Yesterday, a young woman called me wise, and still it itches like the snip of hair that tumbles down your collar after a trim. I answered something foolish, flippant; as if to show her wrong rather than out of modesty. For wisdom is a goal that one achieves at the end of the road, and I have fallen off the trail so many times I carry with me unsorted baggage and drag it uselessly towards a nearing end.
I feel a caricature of humankind. So much to learn and so much wasted time. Now, as with my reading of the classics, I look so far behind me to bring me to a point where I can find my way again. Yet never, will I catch hold of all I need to know before I’m asked to leave it all behind.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
I’ve heard it said that wisdom lies in knowing how much you don’t know. Also, if the shoe fits . . . 🙂
“A nearing end”? Please.
Actually, I thought you gave me a pretty straight answer, unless I’m forgetting something.
Barbara, a dreary day and poetry in mind changes outlook as it does the words. I feel so unworthy when in the gloom of the unsunny day.
Carolyn,the bestest part of the parting conversation was when you said you’re glad you met me. I feel the same and am excited at your youth and energy and know you’ll zoom far beyond me on the road to wisdom.
I’m glad you’re glad to have met me too! Concerning the wisdom thing, however, you underestimate yourself too much. Cleverness is wisdom too, an unconventional variety. I’m not saying that you don’t have traditional wisdom. You have both, which are equally valuable.
Carolyn, I think wisdom is just a more dignified label for common sense and may come of the decisions made and lessons learned from experience (not merely experience itself, as many learn nothing from it), as well as being the product of an analytical mind. You, have that base and in time will be called ‘wise.’ Maybe years from now, maybe a few months, but it is a certainty.