Wisdom Is How We Use Our Knowledge

Humanity is too clever to survive without wisdom. - E.F SchumacherWhat is wisdom? We hear the word a lotthese days-the need for wisdom, the wisdom traditions, wisdom schools. We each would like to have more wisdom. And for others to have it as well. Too much human hurt and suffering comes from lack of wisdom. But what is this quality that we hold in such high regard?Most of us are familiar with the progression from data to information to knowledge:• Data are the raw facts; the letters on a page, for example.• Information comes from the patterns and structure of the data. Random letters provide little Information; but if they spell words and the words create sentences, they carry information and meaning.• Knowledge comes from generalizations in the information. We build up understandings about the world, ourselves, and other people.Wisdom concerns how we use our knowledge.We may, for example, come to understand that deep down each of us wants to be loved and appreciated. But do we then use that knowledge to manipulate others for our own ends? Ordo we use it for the benefit of all, considering how to respond to a situation in ways that are truly caring?At present, humanity has vast amounts of knowledge, but still very little wisdom. Buckminster Fuller called this time our final evolutionary exam. Is our species fit to survive? Do we have the wisdom that will allow us to use our prodigious powers for our own good, and for that of many generations to come?It is a common perception that wisdom comes with age. The wise ones have learned from experience that there is more to life than acquiring wealth and fame. They know that love and friendship count for more than what others think of them. They are generally kind, content in themselves, able to discern their true self-interest.But why wait until old age? In an ideal world we would finish school not only with sufficient knowledge for the life ahead, but also with the wisdom of howto use that knowledge.The question then naturally arises: Howcan we develop wisdom? It turns out that the wisdom we seek is already there, at the heart of our being. Deep inside, we know right from wrong; this discernment is an intrinsic part of beinghuman. But the quiet voice of this inner knowing is usually obscured by our busy thinking minds, forever trying to help us get the things we believe will bring us peace and happiness and avoid those that will bring pain and suffering.So the real question is: How can we allow the inner light of our innate wisdom to shine through into daily awareness and guide is in our decisions? And that, as many have discovered time and again, comes not from doing more, but from doing less.Peter Russell is an author, teacher and speaker, who is recognized as one of the leading thinkers on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. He has been teaching meditation to others for more than forty years. His approach emphasizes complete effortlessness. His popular course, How to Meditate Without Even Trying has helped thousands of people let go of any expectation or control. The beauty of this approach is that nothing needs to be changed or eliminated. It is simply surrendering to the fullness of the present moment. For more on Peter's work, visit:http://www.peterrussell.comArticle Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Peter_J_Russell/2190389