Pursuing Wisdom: A Primer for Leaders and Learners

Wisdom is an essential but often forgotten virtue that has suffered from centuries of misunderstanding and been largely abandoned in contemporary society. Pursuing Wisdom explores philosophical, theological, and scientific traditions to present lessons for future leaders ready to shape the world in a successful and sustainable way.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Wisdom, the pinnacle of enlightenment, has been absent from our education since Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. However, it is wisdom that ultimately fosters human flourishing and equips individuals with the sophistication to lead fulfilling lives. In the realm of leadership and followership, wisdom becomes particularly crucial.

The lack of discernment and sound judgment witnessed in recent events highlights the urgent need for wisdom. Questions such as "what were they thinking?" and "why did they do that?" reveal the absence of wisdom in decision-making. The world requires individuals who can judiciously discern and courageously implement innovative solutions at the appropriate time and in the right manner.

However, the acquisition and understanding of wisdom have traditionally been confined to the philosophical and theological domains, rendering it esoteric, elusive, and mysterious. While recent empirical efforts have attempted to quantify and qualify wisdom, a comprehensive and cohesive model for understanding, teaching, and implementing general wisdom has yet to emerge. Philosophical and theological treatises on wisdom have often been overly convoluted or mystical, making wisdom inaccessible to the layperson.

The empirical traditions have also overanalyzed the concept, rendering it formulaic and uninspiring. This primer aims to bridge the gap between the philosophical, theological, and empirical traditions by presenting a simple model for understanding, acquiring, practicing, and teaching wisdom.

The primer utilizes clear language to guide readers through representative classical philosophical and theological sources, providing insights into the nature and essence of wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and critical thinking skills, which are essential components of wisdom.

Furthermore, the primer highlights the practical applications of wisdom in various aspects of life, including leadership, decision-making, relationships, and personal growth. It emphasizes the need for leaders and followers to possess wisdom to effectively guide and inspire others toward a better future.

In conclusion, wisdom is a vital asset that empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society. The absence of wisdom in decision-making has led to numerous challenges and setbacks. By embracing the insights from the philosophical, theological, and empirical traditions, we can develop a comprehensive model for understanding, acquiring, practicing, and teaching wisdom. This model will enable individuals to cultivate the necessary skills and qualities to navigate the complexities of the modern world with wisdom and discernment.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 207 x 143 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538159859