W for wisdom in Blogging from A to Z, Virtues and views.

Wisdom is the last of the four cardinal virtues held in high esteem by the Greeks and Romans, along with prudence, temperance and fortitude. These were joined with the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity to make Seven. That list differs from the list to balance the 7 Sins. And I am more interested in the emotions then whether they are virtues or sins.

I am thinking about wisdom and what it means to me, and whether I feel wise. I have knowledge and information that I can access in my memory in clinic. Does that make me feel wise? It isn’t the amount of information that defines wisdom for me: it is whether I can communicate with my patient in a way that is mutually beneficial. Do I understand their goals and their questions and is my information or style of imparting it useful to them? Does it improve their health? Sometimes understanding what the question is or what lies behind it is more important than medicine.

And again, there is a change from Webster 1913 to the present Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com writes about scholarly information or wise sayings. Webster 1913 talks about the use of knowledge and wise judgements. It is not the amount of knowledge but the ability to communicate and make use of it. To me wisdom is closer to Webster 1913 than to the present definition on Dictionary.com.

From Webster 1913 on everything2.com, wisdom:

1. The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity.

We speak also not in wise words of man’s wisdom, but in the doctrine of the spirit. Wyclif (1 Cor. ii. 13).

Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job xxviii. 28.

It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom that they will yield everything to reason, and refuse everything to force. Ames.

Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom. Coleridge.

2. The results of wise judgments; scientific or practical truth; acquired knowledge; erudition.

Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. Acts vii. 22.

From Dictionary.com

noun
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.
3. wise sayings or teachings; precepts.
4. a wise act or saying.
5. (initial capital letter) Douay Bible. Wisdom of Solomon.

I am submitting the photograph to Thursday Doors. I took this in my neighborhood yesterday. I did not even see the door until I looked at the result….