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Gaining Wisdom

Posted By: Randy GageJune 18, 2015

One of the biggest challenges the world faces right now is the fact that people don’t know how to think. They been taught what to think, but very few actually understand how to think.

It’s been said that universities are where young people go to learn how to learn, but that statement is problematic for two reasons. Firstly, because in most cases, university students really aren’t learning how to learn. The education system in most countries teaches how to memorize facts, what you should think, and in many cases simply government propaganda. Even at its highest levels academia often fails to facilitate the process of critical thinking.

The second problem is that university is way, way too late to be teaching people how to learn. It would be a lot more appropriate and effective in pre-school.

Learning how to learn is the peak and vital stage in the process of gaining wisdom. This requires that you become a critical thinker. Let’s explore a few strategies that will help you in this process…

Practice discernment in your learning sources. The world is full of relationship counselors who have been divorced five times, social media experts with 200 followers on Twitter, and sales trainers who can’t make a sale.

You want to know what the biggest issue I see in the people who come to me for prosperity coaching? It’s the fact that they’re getting all their financial advice from broke people. How crazy is that?

A dear author friend of mine asked for help on the title of her next book. I invested some serious thought into it and gave her a title that depicts exactly what the book is about, the benefit to reading it, and is catchy and memorable. It meets all the criteria for a perfect book title. She loved it and my job was done. Then she posted the title on Facebook asking for comments and suggestions.

Naturally she started emailing me every time someone suggested something different. Finally I had to say, “I have nine bestsellers that have been translated into 25 languages. How many bestsellers have these other people had?”

You must always question the premise. Because if the premise is wrong, everything that comes off of the premise will be mistaken. You have to use discernment about what you choose to learn from whom. The person who gives you great fitness training may not be qualified to counsel you on money. The person who gives you great financial planning advice may not be competent to help you on your relationships.

Make sure there is breadth to your learning. Expose yourself to points of view utterly different than your own. No matter your religion, politics or worldview, you should read books like Atlas Shrugged, Mein Kampf and Mao’s Red Book.

Unfortunately today’s social media mindset invites demagoguery and demonization of other viewpoints. If you posted a picture on Facebook today of President Obama or former President Bush rescuing an injured dog, you can be assured there would be scores of nasty comments and people un-following you in minutes. This instinctive and visceral hate prevents us from learning wisdom from those with different beliefs. There are four Democrat and about ten Republicans running for president of the United States right now. And with the exception of Donald Trump, they all have intelligent and thoughtful things to say.

When you avoid books, blogs, or columnists you don’t agree with, you become close-minded. This happens even though you may be striving to do good things, or consider yourself progressive. You stop learning because everything is filtered through the confirmation bias you have.   And the older you are – the more likely you are to let this stagnation in viewpoint lock in.

Be curious. Wise people ask questions; ignorant people make blanket statements. Curiosity, questioning, and listening take you a long way towards wisdom.

You have to ask the right questions, however. Because when you ask the wrong question, the answer is irrelevant or even harmful.

I was coaching with an aspiring speaker who asked me, “Please tell me exactly how you began and everything you did to get to where you are right now.” But that’s the wrong question...

A better one would be, “In light of all of developments like the Internet, podcasts, crowd funding, social media, and mobile apps, what would you do different if you were starting today?”

Invest a meaningful amount of your time and resources toward developing wisdom. That means you spend more time on self-development than you do for entertainment. It’s a safe bet that when the wisest people do their financial statement at the end of the year, they spent more with Amazon and Barnes & Noble than they did with Best Buy. Check out this episode of Prosperity TV, on the subject of compound learning.

Learning takes you to wisdom, and wisdom takes you to enlightenment. Open your mind, challenge your thinking and wisdom likely will follow.

-RG

39 comments on “Gaining Wisdom”

  1. RG I consider you my greatest master mind when it comes to building residual wealth, entrepreneurship and coaching. You've had a special impact in my life and that of my team.

