what is wisdom

*I believe wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. Wisdom has been regarded as one of four cardinal virtues; and as a virtue, it is a habit or disposition to perform the action with the highest degree of adequacy under any given circumstance. This implies a possession of knowledge or the seeking thereof to apply it to the given circumstance. This involves an understanding of people, objects, events, situations, and the willingness as well as the ability to apply perception, judgement, and action in keeping with the understanding of what is the optimal course of action. It often requires control of one's emotional reactions so that the universal principle of reason prevails to determine one's action. In short, wisdom is a disposition to find the truth coupled with an optimum judgement as to what actions should be taken to deliver the correct outcome. Recently I stumbled upon Deepak Chopra's The Seven Spiritual Laws for Children. He wrote the following: Everything is possible. We all have the gift of creating absolutely anything. There’s no limit to what we can do or be. If you want to get something, give it. Always give with a happy heart. The greatest gift is feeling good. When you make a choice, you change the future (karma). Your choices bring about changes. To make good choices, follow your heart. How do your choices make you feel? Don’t say no—go with the flow. Create peace within by learning acceptance of what is outside our control. Every time you wish or want, you plant a seed. Making your wish is like planting a seed and believing that it will grow. Let nature do the rest. Be open to life and enjoy the journey. New ways and new ideas can lead to more happiness. You are here for a reason. Your dharma is your purpose, path, or vision, the unique talent that you are here on Earth to share. Your dharma is your happiness. Irrespective of your religion there is an expression of genuine wisdom in everywhere you are. Providence speaks louder than how much we want to limit it to our parochial comprehension. Man defines wisdom at his best but time reveals and embellished it.