What is Wisdom and How Can It Be Attained

(Photo credit: Photodisc)

By Cameron Cota

Most think of wisdom as interchangeable with the word knowledge. It is not. Knowledge is to know something; wisdom is to put it to practice. These two go hand-in-hand, yet they are not the same.

Knowledge can be obtained through study, but to gain wisdom a second element must be added: hard work. Wisdom must be gained through personal experience. Ben Franklin once said, “The doors of wisdom are never closed.” Wisdom must always be sought out, practiced; else it be tucked away, never to be used. Wisdom is also ever abounding. With each new scenario, new wisdom is gained. Once a person thinks to himself, “I have learned all there is to know.” All his wisdom has been lost, for that thought is merely another way of saying, “I don’t want to learn any more.” Personal experience and a passion for wisdom are the key ingredients for a wise mind.

In reading this essay, I hope your eyes have been opened to wisdom, it’s definition, and it’s attainability. My hope for you is that the fire of the pursuit of wisdom will be fueled and that you will never again confuse knowledge with wisdom.

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Cameron Cota is the 15-year old daughter of Heath Cota, Sawtooth National Forest - Minidoka District FMO and member of the NWCG Leadership Committee. All expressions are those of the author. "Do Great Leaders or Ordinary People Make History" was an in-class essay for Cameron's history class. This is the first of two essays.

Today's blog entry is a testament to the power of influence. Leadership is an art that transcends boundaries. As Heath told me when he shared Cameron's essays, "It speaks of a lifelong study of leadership; and if you think that your subordinates see and hear all, even more so do our children." 

Are you influencing beyond the fireline? We would love to share your stories.