What Matters

Eating. Sleeping. Thinking. Feeling. Relating to others. Shelter embracing my being. Safety. Clothing that covers the body. Clothing that makes me feel good. Something to do. Something to do that means something, not just a duty. Thinking and feeling about existence. Beginning to understand how everything fits together. The good bad and ugly fitting together. Unity, ugly or not.

Well, this list is not comprehensive. So much more can be added. And it will. But these are basics. I could add music; that’s another dimension of thinking and feeling. And experience as well. Depth of experience connecting several elements that matter.

Over time experience adds up to wisdom. But what is wisdom? A Google search provides this definition:

“Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and good judgment to navigate life’s complexities. It is often associated with insight, discernment and ethics in decision making.”

Many of the components included in that definition can be acquired at any age of life, but mostly it is gained over a span of many years. Elders have that time span. They often have the requisite experiences that gain wisdom.

Our society needs wisdom. We need wisdom. However, it is only of value if it is recognized and used. That will likely require us to associate with older persons involved in our own work and projects. Each of us bring something to the table when collaborating. But the skillsets needed come from different types of people on the team. Keeping that diversity and needed skillsets in mind when assembling collaborative teams is vital.

How many times have we avoided older people because we think of them as stodgy or rooted in the past? Have we considered their experience and potential for wisdom? Have we examined their ability to communicate? Are their personalities cooperative or border bound? Not all experienced people have wisdom of course, but it will help if we look for it rather than simply avoiding it.

What matters is expanding our understanding of the world around us so we can live with it and create within it for the benefit of others, to the benefit of our communities large and small.

Are we seeking wisdom or avoiding it? Do we even appreciate it? We can’t benefit from that which we don’t know exists.

June 4, 2025

 

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