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Tom Greene: We are overwhelmed by words, yet lacking in wisdom.

During his inaugural address at Kenyon University in 2005, David Foster Wallace shared a thought-provoking parable:

“Two young fish are swimming when they encounter an older fish. A boy in the morning. How about the water?After swimming a bit, one of the young fish turns to the other and asks, What is water?‘

Even two decades later, this story still prompts us to recognize that the most glaring and significant realities can be the hardest to observe and articulate.

Wisdom, much like water, envelops us yet often goes unnoticed. We understand its significance, but it frequently eludes our grasp. I’ve come to realize that genuine wisdom isn’t just in our words, but more in how intently we listen.

Columnist David Brooks highlighted this in a 2021 piece. Wisdom isn’t about sharing witty remarks; it’s about the connections wise individuals foster without uttering many words. “Wise folks don’t dictate what we should do,” Brooks notes. “They begin by witnessing our narratives.”

True wisdom isn’t found in clever sayings or profound proclamations—it’s birthed from attentive listening and mere presence. While Eastern philosophies have long emphasized these facets, Western thought has often lauded rhetoric over reflective listening.

As E.O. Wilson remarked in 1982, “We are drowning in information while we are starving for wisdom.” The situation has worsened; if we printed all the information produced in a single day, the stack could reach the moon and back multiple times.

Genuine wisdom tends to be quiet. It understands the significance of both speaking and, crucially, listening. Real wisdom revolves around forging deeper connections, tuning into the unspoken messages even in silence.

If listening is akin to wisdom, then why don’t we excel at it? Perhaps it’s due to nearly two decades of training from our smartphones. What once felt like a disruption has now become the norm, leading to impatience and discomfort with quiet moments.

Wise individuals recognize that magic often lies in allowing others to finish their thoughts. Many people are merely navigating their ideas, and interruptions can derail that natural flow, hindering meaningful connection.

When wise people do speak, they take their time. Their words come from a place of thoughtfulness and care. By listening first, they guide others toward their own realizations.

In today’s noisy, chaotic world, there’s a heightened craving for authentic connections and understanding. This desire seeks relationships that go beyond superficial interactions. It echoes Wallace’s analogy of water—wisdom remains largely unseen yet essential, quietly supporting and fostering growth.

Like water, wisdom nurtures life and progress, embodying humility. The truly intelligent among us aren’t necessarily the loudest or most witty; they are often those who have honed the rare skill of deeper listening, creating environments where others can discover their own paths.

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