom, who is below whom, who the hell do you think you are? Being powerful is part of being manly (some think), and it has distinct advantages too to have power. It doesn’t matter to some if they are right or not, they have the power to do what they want, and so use that to enforce their will. Kids may sense this and feel it is unfair, which it can be.
I myself was raised in a tough situation, and after I left home was more or less insane for many years. I fought every hint of authority so that no one with power could harm me again. But the truth is, it isn’t power that’s to be feared, it is petty, small-minded, insecure, and evil people with power you have to look out for. A good and wise person with power can be most beneficial. If you are ready to resist anyone with power, you will miss out on those who can, and want to, help point you in directions that will assist your growth.
Still, I do understand what it is like to be a kid in a world where everyone has power but you. It won’t last. Yet you must realize that you have to earn power by being successful in areas where you are interested. No amount of demanding fairness will succeed. You cannot just trot in and demand equal say; believe me, you will get flattened (BIG TIME!). The old phrase “might makes right” still has relevance even if we’ve (especially Western culture) taken significant steps toward recognizing some deeper sense of what is “right.”
Here’s a little wisdom for you about how to deal with tyranny when you haven’t the power to overthrow it. I quote from the I Ching, hexagram 36, line 5:
“
Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi. Perseverance furthers. Prince Chi lived at the court of the evil tyrant Chou Hsin, who . . . furnishes the historical example on which this whole situation is based. Prince Chi was a relative of the tyrant and could not withdraw from court; therefore he concealed his true sentiments . . . [and] did not allow external misery to deflect him from his convictions. This provides a teaching for those who cannot leave their posts in times of darkness. In order to escape danger, they need invincible perseverance of spirit and redoubled caution in their dealings with world.”
Originally posted by Mentat Well, it was my belief that it needn't take a lifetime. Otherwise, I would not have been in a hurry to achieve it. . . . Socrates probably believed that it took a long time to attain wisdom. You know, if you think it takes an hour to do the dishes, you will take an hour to do the dishes. But, if you think it only takes a half hour, you will finish in a half hour.
That is not a good theory. Just because you believe you can breathe under water, can you? Belief means nothing unless it is based on a realistic evaluation of the circumstances.
Originally posted by Mentat What if one is exposed to all of these avenues more quickly than another. Likely (according to your reasoning) this one would attain wisdom sooner, right?
Exactly how are you going to do this? You are stuck in your parent’s house, still required by law to attend school, still too young to enter into marriage, etc. It is all nice and safe for you now, with people watching out for you and your needs. But imagine how your perspectives will change after going through thousands of life situations. How are you going to acquire experience faster than by actually living it?
Originally posted by Mentat Well, I had always thought that wisdom could be had in degrees (much like knowledge and understanding). If it can be, than even a young child is justified in declaring his/herself wise (at least to some minute degree). However, if it is a complete "black or white" type of thing, then I am not wise, and would not have assumed that I was.
That’s true, it is acquired by degrees. What you do not understand is the role of personal experience in knowing. Until you personally experience, everything you think is theory. And that is exactly the difference between a young person ready to learn, and a mature person who has learned.
Originally posted by Mentat This brings up another interesting point: Is one who has lived longer necessarily more of an expert at living? It's something to think about, at least. . . . And how much weight is "enough"? . . . It would appear that you are saying that one must be wise, in order to understand whether they (or someone else) are wise or not. This would mean that you are wise, but that I (who do not yet understand how to measure wisdom, or even if it can be measured) am certainly not.
I have already acknowledged that older does not mean wiser. But, I think it is safe to say that it is wise to show respect for your elders (or anyone in power), and when you find out you shouldn’t respect someone in particular, don’t let it show. Just stop letting them influence you on anything that is important. When you want to supplant someone in power, work very, very hard at getting ready first, and keep your ambition to yourself. And do it because they (or their ideas) need replacing, because they are doing no good, and not for ego reasons.
Mentat, relax, take your time, be willing to participate in life. Have faith in yourself to do this so you don’t have to call yourself “wise” yet. Be a kid for awhile, it’s great! You have excellent potential, but if you are already closing off learning from others, you are dooming yourself to the fate you abhor so much.
