They say wisdom does not usually announce itself. Yes, it does not enter a room with a certificate. It does not carry any title. It does not ask to be introduced. We usually notice it much later.Sometimes, wisdom is a sentence spoken by an old man sitting in a corner. Sometimes, it is a mother saying, “Leave it. It is not worth fighting over.” Sometimes, it is a doctor choosing not to prescribe another medicine. Sometimes, it is simply knowing when to remain silent.

Most of us confuse wisdom with knowledge. They are not the same. Knowledge tells you what something is. Wisdom tells you what to do with it. Knowledge can be acquired from books and various sources. Wisdom generally comes with a price; time; failure; loss; waiting; regret; experience; and sometimes, pain.That is why wisdom cannot be downloaded. You cannot attend a weekend course and become wise on Monday morning. You can become informed. You can become skilled. But wisdom takes longer. It has to pass through life. Literally.

A young person........

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