Knowledge versus wisdom<\/strong><\/p>\n The difference is fuzzy, gradual.<\/p>\n In \u2018knowledge,\u2019 the emphasis still lies in conceptual processing. From there, more and more subconceptuality may be added, towards where the emphasis lies within the subconceptual itself. This way, knowledge grows to wisdom. In this, the conceptual may even fade somewhat to the background.<\/p>\n A wise person is not necessarily<\/em> a knowledgeable person, but it helps.<\/p>\n As to what is preferable, I would say a synthesis of both. You might even recognize in this, with some caveat: \u2018rationality + poetry.\u2019 [see: \u201cRationality and Poetry<\/a>\u201d]. The caveat is why I put in the title: true<\/u> wisdom. Especially in a complex society as what the world has become.<\/p>\n Eastern enlightenment<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n According to me, this is pretty much the same as \u2018wisdom.\u2019<\/p>\n In Eastern storytelling, such as within the Chan\/Zen tradition, enlightenment may come suddenly. We Westerners do not easily see it this way. We see wisdom as hard work over a prolonged period of time. Even so, I think that \u2018sudden enlightenment\u2019 in the East is also the result of what comes before: many years of searching. Then everything may suddenly \u2018fall into place.\u2019<\/p>\n Wise (wo)men grow<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Helping in this are diverse and meaningful experiences in which one keeps an open eye and mind. Experiencing another culture, for instance, for more than the average touristy time and intention. But also as a tourist, you may learn if you don\u2019t travel in a mental bubble. Look around. Let yourself be moved.<\/p>\n Even \u2018sea, sand, sun\u2019 can be a source of inspiration. It is to me \ud83d\ude0a.<\/p>\n At the other side, a tourist attraction is not<\/em> always helpful.<\/p>\n Culture in general<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n I mean: in which people have invested something of their soul, sometimes over the course of many years. \u2018Cultural\u2019 may be very diverse, but it\u2019s not just anything. There is quality involved. What this \u2018quality\u2019 (poetry, beauty, impressiveness, depth\u2026) precisely is, is difficult to say. It\u2019s subconceptual. Not therefore unimportant. Quite the opposite!<\/p>\n You can look at true culture as a source of wisdom, even if partly or wholly unintended.<\/p>\n Small things<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n may also lead to wisdom.<\/p>\n Smallness in form, not therefore in content. Like a symbol. [see: \u201cA Symbol Is Always YOU<\/a>\u201d]<\/p>\n Again, this shows that the main quality of it lies in the subconceptual. This doesn\u2019t need a grand conceptual scheme.<\/p>\n A blink of an eye is enough. The movement of a hand.<\/p>\n Even a spot on a wall. Yeah. Talking about meditation now. The universe is here.<\/p>\n The whistling of a bird.<\/p>\n A memory that never fades even when it disappears in the distance.<\/p>\n