The Elusive Essence of Wisdom: Navigating a World Lacking Insight

In an era marked by increasingly erratic pronouncements and policy decisions from global leaders, the question of wisdom has never been more pertinent. The stark disconnect between the pronouncements made and the actions taken by many in positions of power leaves a populace grappling with a profound deficit of insightful leadership. This quandary is not confined to the halls of power; it permeates everyday discourse, as evidenced by recent conversations with students at Northern Arizona University. Their struggle to grasp the multifaceted nature of wisdom highlights a broader societal challenge in understanding this crucial mental faculty.

Defining Wisdom: Beyond Mere Knowledge

The very definition of wisdom has been a subject of philosophical debate for millennia. While countless interpretations exist, the concise articulation by the Roman senator Marcus Tullius Cicero offers a particularly compelling framework. He defined wisdom as "the knowledge of things human and divine and of the causes by which those things are controlled." This definition transcends the superficial accumulation of facts, delving into a deeper, more intuitive understanding of existence. Cicero’s perspective posits wisdom not merely as sensory perception in a material world, but as a profound, insightful mental faculty. It suggests an inner awareness, a psychological self attuned to the human condition, propelled by an abstract force—the human spirit—that whispers of universal truths and aspirations. This innate understanding allows for a perception of abstract truths and values that resonate deeply within us.

The Rarity of True Wisdom: Enduring Encounters

The author’s personal journey, spanning a significant lifetime, has afforded him encounters with individuals who embody this rare quality. These encounters, though infrequent, leave an indelible mark, serving as powerful testaments to the enduring existence of wisdom. Two such figures, in particular, continue to illuminate the author’s memory, reinforcing the belief that true wisdom is not an abstract concept but a tangible presence. These individuals, through their actions and their very being, offer a profound counterpoint to the perceived lack of sagacity in contemporary society.

Herbert Read: A Beacon of Serenity and Strength

One such luminary was Herbert Read, a figure whose intellectual and moral stature left an enduring impression. Read, later knighted, was an aesthetícian, a celebrated poet, a philosopher, a critic, and a war hero. His experiences during World War I offer a profound illustration of wisdom in action. As the sole surviving officer of the Yorkshire Regiment, Lieutenant Read found himself in a seemingly insurmountable predicament after his unit was overrun by an unstoppable German advance. Trapped behind enemy lines with a handful of survivors, their situation was theoretically hopeless.

The Battle for Survival and Morale

Read’s leadership in this dire circumstance was nothing short of extraordinary. He managed to maintain the morale of his men, a testament to his profound inner strength and unwavering confidence. Through meticulous planning and execution, he orchestrated nightly movements, enabling the survivors to forage for sustenance unseen by the enemy. This clandestine effort, fraught with peril, ultimately led to their successful rejoining of Allied lines. His actions were not born of recklessness, but of a deep understanding of human psychology and an unshakeable faith in the possibility of survival.

Embodiment of Confidence and Transcendent Faith

Read’s presence was consistently serene, a quiet yet overwhelming embodiment of confidence in life’s unpredictable journey. His wartime poetry, rather than dwelling on the horrors of conflict, served as spiritual explorations for the reader, hinting at a faith in an ultimate transcendent outcome. His literary colleague, the acclaimed author Graham Greene, paid a poignant tribute in Read’s 1968 obituary. Greene recounted how, at literary gatherings where the air often crackled with gossip and backbiting, the mere entrance of Sir Herbert would cause the "malicious backbiting to wane and die out." This transformative effect, Greene observed, was because "All goodness, all truth, had come amongst them." This anecdote encapsulates the power of wisdom to transcend petty human failings and foster an atmosphere of integrity and respect.

Trevor Huddleston: A Conscience for a Nation

Another individual whose wisdom profoundly impacted the author was the Reverend Trevor Huddleston. Huddleston, an Anglican priest, embodied a spiritual fortitude that offered solace and guidance, particularly during times of profound crisis. In the 1950s, serving as the Anglican Bishop of Masasi in what was then the apartheid-dominated South Africa, Huddleston emerged as one of the most powerful voices challenging the injustices of the regime.

A Compassionate Plea for Equality

His seminal book, "Naught For Your Comfort," stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to human dignity and equality. It is a profoundly compassionate plea for human equality, rooted in a deep understanding of the human spirit. The author recounts meeting Huddleston several times, each encounter leaving him in quiet contemplation. The palpable sense of faith and spirituality radiating from Huddleston created an atmosphere where insincerity was impossible. His presence demanded authenticity and a sincere engagement with the moral imperatives he so powerfully championed.

The Moral Imperative of Apartheid Opposition

Huddleston’s courageous stance against apartheid, a system built on racial segregation and oppression, demonstrated a profound moral clarity. He understood that true wisdom involved not only acknowledging the divine and human aspects of existence but also actively confronting the forces that sought to dehumanize and subjugate. His actions were driven by a conviction that transcended political expediency, rooted in a spiritual understanding of inherent human worth. His unwavering dedication to justice and his eloquent articulation of the human cost of apartheid cemented his legacy as a figure of immense wisdom and courage.

The Enduring Relevance of Cicero’s Definition

The enduring power of Cicero’s definition of wisdom lies in its timeless applicability. As the author reiterates, "Wisdom is the knowledge of things human and divine and of the causes by which those things are controlled." This encapsulates the multifaceted nature of true understanding. It requires not only an awareness of our earthly existence, our relationships, and our societal structures (things human) but also an apprehension of the spiritual, the transcendent, and the ethical principles that guide us (things divine). Crucially, it necessitates an understanding of the underlying forces and motivations that shape these realities—the "causes by which those things are controlled." This analytical and insightful dimension distinguishes wisdom from mere knowledge or opinion.

The Contemporary Crisis of Wisdom: A Call to Reflection

The author’s initial observation regarding the apparent lack of wisdom in contemporary leadership warrants further exploration. The ease with which simplistic solutions are offered to complex global problems, the disregard for historical context, and the prioritization of short-term political gains over long-term societal well-being all point to a critical deficit. This is not to suggest that wise individuals no longer exist; as the examples of Read and Huddleston illustrate, they do. However, their voices may be drowned out by the cacophony of less considered opinions, or their counsel may be disregarded by those unwilling to engage with the deeper truths they represent.

The Role of Education and Critical Thinking

The difficulty encountered by university students in comprehending wisdom underscores a potential failing in contemporary educational paradigms. While academic curricula often emphasize the acquisition of knowledge and technical skills, the cultivation of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning—all components of wisdom—may receive less attention. Fostering an environment where students are encouraged to question, to reflect deeply, and to connect abstract concepts to lived experiences is paramount.

The Influence of Media and Information Overload

The modern media landscape, characterized by rapid-fire news cycles and an overwhelming volume of information, can also contribute to the erosion of thoughtful discourse. The constant barrage of stimuli may encourage superficial engagement rather than deep contemplation. The pressure to provide immediate responses, often without adequate deliberation, can lead to pronouncements that lack the measured consideration characteristic of wisdom.

Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Wise Leadership

The pervasive sense of a wisdom deficit in the world today is a call to action, not despair. The examples of Herbert Read and Trevor Huddleston serve as powerful reminders that wisdom, though rare, is attainable and profoundly impactful. Their lives demonstrate that wisdom is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a way of being—a synthesis of knowledge, empathy, courage, and a deep understanding of the human condition. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the pursuit and cultivation of wisdom, both in our leaders and in ourselves, becomes not just a desirable trait but an urgent necessity for the future of humanity. Reaffirming Cicero’s timeless definition and seeking inspiration from those who embody its principles can guide us towards a more insightful and just world.