Introduction

doi:10.1017/9781009085724.003

Chapter 1 - Introduction

What Is Wisdom and Why Is It Important?1

from Part I - Introduction to Wisdom Theory and Research

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 May 2022

Robert J. Sternberg and

Judith Glück

Edited by

Robert J. Sternberg and

Judith Glück

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Robert J. Sternberg: Affiliation:
Cornell University, New York
Judith Glück: Affiliation:
Universität Klagenfurt, Austria

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Summary

This chapter discusses why wisdom is so important. It opens with a discussion of why wisdom is so crucial in today’s world. The chapter points out that the world faces enormous problems, such as global climate change and threats of, and actual pandemics. Wisdom is needed more than ever, but often is not to be found. The chapter then discuss why intelligence, at least as usually defined, is not enough. Many people are smart, but they use their smarts only for their own benefit, or for the benefit of people like themselves rather than for a common good. The chapter next discusses why creativity is not enough. People can be creative but use their creativity for selfish or even destructive ends. Finally, the chapter discusses why wisdom is so hard to find. Many people appear, on the surface, to be wise, but then prove not to be. The chapter ends with some brief conclusions.

Keywords

Wisdom pandemics climate change common good intelligence creativity

Type: Chapter
Information: The Psychology of Wisdom
An Introduction
, pp. 3 - 14

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009085724.003 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2022

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