When it comes to the study and practice of Mastering the Art of Living

there is a useful quote from Proverbs.

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and

the man that getteth understanding. For the

merchandise of it is better than the merchandise

of silver, and the gain thereof fine gold. She is

more precious than rubies: and all the things

thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

(Proverbs 3: 3-15)

Practice over the coming week a little test. Do not over think it. Just try it out.

When you are faced with any situation just ask yourself the question:

“What would a wise person do here?”

Don’t theorise about it, or over think it, just pose the

question to yourself and see what happens.

It’s quite a fun little exercise to try out, and quite instructive.

What is wisdom… is a question that naturally arises when you

think of Philosophy.

Philosophy literally means “love of wisdom”.. so what is this wisdom

that a philosopher loves?

Do you know anyone that you consider wise? If so what is it about

them that makes you think of them as wise?

What qualities do they have?

Ask yourself this question over a few days and see if you can come

to an understanding of what wisdom means, not in theory but

practically, directly.

The dictionary definition of wisdom is:

‘Experience and knowledge together with the power of applying

them practically.’

It is admittedly possible to be wise about particular things or

activities, like a Doctor being wise in his speciality, a football

player in his art and a mother in caring for her child’s needs.

But what if we opened it up… and defined Wisdom to mean:

“…the knowledge which will enable a person to live truly and happily.”

..where the actual activity it relates to is life itself. Would you then

call it wisdom when you have the knowledge that enables you to

master the art of living?

Is that a wisdom worth persuing? If it is why not check out one of

our courses on the courses tab or even check-out one of our monthly

Sunday workshops.

When it came to the study and practice of Philosophy Epicurus famously said:

Let no one be slow to seek wisdom when he is young, nor weary in search of it when he has grown old. For no age is too early or too late for the benefits of philosophy.

(Epicurus: Letter to Menoeceus)