  2. mind when it comes to building residual wealth, entrepreneurship and coaching. You've had a special impact in my life and that of my team.

  3. Excellent article. There's one point though which was a bit strange considering the idea of the article. It was the Donald Trump snipe. I find it quite surprising that he's the only one of the candidates who has built successful businesses like you, but you seem to think that he has no intelligent or thoughtful things to say...Really? Not even one? I'm not for or against Trump as I'm not American, but somehow that one sentence almost spoils the whole article. Open your mind and challenge your thinking.

  4. I agree with Kari. I was surprised as well. You had just finished saying how we should be open minded, reading literature from different viewpoints and not being critical of others as to miss the good in them; aka President Obama and President Bush. I'm not a supporter of Trump but for you to slam him in this particular article seemed to go against your main point.

  5. Good points, RG. When it comes to the masses, I think you're right on. I wish you would take these messages to a more sophisticated market, like the Fortune 500, where the execs are far more educated and well read. I just did a 6-hour session on critical thinking for the executive team of a $60B company, and I could have used your help! As you point out, we don't teach kids (or adults) how to learn or think. Instead, we indoctrinate them with mythology, propaganda and prejudice. The Internet and blogs like yours will force the change eventually. I appreciate your continued efforts to push people to think for themselves. You're an influencer who is making a difference.

  6. Thanks for these provocative thoughts.  Excellent article, although I feel you contradicted yourself when you took a shot at Trump.  The article was neverthless an excellent one, which I intend to share with others.  Thanks.

  7. Martha F

    rump. He
    just stated his opinion on the content and if you read that sentence again you
    will notice that he did not say Mr. Trump was not intelligent and thoughtful.
    I am
    absolutely certain Mr. Gage paused on that sentence and was very careful. He is
    exercising critical thinking here. Imagine going to the circus and the clown
    has nothing intelligent and thoughtful to say. Would you assume that person acting
    the clown is not intelligent and thoughtful.
    Oh! By the
    way this is Mr. Gage’s style and he usually would laugh or chuckle when he says
    something like that.
    Mr. Randy
    Gage you are a ROCKSTAR! 🙂

  8. Come on, Randy.  You know I love you, babe, but when I read in one paragraph your insinuation Donald Trump doesn't have intelligent or thoughtful things to say, and then two paragraphs later read "Ignorant people make blanket statement," I'm seeing a mighty big contradiction.  I forgive you though, as Trump's success in selling, authorship, and making money (your fields of professed expertise) must be super intimidating.  And, as to relevance for your readership, my gut reaction is that reading "The Art of the Deal" just might make more sense than "Mein Kampf" or  Mao's "Red Book."  (Am I sensing a little professional jealousy here???)

  9. Brian Bennington Actually the success you describe for Mr Trump isn't the kind I'm seeking.  He operates highly leveraged with meteoric ups and crashes, and many lawsuits, both filing and receiving.  Not a chance I would trade my life for his.  I mention him in the context above because the other candidates all have some policy experience, public service, and are running seriously.  In Trump's case, this is more about getting publicity, building his brand, and feeding his ego.  (All of three which he does quite well.)
    Anyone who has listened to his statements last time would never take him seriously.  We're in an age when a contestant on America Idol can't lie about their age and be discovered, or a news anchor can't embellish their story without being found out.  To suggest as Trump did that President Obama was born in Africa and there was a conspiracy of all the people he went to grade school with, neighbors, government officials and thousands of others demonstrates that Trump doesn't think very rationally. 

    I have read "The Art of the Deal" and some of his other books.  I think there are some lessons for people in those, just not necessarily his candidacy for president.  -RG

  10. Randy_Gage Brian Bennington I would have to side with RG here where Trump is concerned. A veteran of the entertainment industry as well as entrepreneur, I have little respect for what he represents, how he manipulates the truth and more importantly, his history is a tell all. He's not the leader I would join nor do I find his old world thought process in alignment with possibility. I've read all of Ayn Rand's books and lean heavily towards objectivism, a topic Trump probably knows nothing about. My two pence.

