Image via WikipediaAny experience has its limitation. Experience itself does not bring wisdom. What makes wisdom is a capability of transcending experience, i.e. when facing hardship, one is able to keep hope and tranquil spirit hence overcomes misery; or when living an ordinary life, one is able to experience extraordinary hence goes beyond mediocrity.
I think wisdom is nothing more nor less than the determination to be happy. Whatever situation you're in, you do what you have to do to be happy. If that means giving up some precious dream or hope, some idea or preconception how you want things to be, so be it. Happiness, peace of mind, is more important than clinging to one's illusions.
ReplyDeleteThanks NP. I think you just made same statement from different angle.
ReplyDeleteLike anything we experience, we can benefit if we learn from it, or we can ignore the lessons it contains and continue to fall into the same traps. I quite agree with np's statement that happiness and peace of mind is more important than clinging to one's illusions. But perhaps wisdom is understanding when the dream you are attempting to attain is beyond you... and when it's not.
ReplyDeleteHi Yunyi!...coming here from BC....your post touched me by its clarity....I totally agree with you....I have seen too many people loose their peace of mind and balance during hardships....those who transcend hardships with composure certainly make great efforts in that direction and are very commendable : )
ReplyDelete@SprinBlossoms,thanks!
ReplyDelete@photodiction, thanks! i will probably drop a comment in BC later today.
Your post is so clearly expressed and so beuatifully written. Not only that but it contains wisdom about how wisdom is acquired too.
ReplyDeleteThanks TT!
ReplyDeleteYunyi, have you ever read "The Meditations" by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, my favourite Stoic philosopher? If not I have a feeling you may enjoy them.
ReplyDeletethanks ana! i certainly know the book and auther (possibly had a chinese copy) but i don't think i've read them. will look into it in future.
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