Desperately Seeking Wisdom

“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.” – Marilyn vos Savant

Seems simple enough to me. But considering the article I just read (and reposted btw), it is far more elusive than I would wish. Knowledge is simple. Even to an ADHD prodigy like myself, it simply requires repetition and inquisition. Granted, I can read and regurgitate like a rockstar, but retention requires a LOT more discipline.

But wisdom? This seems to require reflection and consideration. With my lack of patience these are harder to come by. It is so much easier for me to interpret data and make evidence-based decisions. To make decisions based on wisdom? For me this is the raw egg portion of my mental strata. It just never seemed to make medium. When I attempt to it is more akin to forecasting or reaching to history but without the inflection of change in the curvature over time.

When I am in a new place or hiking, I find myself closer to wisdom. This is the healthier version of me that looks for solace in something that is not self destructive. But when that is not available, I have to work with what I’ve got. sometimes this is healthy, and sometimes it is not.

We all could use a breather once in a while. A moment of calm to contemplate where we are on the giant staircase. It makes a hell of a lot more sense than drinking to excess or other impulsive fixes. But figuring out these meditative moments without sounding too new-agey is a daunting task. Often I find myself falling back on my Gen X nature and making a martini. That feels more “me” than yoga. But I am still trying to put something together that makes sense. This is living life by the scientific method and like in all good science, I have to learn and accept my failures as well as my successes. Who knows, maybe one day I will.