by Dolores Moore

Created on: March 23, 2009

Never having listened to my mother's exhortations to "act wisely, not like a bull at a gate," it came as no surprise when, at the age of 22, my wisdom teeth had to be removed. They were impacted, which meant abscesses and excruciating pain until a kind, strong man filled me full of Novocaine and extracted them with much huffing and puffing and loss of blood. With them went, I believed, my only hope of ever becoming wise.

The dictionary tells me that wisdom is a combination of knowledge and experience that is applied practically or critically. In real terms, wisdom is the innate ability to think about life-long learning, and when confronted with difficulties, or anything else, put what has been learned into practice to reach a positive outcome. If that is so, then I never needed those old molars after all.

The learning comes from many sources, not least the older generation, along with good teachers, charismatic friends and role models. It also stems from making mistakes. Getting it wrong is one of the most effective learning experiences; hence the old saying "wise after the fact." On that very premise, I can safely say that my wisdom is great.

To put wisdom into the perspective of everyday realities, a few example could help, especially when broken down into component parts.

# EXPERIENCE: Sharing a very important personal matter with a good friend and confidante who seemed trustworthy.

# KNOWLEDGE: The good "friend" told the secret, and the learning meant that not everybody can be trusted, some are false.

# CRITICAL APPLICATION: Taking more time and care with choosing friends and with sharing personal information.

# POSITIVE OUTCOME: Using a more intellectual approach, weighing people up first, not rushing in like that proverbial bull.

The good thing about learning, experiences and critical faculties is that they can be applied to any and every situation in life. They help with making the right decisions because we can call upon them and use them as guidelines. Even better, they can be shared in ways that contribute to the wisdom of others. The simple question "Do you think that's a wise choice?" can make somebody stop and think. It can open the door to alternative possibilities, leading to better, wiser decisions.

The sad thing about wisdom as regards life on this glorious planet is how often it is disregarded by those in power. Despite experiences and knowledge in abundance, the weight of history, critical and practical applications are ignored in favor of other factors. Greed, fear, nationalism, imperialism, many an "ism," will damage the effect of human wisdom. So the responsibility to impart wisdom lies firmly with the individual, with or without their back molars. It its abiding concept can be passed down, then there is a little hope that wisdom will prevail.

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