The above 3 words in the title are not interchangeable.
I didn’t look up any definitions but chose to just share my thoughts with you about each of these words, so forgive me if they don’t match what you might find on Google.
Intelligent – Smart – Wise
Intelligence
Intelligence is the ability to grasp new concepts and the ability to comprehend and understand. Intelligence can be enhanced but it seems to me that some people just have more intelligence than others.
Smart
Being smart means figuring things out – solving problems.
Finding the best solution to a situation.
Our schools can help young (and older) people become smarter, to become better problem solvers. However, sometimes smart people find a way to embezzle money – so having “smarts” doesn’t automatically lead to being wise.
Wisdom
Being wise is knowing what is the best thing to do and then doing it.
Or in some cases knowing what not to do. Wisdom usually improves with age – if we are paying attention and learning from our “mistakes”. But wisdom is not tied solely into being older. Some people never seem to get to wise no matter how old they get.
To me it seems the desirable thing is to get wise as soon as possible.
Wisdom grows in quiet places.
~ Austin O’Malley
So what are the sources of obtaining wisdom?
To quote Confucius:
By three methods we may learn wisdom. First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
So my advice on how to become more wise is to…
First, by reflection, which is noblest…
1. Be still and silent and go within.
We all have more wisdom that we give ourselves credit for. But if we don’t slow down and spend time alone in thought we won’t liberate our wisdom.
Another quote to emphasis this point is one from Eckhart Tolle:
When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself. When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world….Your innermost sense of self, of who you are is inseparable from stillness. This is the I Am that is deeper than name and form.
Second, by imitation, which is easiest…
2. Pay attention to what wise people are doing and seek their advice.
Interact with people who seem to have a fulfilling life and are kind and loving.
Third by experience, which is the bitterest…
3. Learn from your life experiences – both the good experiences and especially from the painful ones.
While I hope that you will gather wisdom utilizing all three methods, I encourage you to utilize the first method the most. That will entail you taking time to be still and reflect. There is a Gold Mine of wisdom there!
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
~ Aristotle
Tips of the Day
Decide to watch the news less – maybe spend the time talking to your spouse/significant other or your children. Or reading a good book. Or taking a walk. Or calling a friend. The news has so much negative energy and blame that you cannot watch it and not be affected.
Just a thought :-)!
BE GRATEFUL and spread kindness – it will all come back to YOU!!
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