  11. Randy_Gage Mr Move it Martha F Sorry to keep going on about Mr.Trump, but I would still rate his thinking higher than Mao's or Hitler's. I just watched his interview on Morning Joe and he made a lot of sense. Of course he's a showman and a businessman, but it's fair to say that he's raising some very good points. People are tired of politicians who go around and around without saying anything. Here's the interview link if it's ok to post it:
    http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/donald-trump--the-country-is-doing-terribly-467434563618

  12. I read your response and wholeheartedly agree with you. As I said before I am not a supporter of Trump and would never vote for him. I was merely agreeing with Kari as it seemed to go against what you were saying. But as someone said, it must just be your humor. Sorry I missed it. U0001f603

  13. Randy_Gage Brian Bennington Please Randy, let's don't read more into my post than I wrote.  My initial comment was that you made a "blanket" observation about Trump, and then, within two paragraphs, describe those who do the same as "ignorant people."  Come on, can't you admit that's exactly what you did?  As to the "red herring" about somehow me implying you'd want to "be him," I'd never suggest that.  Hell, I'd never want to be him, or you, for that matter.  I've had a really unique exciting life and more fun than I ever deserved.  I can "coast the rest of the way," assured I was "on" when I needed to be.
    I respect you too much, and me even more, to ever debate politics or religion with you.  (You know that's only for the closest of friends!)  But, I think you'll admit he really doesn't need anymore publicity or "brand building,"  He's already there.  As to the "ego" thing, I couldn't imagine anything more damaging to his than going for the presidency, in front of his family, friends and the whole world, and losing.  As to "policy experience" and "public service," what are you talking about?  Those terms are pablum for the masses, sounding noble, but totally meaningless in this age when everything has a price tag.  The real fun in getting their is the journey it takes, and watching Trump make his should be damned entertaining.  I only hope he doesn't "chicken out."  Considering he's got enough bread to buy the best help, advice, marketing, media, etc. there is, he'd have to wear a "loss" right on his own chin.
    As to where Obama was born, that's yesterday's news and genuinely "small potatoes."  It always was.  However, can you imagine how Trump will have to "deliver" if he does get elected?  I will say I'm somewhat sorry I initially commented, as when I reflect on it, I'm just the "Terrier barking at the heels of the Mastiff," and who really cares what an old man thinks?  (Except, of course, me!)

  14. Jonathan1 Randy_Gage Brian Bennington OK, Jonathan "1,"  I'm getting the feeling you're siding with Randy because you both have matching hair-dos.   But, considering you're a "Veteran of the entertainment industry as well as an entrepreneur," I'd better remember my place and shut-up.  It's also mighty impressive you've read all of Ayn Rand's books and "lean heavily towards objectivism."  (You sound like a real fun guy!)  My only claim to fame is that in my youth I was a Limerick writer, and I'm credited with such classics as "I once knew a man from Nantucket."

  15. Brian Bennington Trump is an expert at bullshit, manipulation, and hyperbole.  One thing I will give him is he is an expert at using these to promote himself and acquire wealth.

  16. Randy, both of us know that if what you state above came to fruition, religion as we know it would be nonexistent.

  17. Randy,  I really appreciated your post on wisdom.  You provided some very useful nuggets:  practice discernment in your learning, question the premise, have breadth in learning, ask the right questions, and spend a meaningful amount of time developing wisdom.  

    In my book, http://www.amazon.com/Undeniable-Laws-Being-Wise-Snake-ebook/dp/B00YNL4SKA, I extrapolated Jesus's verse where he was instructing us to gain wisdom from the snake.  Similar to what you are saying, he also made note of the cruel, close-minded behaviors in Matthew 10:16 when he said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."  You mentioned how the people are quick to act in cruelty based on emotions or preconceived thoughts rather than investing time to understand a viewpoint different than their own.  I think that the behavior that you mentioned is "wolf-like" behavior, and Jesus instructed us (as you have) that in “wolf-like” circumstances, we should seek wisdom.  The Bible also speaks of how wisdom increases the length of your life, your ability to achieve success, prosperity, good relationships, and many more things.  Your tips are very similar to some things that can be learned from dissecting that scripture.  

