Wisdom is not just about being book smart or intelligent. Wisdom is not attained by reading or memorizing information. So then what is wisdom, and how can we access it?
According to Confucius, there are three ways to learn wisdom: “First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
Let’s take a look at how we can become wiser and tap into our inner wisdom.
Adopt a Beginner’s Mind
A wise person never assumes that they know everything, nor do they expect things to turn out a certain way. Adopting a beginner’s mind is actually a Buddhist concept that refers to the idea of someone who is doing something for the first time. Think of a time you learned a new sport or you went to a new city. You didn’t expect anything. You just explored, with a new mind, and let the experience paint a new picture for you.
How can you adopt a beginner’s mind with the seemingly routine and mundane? As you walk your usual route, look around as if you are seeing it for the first time. When you talk to your friend, don’t assume the conversation will be the same as yesterday or that you know what their thoughts are about certain topics. Instead, engage in the conversation as if it is the first one you are having with them. Stay curious and have an open mind.
Ask Lots of Questions
Wise people are always asking questions. They approach the world as a student. No question is silly or foolish because there is something to learn from everything. By asking questions, you are always learning. Whether you are asking why or how something works, or you are questioning a way of life, you are challenging and growing your knowledge and perspective.
Be Observant
Observe the world around you. Why do people do what they do? How do things work? Observing life is the best way to gain wisdom. When you observe, you start to notice patterns and habits that might otherwise be overlooked. A wise person soaks in as much information as they can before reaching a conclusion or giving advice.
Be Humble
One of the most characteristic traits of a wise person is that a wise person is humble. A wise person is aware of the amount of knowledge that they don’t have yet. They know how impossible it is to know everything, and by comparison understand how little they know.
On the other hand, a fool thinks they know everything because they can’t even comprehend how much more there is to know. So, if you want to embody a wise person, practice being humble. No matter how much you learn and observe, there will always be so much in the universe that no human being will ever understand.
Learn from Everything
A wise person learns from everything. They treat everyone they run into as someone who can teach them something. However, a fool is not open to insight. They think they know everything and aren’t as open to new perspectives. That’s why even if you give a fool a wise answer, he won’t learn much as he can from it.
You don’t have to study for years or go to college to be wise. You have a wisdom within you that is just waiting to be accessed. So, tap into that wisdom. Be open to learning from every situation. Observe people around you and see what insights you can garner. And above all, stay humble.
