Wisdom versus Knowledge: There is a difference

Wisdom versus Knowledge: There is a difference by Jennifer Buergermeister Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and information. Wisdom is the synthesis of knowledge and experiences into insights that deepen one’s understanding of relationships and the meaning of life. In other words, knowledge is a tool, and wisdom is the craft in which the tool is used. Arrogance brought in by some accumulation of knowledge, may often lead us astray and into the ego - the building blocks of narcissism and the promotion of elitism. As the young and indignant, driven not by truth but by ego and inexperience, try to find their way, we watch the West unfold as it may in the name of Yoga. I was taught that we should always respect our teachers and to honor that which has been built often with great vision. On the rise is a lack of patience, originality and respect for others in our communities. Some simply function through the faculty of control using tactics from the art of war to divide and conquer in order to gain support by manipulating those who are too weak to think and act for themselves. They lack the ability to use logic or tell the difference between the need for control, power, and popularity versus genuineness with the best of intentions. There is also a strong tendency by some to project onto others fears often masked by a facade of having it all together as they mock the decency of others. It's the "who is the most popular kid on the playground" sort of behavior that we should have outgrown in middle school. Genuine people, especially wise ones, can typically see through the shadow attempts to veil the light and hard work of true innovation and leadership. Fear is the culprit. Manipulation is fed by fear. Speaking anger to another is fed by fear. Hurting another is fed by fear. Denying and using people for one's own gain is led by fear. Accusations unfounded are fed by fear. Stress surely doesn't help the process. Who hasn't said or done something stupid under pressure? If hormones are out of tune, the thyroid in particular, it is even harder to control emotions. Good thing is that we are not our behaviors and all things can be brought back in balance with a little practice and a sincere apology in most cases. The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman is my favorite book turned motion picture honoring true wisdom through spiritual events comparing knowledge and wisdom. It also beatifully portrays the release of fear through the journey into no ordinary things. I highly recommend the reading and the movie! If the hearts of our communities were truly open rather than bound in fear of their own true authentic potential and/or shadow side, there wouldn't be this increase of superficiality by comparison and bitterness. The inexperienced and naive who are tapping only into the surface of who they truly are would soon realize wisdom simply can't be rushed. They wouldn't hurt others for their own gain. They wouldn't lie, manipulate or steal. They would be supportive and kind, honoring those who helped them along the way. Spirit knows that we do not have to knock each other down to get what we want. Wisdom understands that time and experience is indeed the true bringer of leadership. Wisdom also understands that we are all at different milestones along the path to realization and that we too were all once grasshoppers. Time and experience can bring all truth to realization as wisdom. Blessings on the path. Namaste'