    You mentioned having breadth in learning.  Similarly, the snakes are very flexible animals, but they are only flexible when it is to their advantage.  As you said, we should be curious, but we must ground our curiosity on something firm.  Otherwise, we will be blown like the wind; chasing whichever direction has something unlearned.  A good way to ground our exploration for wisdom is to ensure that what we are exploring can expand our ability to fulfill our life purpose.

    Regarding your tip on spending meaningful time developing wisdom, I would add that you should try to balance consumption with creation.  It is one thing to consume information, but wisdom is when you have the ability to apply it.  Take the information that you explore and find, and use it to benefit others.  Create.  Many, many, many other things can be presented about this topic, but in summary,  I agree with you that wisdom is mission essential for a life of complete wholeness and prosperity.  Great post!

    Tiffany Domena
    http://www.mandatorysuccess.com

  18. pandkenterprises Brian Bennington Humm, let me see.  You say "Trump is an expert at bullshit, manipulation and hyperbole"?  Sounds to me like a great politician, and we can sure use an expert instead of the usual amateurs at it who normally run.  And, just for a change, it would be interesting to have someone in the office who doesn't owe anybody anything. 
    Reviewing what his motives might be for doing it, they're surely not money or power.  He already has plenty of both.  Personally, I think the thing that would keep him on the "straight and narrow" is his relationship with his kids.  I think he would go to enormous lengths not to embarrass or shame them.  Being a political leader is 100% making deals, be it with congress or with other world leaders.  Just once in my lifetime, I'd like to see a real proven dealmaker in the office, and he's about the best at it we have in the country.  Let's just see how he does overcoming his negatives and getting the "vast unwashed" on his  side over the coming months.

  19. Brian Bennington pandkenterprises He may be a great bullshitter but that doesn't mean we have to be.  We both know that he is not going to go the distance (have you forgotten last time?).  He is doing this to promote himself.  He is going to drop out within two months.

  20. Brian Bennington I wasn't making a blanket statement, just clarifying that he is not in the category of the other thinkers.   He's a fringe candidate with no chance of winning, so I don't think there's any chance of that.  I do think he needs brand building still because that is a big part of his biz now, selling his name out on projects.  But let's not lose sight of the point of the post.  Although I must say, the Republican debates will be "must watch" TV with him on the panel.  -RG

  21. When you say that our educational system fails to teach us how to think, you are being too kind. I would go so far as to say that it actively and intentionally undermines our thinking skills.

  22. Just a thought on mass wisdom Randy, considering over 99.9% of our universe doesn't really exist, even ourselves are 99.9% totally nothing less,  and all that's left in its quantum physics origin is a wave of energy, that's no longer there, with our bodies being nothing but a power house to create electrical energy that travels through us, and serves to connect all of our being, and create our material existence in this spiritual dimension, more commonly known as life.
    If we strip  ourselves bare from all we believe and cling to, we are left naked, exposed and vulnerable with absolute nothingless. If you can imagine that, and realise at this level we're all connected,  then all fear should subside.
    REALITY CHECK  !!!!!
    Such thoughts are scary,  these thoughts undermine people's perception of existence, people need value and meaning in life to avoid the pain of such a reality.
    We can't pass through doors that are shut, but wisdom and learning are the keys of the universe.

  23. Randy_Gage Brian Bennington Yes, Randy, it is "must watch" TV because we do need a good laugh.  I used to be a Republican when the party was run by common sense and compromise.  Now it has been hijacked by a bunch of fruitcakes (God sends tornadoes because of our acceptance of homosexuality, no such thing as global warming, etc., etc.).  If the Republican Party does not change and come into the 21st century, they will never have a candidate elected as President. The last half way reasonable Republican candidate, Ron Paul, got booed in 2011 at the South Carolina debate when he suggested treating other countries the way we would want to be treated.  I thought the Golden Rule was the main tenet of Christian religion, and isn't the Republican Party the true party of God?  This kind of stupid shit is going to torpedo any chances of having a Republican President.  Although I did not agree with all of his policies, he was the only Republican candidate that would not pander to the audience. The other ones would say whatever was necessary to get applause.

