(Rough Draft of Virtue Essay)
Dictionary Definition:
www.dictionary.com
wis·dom
1. the quality
or state of being wise;
knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.
2. scholarly knowledge or learning: the wisdom of the schools.
4. a wise act or saying.
First we are taught right from wrong, proper
manners, and how to treat others with decency and respect. Then we go out into that big world and put
those teachings to the test. As kids we
observe: our parents, our peers, our
extended families and communities. We benefit not only from the wisdom of those who
attempt to steer us down the right path in life, but even from those who seem
to habitually make the worst judgment calls—haven’t we all had the friend or
family member whose messy and chaotic life was far from one we’d choose to emulate?
Wisdom is not
limited to age or intelligence (I’ve met some very smart people who lacked any real
world common sense). Wisdom is choosing
the right course of action and understanding that the consequences of any decision
we make will affect other people besides just ourselves. Wisdom
is knowing when to speak up and when to remain silent.
It is being able to discern the truth from
the lies. Wisdom comes from making
mistakes and sometimes in the process of starting all over again, we begin to break
the cycle of self-defeating and negative behavior that only keeps us spinning
our wheels.
After writing
this essay, I went on-line and did an internet search for “wisdom quotes” and
found this one that resonates with what I wrote:
"By
three methods we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, which is noblest;
Second, by imitation, which is easiest;
and third by experience, which is the
bitterest."
(~ Confucius~)
Word Count: 238
Word Count: 238
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