Is it possible to think onself wise ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether it is possible for an individual to consider themselves wise. Participants explore the implications of self-perception of wisdom, the nature of thinking, and the relationship between wisdom and learning. The conversation touches on philosophical and conceptual aspects rather than providing definitive answers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of thinking oneself wise and suggest that wisdom is often conferred by others.
  • There is a distinction made between different types of thinking, such as "linear rational thinking" and "wise making thinking," with some arguing that the former can lead to a lack of insight.
  • One participant proposes that there are two types of thinking: "blind making thinking" and "wise making thinking," and questions how to differentiate between them.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that true wisdom involves humility and the acknowledgment that one can always learn more, implying that self-perceived wisdom may be arrogant.
  • Participants discuss the idea that wisdom may be more related to life experience rather than intelligence, with some arguing that it is possible to think oneself wise without necessarily learning from it.
  • There is a reference to a quote about the mindset of experts versus beginners, suggesting that acceptance of reality is crucial to wisdom.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the nature of wisdom and self-perception, with no clear consensus reached. Some agree that thinking oneself wise can be problematic, while others believe it is possible under certain definitions of wisdom.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects various assumptions about the definitions of wisdom and thinking, with participants not fully resolving the implications of their arguments or the distinctions between types of thinking.

Langbein
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Is it possible to think onself wise ?

If it's not possible to think oneself wise, why should there then be any reason to think at all ?

If it is possible to think oneself wise, is there then any recomended method for "wise making thinking" ?

How can then eventually "wise making thinking" be performed ?
 
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What do you think? You are supposed to provide an argument of your own when appropriate. :smile:
 
A title of wisdom is bestowed on one by others.
 
honestrosewater said:
What do you think? You are supposed to provide an argument of your own when appropriate. :smile:

OK then .. If thinking means "linear rational thinking" you can think yourself blind, but not smart.

If thinking means placing the one argument on top of the other like when you build a house from playeing cards, the only thing you can obtain is to lift your feet away from the ground.

The smarter you are, the darker it will be.
 
But if this should eventually in some way be right - there is at least two ways of thinking "the blind making thinking", and the "wise making thinking" how is it then possible to know the difference between the "blind making" and "wise making" thinking, and when to perform which variant of these alternatives ?
 
to think yourself 'wise' is an arrogant thought. there will always be someone wiser, and so on... but in my opinion, he who is the wisest says and thinks nothing at all, except learns more. the person who no longer can learn anything because he knows all can then be considered wise, otherwise, we're just chillin'. checking stuff out, learning, doing the best to have fun.

but if a person thinks their wise, they got somethign else coming.

p.s. the world isn't so black and white. just because a person isn't considered wise, doesn't mean they're considered stupid.
 
That's Sazuki Haroshi, "In the expert's mind there are few possibilities, in the beginner's there are many."

Acceptance of reality is the path to wisdom, and when we are busy thinking ourselves into wisdom we are not in touch with reality. However, the end result of all thought is to eventually stop thinking.
 
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The word wise always seemed (to me) to be about life experience (as opposed to intelligence).

I've heard a mother explain to her kids that they should listen to her because she is wiser, and in that case I couldn't really argue with her.

So no, I don't think it's impossible to think yourself wise. Nor do I think it's impossible to think yourself wise and not learn as a consequence (what if your definition of wise includes knowing when to listen to reason and learn from experiences?)

That being said, people who think they're wise (even if they don't say it, they just act like it) tend to be arrogant and overlook a lot of things.
 

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