Does the wise man know that he is wise?

[Percarus]

Interesting question (OP question)... I will deviate a bit with terminologies before tackling it subtly. I would argue that first it is important to highlight differences between intelligence and wisdom. I would like to go a step further to insinuate good natured tendencies (ie: Altruism, heart, sympathy) are characteristics that insinuate a high degree of wisdom – mainly because it necessitates a capacity to think from the third person perspective and be aware of the outside world, outside ourselves – mentally stimulating.

Sure, anyone can accrue a hefty education, memorize and read many books, and regurgitate much learned information – but this without thinking. Such individuals may be termed as ‘intelligent’, but here is the other IQ component that often goes un-talked... And that is the fact of just being ‘smart’. Smartness is different than intelligence/knowledge as it is my belief that it is the capacity to utilize accrued information eloquently well... A person living it rough on the streets, in the dark zone, without ever reading a book, he/she may be extremely smart, that is they are adaptable given what they know. ‘Smart’ individuals utilize accrued lore very well, in stunning ways. Ideally one would want to be smart and intelligent (with knowledge) – such incumbents could change the world entirely. The problem with smart individuals is that they often get very lazy in expanding their lore, after all a minimalistic set of knowledge would see them through life very well.

I do not agree that wisdom is infinite in the human scope of sentience (mayhap if you think beyond). Wisdom, as a category, is very useful in order to cope with one’s troubled emotional feelings – wisdom allows one to prioritize tasks and facets and I would have to say, although affecting most in the subconscious level, it is an analytical process. Wisdom is not easy to gain, and most only gain it with age given prolonged time. I see the acquiring of wisdom as a process which has to first sink and be digested by the individual, this usually given time. A born fool can spend nearly a lifetime trying to acquire wisdom, this by observing, analysing, and trying to systemize the process – and in the end he/she may be no closer to acquiring wisdom as this necessitates sometimes a change of frame of mind – tolerance, impartiality, and the capability to conceive things sometimes outside our immediate reach. What I do believe is that sometimes intellect (intelligence/knowledge) may eventually lead to a good degree of wisdom if all lore is contemplated upon (being smart in this process would greatly improve chances of being wise).

Modern education is vital for our conditioning process to any of the above, if devoid of any other mentors. It trains and conditions the mind for work, mental work, and it is in fact a good lubricating oil for the very aspect of sentience. But really, if you pursue these goals (intelligence/knowledge, wisdom, smartness) sometimes it is rational to truly ponder if attaining all those is really the best thing to do. Heard of the saying by Socrates along these lines; is it better to be a pig satisfied or a mentally developed sage dissatisfied? Socrates would pick the former, but certain things I have seen in life make me question such a choice to some extent. Sometimes we just have to be happy with what we got, and grateful for it too...

Wisdom is more complex and does not necessarily completely interact with knowledge - it is about fundamentals whereas knowledge is the other extreme (the details). I have a problem in accepting that knowledge is the key to all happiness, of course, eventually it may be to some, but think about it. If you knew everything in the world (or everything) early in life would it be worthwhile living without discovering new things? All in due time is best... Sure, one can live with ultimate knowledge but their derivation of happiness may be completely material and/or relying on senses.

Now, in relations to the question... The wise man knows he is wise usually by either the impact he/she may have onto others when in comparative terms, or simply because of the array of overwhelming ‘physical and non-physical’ evidence accrued during the incumbent’s life that poses one to be deemed as ‘wise’ in a clear manner. I have met wise individuals (much older than I) who in turn saw their own innate selves as being foolish simply because they never were able to attain and accomplish the things they sought their whole life – this whilst being observant of the fools who simply gained it all by serendipity. However, maybe such a person could still see themselves as ‘wise’, but alas lacking in intelligence/knowledge and a good degree of ‘smartness’. When the dilemma was posed as to whether it is better to be Socrates dissatisfied I would argue that we are validating wisdom as a component to ‘eudemonia’ but never the only necessary attribute for it – one really needs a balance.

