Choosing Wisdom
Someone once said, knowledge is knowing what to say, wisdom is knowing when to say it. These words resonate strongly with the belief that it is important to gain wisdom and not just knowledge. Knowledge is largely defined as the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject, while wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. India has been a country where wisdom is considered a virtue, it has been inculcated over generations and is a matter of pride. However, with time and the demands that we have on our time, wisdom has taken a backseat and knowledge sits right upfront. Especially in the case of schooling where nowadays, the hours are limited and the curriculums are extensive. In this situation, undoubtedly, we will have people armed with information and knowledge but without the wisdom to know how to apply it. Therefore, it is important to relook at the situation and reboot!
Balance it out
While enhancing knowledge is extremely important, nurturing wisdom is equally so. While knowledge equips a person with the right information, wisdom helps in identifying how to use it. Considering this, it is important for schools and other institutes to focus on imparting wisdom, which primarily stems from experiences, alongside the knowledge. This will make the entire experience of education, richer and wholesome.
The power to make decisions
Children have to be given the power to take decisions. While we may believe that children are too young to decide and should be guided, the only way that they will learn to effectively apply the knowledge that they learn is by being allowed to take decisions. This teaches them the impact that their decisions can have on themselves and those around them, and this is the foundation of wisdom. Further, if the applicability of knowledge is defined, children are more receptive and willing to learn.
Be mindful
Being mindful teaches us to live in the moment, to be present, and to observe. Mindfulness can connect ideas with meaning, and that is where wisdom begins. A person who is mindful will not just accumulate knowledge but will learn to observe and apply it. Some simple mindful practices can go a long way in changing the perspective of not just adults, but also children.
While knowledge may be taught in class, wisdom comes through experience. It is important to ensure that we impart the wisdom that is based on knowledge and not just that latter. As Alfred Tennyson said, “Knowledge comes, wisdom ligers.” Let us work towards a world where wisdom reigns!
Author: Latika Sakhuja & Sitender Sehrawat