  24. pandkenterprises Brian Bennington What you mean "We," paleface!  By the way, I hate baseball!

  25. Brian Bennington pandkenterprises Spoken like a true non-American.  (And baseball hates you).

  26. Wow!  I learned so much from this one post that I feel like I need to read it again just to grasp all the nuggets hidden here in plain sight.  (And I will!)  Thanks for sharing!

  27. I love that last statement: Learning takes you to wisdom in other words keeping learning and wisdom will follow!
    Thank you
    Bruno

  28. Bruno Pelagalli No, it states, "wisdom likely will follow".  Learning only makes you educated.  How you use it, makes you smart and rational.  I know several people with PhD's who still believe in alien abductions, homeopathy, Bigfoot, levitation, talking to the dead, and a whole gamut of supernatural bullshit.

  29. i think it is important to stand out from your competition. expecially in this industry. i also think its very important to get the right customers to your offer. that was the toughest for me. i was very blessed to find a mentor to teach me what you have been talking about and also traffic strategies that ACTUALLY work!. theres actually a FREE training on traffic and conversions i would like to shar if you dont mind? i think it could help out more entrepreneurs as well. so here is the free training i would like to share >> http://9nl.it/targetedwebtraffic

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  • 39 comments on “Gaining Wisdom”

    1. RG I consider you my greatest master mind when it comes to building residual wealth, entrepreneurship and coaching. You've had a special impact in my life and that of my team.

    2. mind when it comes to building residual wealth, entrepreneurship and coaching. You've had a special impact in my life and that of my team.

    3. Excellent article. There's one point though which was a bit strange considering the idea of the article. It was the Donald Trump snipe. I find it quite surprising that he's the only one of the candidates who has built successful businesses like you, but you seem to think that he has no intelligent or thoughtful things to say...Really? Not even one? I'm not for or against Trump as I'm not American, but somehow that one sentence almost spoils the whole article. Open your mind and challenge your thinking.

    4. I agree with Kari. I was surprised as well. You had just finished saying how we should be open minded, reading literature from different viewpoints and not being critical of others as to miss the good in them; aka President Obama and President Bush. I'm not a supporter of Trump but for you to slam him in this particular article seemed to go against your main point.

    5. Good points, RG. When it comes to the masses, I think you're right on. I wish you would take these messages to a more sophisticated market, like the Fortune 500, where the execs are far more educated and well read. I just did a 6-hour session on critical thinking for the executive team of a $60B company, and I could have used your help! As you point out, we don't teach kids (or adults) how to learn or think. Instead, we indoctrinate them with mythology, propaganda and prejudice. The Internet and blogs like yours will force the change eventually. I appreciate your continued efforts to push people to think for themselves. You're an influencer who is making a difference.

    6. Thanks for these provocative thoughts.  Excellent article, although I feel you contradicted yourself when you took a shot at Trump.  The article was neverthless an excellent one, which I intend to share with others.  Thanks.

    7. Martha F

      rump. He
      just stated his opinion on the content and if you read that sentence again you
      will notice that he did not say Mr. Trump was not intelligent and thoughtful.
      I am
      absolutely certain Mr. Gage paused on that sentence and was very careful. He is
      exercising critical thinking here. Imagine going to the circus and the clown
      has nothing intelligent and thoughtful to say. Would you assume that person acting
      the clown is not intelligent and thoughtful.
      Oh! By the
      way this is Mr. Gage’s style and he usually would laugh or chuckle when he says
      something like that.
      Mr. Randy
      Gage you are a ROCKSTAR! 🙂

    8. Come on, Randy.  You know I love you, babe, but when I read in one paragraph your insinuation Donald Trump doesn't have intelligent or thoughtful things to say, and then two paragraphs later read "Ignorant people make blanket statement," I'm seeing a mighty big contradiction.  I forgive you though, as Trump's success in selling, authorship, and making money (your fields of professed expertise) must be super intimidating.  And, as to relevance for your readership, my gut reaction is that reading "The Art of the Deal" just might make more sense than "Mein Kampf" or  Mao's "Red Book."  (Am I sensing a little professional jealousy here???)

