Wise people are humble about what they think they know and what they don’t know. They see the larger picture and realize that their minds are limited, their senses can report false information, and just because someone said it is so, maybe it isn’t.
Unfortunately, it’s the people who “know” they know all the answers that create the most suffering on this planet. Obviously, all the evil dictators that oppress and slaughter people “know they know” and will kill or torture anyone who doubts it. The wise person, understands ideas such as relativity and what is just a matter of opinion. The person who knows is inflexible and righteous in his puffed up egotism.
Certain oppressive groups of people “know” that women don’t have the capacity to be educated, that showing an ankle is a mortal sin punishable by public stoning, that certain races should be eradicated, and that singing and dancing is a sin that will take you straight to hell. This so-called knowledge is nothing but received, unexamined prejudice based on fear and dominance.
Wise people have the broad insight to see the beauty of natural individuality. They have a rich and vivid life of the imagination, spirit, and intellect. They don’t believe anything just because someone in authority said it. They examine things for themselves and come to their own conclusions. While knowledge is set in stone, wisdom is fluid, constantly growing, changing, and becoming more profound.
Unfortunately, it’s the people who “know” they know all the answers that create the most suffering on this planet. Obviously, all the evil dictators that oppress and slaughter people “know they know” and will kill or torture anyone who doubts it. The wise person, understands ideas such as relativity and what is just a matter of opinion. The person who knows is inflexible and righteous in his puffed up egotism.
Certain oppressive groups of people “know” that women don’t have the capacity to be educated, that showing an ankle is a mortal sin punishable by public stoning, that certain races should be eradicated, and that singing and dancing is a sin that will take you straight to hell. This so-called knowledge is nothing but received, unexamined prejudice based on fear and dominance.
Wise people have the broad insight to see the beauty of natural individuality. They have a rich and vivid life of the imagination, spirit, and intellect. They don’t believe anything just because someone in authority said it. They examine things for themselves and come to their own conclusions. While knowledge is set in stone, wisdom is fluid, constantly growing, changing, and becoming more profound.
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