The concept of practical wisdom is not new; it has been debated since ancient times. The ancient Greeks called it phronesis. The Romans translated it to “prudentia”. We know it as practical wisdom – the ability to discern the right course of action in complex situations, to make sound judgments, and to navigate the uncertainties of life with prudence and foresight. It’s not merely intelligence or technical skill, but a deeper, more nuanced understanding of human affairs and the capacity to act accordingly.

In simpler times, practical wisdom was often honed through direct experience and passed down through generations in the form of proverbs, stories, and traditions. But in our modern age, something has shifted. We’re surrounded by experts, inundated with data, and yet, true practical wisdom seems to be in short supply.

One of the key culprits is the very thing we believe should be making us wiser: information. We live in an age of unprecedented access to knowledge. Yet, as the image aptly illustrates, the mere accumulation of information doesn’t necessarily translate into wisdom. In fact, it can have the opposite effect.

The chart shows two paths: the “Sine Wave of Wisdom Progression” and the “Non-Learner (Constant Wisdom).” The sine wave depicts someone actively seeking knowledge. Initially, as they gather information (moving along the x-axis), their wisdom (y-axis) actually dips. This is because raw data, without reflection and context, is just noise. It’s only after contemplation and experience that wisdom begins to rise again.

The non-learner, represented by a flat line, maintains a relatively constant level of wisdom. While seemingly less desirable, this path highlights a crucial point: without actively engaging with knowledge through reflection and application, there is no growth in practical wisdom.

The sheer volume of information we face today creates a challenge never before encountered. We’re constantly bombarded with news, opinions, and “facts,” making it difficult to discern what’s truly relevant and meaningful. This overload can lead to a state of “information fatigue,” where we become passive consumers of data, rather than active thinkers. As the chart suggests, without reflection, we risk becoming less wise, even as we become more informed.

Practical wisdom requires more than just data; it demands critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to connect with our own values and experiences. It requires us to ask not just “what do I know?” but “how does this apply to my life and the world around me?”

                                       Detailed Reasoning

The need for practical wisdom in today’s world stems from the overwhelming volume of information we now encounter daily. With the rise of social media, online news, and instant access to data, we have more knowledge at our fingertips than ever before. Yet, this very abundance can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, access to information is empowering, providing us with the tools to make informed decisions. On the other hand, it has led to a form of “information overload,” where we are constantly bombarded with facts, opinions, and narratives that are not always clear, accurate, or meaningful.

This overload can create a number of problems. For one, it makes it harder for individuals to distinguish between useful knowledge and mere noise. In a world where every opinion can be amplified and every fact questioned, it becomes increasingly difficult to make sound judgments. This is where practical wisdom comes in: it is not enough to know a lot; we need the ability to discern what is truly important, to critically assess the validity of the information we encounter, and to use that knowledge in ways that serve both our individual well-being and the collective good.

Moreover, the sheer volume of information can lead to cognitive fatigue. This condition arises when we are required to process too much data without time for proper reflection. As a result, we may make impulsive decisions, fail to see the long-term implications of our actions, or become passive consumers of information rather than active thinkers. Practical wisdom requires time and space for reflection—a process that allows us to step back from the constant flow of data and consider its relevance, consequences, and alignment with our values. Without this ability to reflect, we risk losing touch with the very purpose of acquiring knowledge in the first place: to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.

In the context of Ethiopia, where traditional values and community wisdom have long played a crucial role in shaping society, the challenge becomes even more pronounced. As we modernize and embrace new technologies, we must not lose sight of the importance of reflection and application of knowledge in a manner that respects our cultural heritage and moral values. Just as the elders have long guided younger generations with their insights, we must find ways to integrate the new information age with the timeless wisdom that has served us well for centuries.

Finally, practical wisdom is essential for navigating the complex ethical dilemmas we face in the modern world. With rapid technological advancements, societal shifts, and global challenges, we are constantly confronted with decisions that have far-reaching implications. From environmental issues to social justice and human rights, the stakes have never been higher. In these situations, data alone is not enough. We need wisdom to guide us, to help us navigate these complexities with a sense of responsibility and foresight. It’s about making decisions not just for immediate gain, but for the long-term well-being of our society, our environment, and future generations.

                                 Conclusion

  The reason why practical wisdom is indispensable in the Information Age is because it enables us to navigate the overwhelming flood of information in a thoughtful, meaningful, and ethical way. It allows us to not just accumulate knowledge, but to use it with discernment, reflection, and a sense of responsibility. In Ethiopia, as in the rest of the world, embracing this wisdom is crucial not just for personal growth, but for the collective well-being of our communities and our nation.

You can reach the writer via gabrielmulugeta1@gmail.com