What is wisdom? List the five ingredients of wisdom that were rated in the most extensive research to date on the development of wisdom
What will be an ideal response?
A wealth of life experience underlies wisdom, which is believed to reach its height in old age. When researchers ask people to describe wisdom, most mention breadth and depth of practical knowledge, ability to reflect on and apply that knowledge in ways that make life more bearable and worthwhile; emotional maturity, including the ability to listen patiently and empathetically and give sound advice; and altruistic creativity that contributes to humanity and enriches others' lives. One group of researchers summed up the multiple cognitive and personality traits that make up wisdom as "expertise in the conduct and meaning of life." Wisdom—whether applied to personal problems or to community, national, and international concerns—requires the "pinnacle of insight into the human condition."
In the most extensive research to date on development of wisdom, adults ranging in age from 20 to 89 responded to a number of uncertain real-life situations. Responses were rated for five ingredients of wisdom:
• Knowledge about fundamental concerns of life, including human nature, social relations, and emotions
• Effective strategies for applying that knowledge to making life decisions, handling conflict, and giving advice
• A view of people that considers the multiple demands of their life contexts
• A concern with ultimate human values, such as the common good, as well as respect for individual differences in values
• Awareness and management of the uncertainties of life—that many problems have no perfect solution
Results revealed that age is no guarantee of wisdom. But type of life experience made a difference. In addition to age and life experience, having faced and overcome adversity appears to be an important contributor to wisdom.
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