Have We Become Wiser?
“We live in the age of philosophy, science, and intellect. Huge libraries are open for everyone. Everywhere we have schools, colleges, and universities which give us the wisdom of the people from many previous millennia. And what then? Have we become wiser for all of this? Do we better understand our life, or the meaning of our existence? Do we know what is good for our life?” - Jean Jacques Rousseau
There are powers out there that are designed to keep us away from the pursuit of the good life, of knowledge and acquiring wisdom. This is why this very blog exists and why I take an active participation in writing it. If this is the only thing you read daily, than it better deliver. The premise is wisdom and sharing that wisdom so that we can be better. You by reading and applying the wisdom in your life how you see fit. For me, it’s acquiring the wisdom and my ability to communicate it to you all.
As the expression goes, a wealth of knowledge or a wealth of wisdom, the point is building up your consumption of information to become wiser. Wealth is not just in terms of financial gain. What good is money without the knowledge and wisdom to use it? Ultimately, it’s to live a great life. You get there by actively pursuing what interests you and reading about it. Studying it. Being actively involved with the material. Learning beyond the point that you get a degree. Education, the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom does not end when you’re done with school. It continues for the rest of your life.
When I read, I take notes inside the book. I fold pages, I highlight, and I move what I find vital to a commonplace book. A commonplace book is simply a place you keep things you do not want to forget. Similar to a recipe book. For some, it’s a note book, for others it’s notes in their smart phone. For me, it’s flash cards or note cards. I take the things I read and store them. Similar to this picture below:
Because I am a lover of knowledge and wisdom I want to keep with me as long as humanly possible all things I learn that make me better. Using history, books, current events, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. These serve as a catalyst in my life. To live a good life. To be a good person. This is one way I stay on the path of pursuing wisdom. Of becoming a philosopher (a lover of wisdom). The point and purpose is, nothing or no one will prevent me from learning. The same goes for you. Only you can stop yourself from doing or pursuing anything. You too are also the only one that can start something.
Thought Provoking Questions : Are you becoming wiser each day? If so where? Does that contribute to living a better life?
Dan Roman is a philosopher (lover of wisdom) and a writer that releases a daily meditation. A quick read. Sharing wisdom and asking thought-provoking questions. Influenced by the obstacles, success and failures in his life and of others. Using history, books, current events, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. These writings are actionable, thought-provoking, designed to make your life better.
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