A wise person begins to question his/her wisdom when feeling unhappy and unfulfilled. In other words, being ‘smart’ may warrant short term happiness, intelligence ‘long-term happiness’, and wisdom in my books warrants an overall conditioned state of happiness, one that is never complete but enough to keep one going through whatever struggles without thoughts of suicide in the face of despair. A wise man knows his wise in contrast to his immediate surroundings whereas a fool will never be fully aware of his/her surroundings.

I do not see being wise akin to being ‘cool’ in perception. A true philosopher may constantly re-evaluate his wisdom over time without labelling him ‘uncool’ (unwise). And on a final note, the quickest path towards the attainment of wisdom is by opening up the doors in their lifestyle. The very act of socializing with older individuals does usually lead to an elevated state of maturity and wisdom given gradual time – this on the socialite.

[HugBeam]

I'm enjoying the discussion of God putting you to the test to be able to understand things better. Here is a pointer:

God makes you suffer so that you can know how to enjoy, yes? For example, if you were always on vacation it wouldn't really be a "vacation", it would be just... your normal life. I’m on the topic of the dichotomy of having to know about something opposite before knowing that that something is. Akin to “you need to know evil before you can know good”.

However, here is the interesting point I wanted to bring up: If you don't have any experience of not-existing, how can you claim that you are experiencing existence? If you can’t prove that you are experiencing existence due to your lack of experiencing non-existence, then, do you consider yourself existent?

Edit: I should actually make a topic about this.

[Percarus]

...However, here is the interesting point I wanted to bring up: If you don't have any experience of not-existing, how can you claim that you are experiencing existence? If you can’t prove that you are experiencing existence due to your lack of experiencing non-existence, then, do you consider yourself existent?

Edit: I should actually make a topic about this.

But ancient Chinese schools of thoughts, Chinese philosophy, do indeed teach about the concept of experiencing the state of 'non-existence', as far as limited human emotions will allow anyway. Buddhist practice also has similar ideals - it is about being in tune with your body first and then with the universe around you, eventually the 'non-existent' also but not in physicality but as an emotion, a state of mind rather - one of comprehension that may often lead to fulfilment.

Reasoning, logicality, rationality and deep philosophical thought may also lead towards the same ends, one of awareness. I believe that God endowed humanity with the capacity to perceive ALL of existence, and it is when we start using this grey matter called brain that we are able to truly consider ourselves as existent. Methodologies and pathways towards this same goal may differ from person to person, but if well pursued all lead to the same validation of the world around us, this within our minds.

[PeterKinnon]

Einstein is reputed to have originated the following ditty:

Sometimes I get a little hazy

Am I, or are the others, crazy.

As a writer promoting an unconventional, albeit well evidenced, view of "life, the universe and everything" that thought is seldom far from my mind.

[Spectrum]

Like any competencies, we need to know every elements that is to be associated with it.
One need to be aware of the status of the various elements, however, one of the most critical element of wisdom is never to ask whether one is wise or not.
With reference to wisdom, what one need to do is to continuously keep improving from one's current situation and hopefully expedite the improvements in quantum leaps if possible.
One wise saying from the Gita;
Do not be attached to the fruits of action.

[Baileyboy]

Sometimes I get a little hazy

Am I, or are the others, crazy.

As a writer promoting an unconventional, albeit well evidenced, view of "life, the universe and everything" that thought is seldom far from my mind.

What a beautiful quote. Peter, I am interested to know what it it you write?

-- Updated May 5th, 2013, 11:34 am to add the following --

Einstein is reputed to have originated the following ditty:

Sometimes I get a little hazy

Am I, or are the others, crazy.

As a writer promoting an unconventional, albeit well evidenced, view of "life, the universe and everything" that thought is seldom far from my mind.

[PeterKinnon]

My first two books, both free downloads, are "Unusual Perspectives: An Escape From Tunnel Vision" and "The Goldilocks Effect: What Has Serendipity Ever Done For Us?".

