Methods of Wisdom

Reading:   Deuteronomy 2-5

I have discovered an interesting quote on wisdom that really deserves some reflection but first let me display the cause by which I came across this curious quote...

Deuteronomy 4:9

9    Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; 

This scripture is a treatise to wisdom, "...lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen."  Understanding that wisdom comes from living and that our senses provide proof and legitimacy to that which we encounter, we must therefore treasure wisdom, hold it in our hearts, and teach it to "...[our] sons, and [our] sons' sons."

Here is where the quote sneaks into play - Confucius said...

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.

Wisdom is being gained wether we want it or not and it is how we deal with that gained knowledge that truly defines who we are.  let me explain the three ways of gaining wisdom as expressed by Confucius...

Three men are walking along a sidewalk.  The first two are walking abreast while the third is several yards behind.  None of the men are aware that a section of the sidewalk has been recemented and they walk on without cause for concern.  As they approach the section of fresh cement there are no signs of warning or strands of caution tape protecting the area.  The cement on the left side of the walk has hardened sufficiently as it was poured much earlier but the cement on the right of the walk is still quite wet.  The man on the right steps into the wet cement and sinks up to his ankles.  The man on the left walks through the area without mishap but stops and aids the frustrated man out of the cement.  The third man witnesses the event and veers to the left, avoiding the entire scene.

The man on the right experienced the event and with bitter recollection will remember it with burning reminders from each of his senses. Whenever he sees fresh cement, smells it (as I am sure the smell became clear once he stepped into the trap), hears the sounds that were prevalant when the event occurred (like a beeping crossing walk or churning cement mixer), when he feels things similar to the sensation he felt while trying to escape the trap (thick mud, etc.), and, though taste might not be obvious, there could have been something in his mouth that may become a trigger for that memory.  Now this man can gain further wisdom by reflecting on the situation and discovering how he came to end up in the trap; or, he can dwell on the bitter aspect and find himself in a similar trap on another day - maybe then he will reflect and prepare properly.

For the man who avoided the trap by mere happenstance, he could have continued on without thought - maybe a laugh at the guy that feel in - but no real contemplation or reflection would have been burned into his mind because, ultimately, nothing happened to the guy.  Ah, but the man stopped, put out his hand and helped the poor gentlemen escape the cement trap.  The same sensual markers then become apparent to him, the sight, smell, sound, etc., and it becomes an instance of memory, reflection and cause for thought - how did it happen, how can I avoid having this happen to me, it becomes a noble recollection that can stay with the man and add to his ability to teach.

The third man gained immediate wisdom by witnessing the incident and choosing to immitate the action of the man on the left.  He easily avoided the trap and continued on his way.  Unfortunately this man may never acknowldge the lesson learned unless he too steps into wet cement on another day.  He could have gained much from the experience but failed to involve his senses and let other concerns wash over the experience without further recollection.   

That's the deal - involve your senses and allow the gained wisdom to stay and permeate in your heart.
let new happenings mix with other like experiences and create the knowledge of life.  Then teach!

Maybe my explanation was a bit much but I have discovered that everyone learns differently and there is always a chance that my cement story will actually find its way to that one person who needed a little more - I hope so?

~Kipling