I have started on a third, more formal treatment, "The Intricacy Generator: Pushing Chemistry Uphill " but as I have now been diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer it may never see the light of day.

Which, I guess, if it transpires that I, rather than the others, am crazy, is no big deal.

[Baileyboy]

My first two books, both free downloads, are "Unusual Perspectives: An Escape From Tunnel Vision" and "The Goldilocks Effect: What Has Serendipity Ever Done For Us?".

I have started on a third, more formal treatment, "The Intricacy Generator: Pushing Chemistry Uphill " but as I have now been diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer it may never see the light of day.

Which, I guess, if it transpires that I, rather than the others, am crazy, is no big deal.

Peter, I would really be interested in reading these books, where would I be able to download them?

Thanks

[PeterKinnon]

Thanks for your interest. They are available from my "Unusual Perspectives" website.

[Spectrum]

My first two books, both free downloads, are "Unusual Perspectives: An Escape From Tunnel Vision" and "The Goldilocks Effect: What Has Serendipity Ever Done For Us?".

I have started on a third, more formal treatment, "The Intricacy Generator: Pushing Chemistry Uphill " but as I have now been diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer it may never see the light of day.

Which, I guess, if it transpires that I, rather than the others, am crazy, is no big deal.

Sorry to hear of the above.
Hope you will deal with it the best you can.

[Bermudj]

Does the wise man know he is wise?

No, the wise man is so at peace with himself that he is not aware of that.

[Grotto19]

Awareness of ones qualities comes only from earnest comparison to others. One must be wise to truly recognize wisdom; however one does not need to be wise to simply think one possesses wisdom. No doubt we have all met those beneath us in wisdom who think themselves the greater, and it follows that we think ourselves quite superior to others who are in fact our betters.


We could instead turn to the general opinion of others to discern it but that too is folly. We need to look no further than the general popularity of performers such as Justin Bieber to see this method too is sometimes lacking (no offence to anyone with Bieber fever).


We must also consider when we judge ourselves too harshly, when song of praise falls upon us deafly, when we are our harshest critic. Readily comes to mind so many women who are strikingly beautiful yet think themselves average or plain. No doubt nearly all of us know at least one.

[Bermudj]

Awareness of ones qualities comes only from earnest comparison to others. One must be wise to truly recognize wisdom; however one does not need to be wise to simply think one possesses wisdom. No doubt we have all met those beneath us in wisdom who think themselves the greater, and it follows that we think ourselves quite superior to others who are in fact our betters.


We could instead turn to the general opinion of others to discern it but that too is folly. We need to look no further than the general popularity of performers such as Justin Bieber to see this method too is sometimes lacking (no offence to anyone with Bieber fever).


We must also consider when we judge ourselves too harshly, when song of praise falls upon us deafly, when we are our harshest critic. Readily comes to mind so many women who are strikingly beautiful yet think themselves average or plain. No doubt nearly all of us know at least one.

what does the mirror of life say to you?

[HZY]

Did socrates know he was a great philosopher?

Did Vincent Van Gogh know that starry night was a masterpiece?

Did Mozart know he was a great composer?

Did Einstein know he was a genius?

Did Kierkegaard know he was the founder of existentialism?

Does the blind know that he is blind?

Does the wise man know he is wise?

To me, being wise is kinda like being cool, if you have to ask yourself if you are "cool" then your not cool. If your cool, then you just are. Those are my thoughts, what are yours?

Deep down, I think they do.

[Blauw bloed]

At a certain point a wise man will realize he is wiser than his peers, in regard to some matters. Like a beauty will realize she is a beauty because of how people will behave around her. I recently saw Asha Bhosle perform, a goddess, but still she could not aspire to such greatness if her surroundings did not perceive her great talent, and she did not make any stupid mistakes. I'm reading about Pushkin who was early on recognized as a genius, and was somehow nurtured and mishandled by the state, but his early dead was his decision, forced on him by his enemies. There you have it, a wise man will also attract enemies, and how he evades their destructiveness, will make him able to shine and to last long enough to be remembered.