    9. Brian Bennington Actually the success you describe for Mr Trump isn't the kind I'm seeking.  He operates highly leveraged with meteoric ups and crashes, and many lawsuits, both filing and receiving.  Not a chance I would trade my life for his.  I mention him in the context above because the other candidates all have some policy experience, public service, and are running seriously.  In Trump's case, this is more about getting publicity, building his brand, and feeding his ego.  (All of three which he does quite well.)
      Anyone who has listened to his statements last time would never take him seriously.  We're in an age when a contestant on America Idol can't lie about their age and be discovered, or a news anchor can't embellish their story without being found out.  To suggest as Trump did that President Obama was born in Africa and there was a conspiracy of all the people he went to grade school with, neighbors, government officials and thousands of others demonstrates that Trump doesn't think very rationally. 

      I have read "The Art of the Deal" and some of his other books.  I think there are some lessons for people in those, just not necessarily his candidacy for president.  -RG

    10. Randy_Gage Brian Bennington I would have to side with RG here where Trump is concerned. A veteran of the entertainment industry as well as entrepreneur, I have little respect for what he represents, how he manipulates the truth and more importantly, his history is a tell all. He's not the leader I would join nor do I find his old world thought process in alignment with possibility. I've read all of Ayn Rand's books and lean heavily towards objectivism, a topic Trump probably knows nothing about. My two pence.

    11. Randy_Gage Mr Move it Martha F Sorry to keep going on about Mr.Trump, but I would still rate his thinking higher than Mao's or Hitler's. I just watched his interview on Morning Joe and he made a lot of sense. Of course he's a showman and a businessman, but it's fair to say that he's raising some very good points. People are tired of politicians who go around and around without saying anything. Here's the interview link if it's ok to post it:
      http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/donald-trump--the-country-is-doing-terribly-467434563618

    12. I read your response and wholeheartedly agree with you. As I said before I am not a supporter of Trump and would never vote for him. I was merely agreeing with Kari as it seemed to go against what you were saying. But as someone said, it must just be your humor. Sorry I missed it. U0001f603

    13. Randy_Gage Brian Bennington Please Randy, let's don't read more into my post than I wrote.  My initial comment was that you made a "blanket" observation about Trump, and then, within two paragraphs, describe those who do the same as "ignorant people."  Come on, can't you admit that's exactly what you did?  As to the "red herring" about somehow me implying you'd want to "be him," I'd never suggest that.  Hell, I'd never want to be him, or you, for that matter.  I've had a really unique exciting life and more fun than I ever deserved.  I can "coast the rest of the way," assured I was "on" when I needed to be.
      I respect you too much, and me even more, to ever debate politics or religion with you.  (You know that's only for the closest of friends!)  But, I think you'll admit he really doesn't need anymore publicity or "brand building,"  He's already there.  As to the "ego" thing, I couldn't imagine anything more damaging to his than going for the presidency, in front of his family, friends and the whole world, and losing.  As to "policy experience" and "public service," what are you talking about?  Those terms are pablum for the masses, sounding noble, but totally meaningless in this age when everything has a price tag.  The real fun in getting their is the journey it takes, and watching Trump make his should be damned entertaining.  I only hope he doesn't "chicken out."  Considering he's got enough bread to buy the best help, advice, marketing, media, etc. there is, he'd have to wear a "loss" right on his own chin.
      As to where Obama was born, that's yesterday's news and genuinely "small potatoes."  It always was.  However, can you imagine how Trump will have to "deliver" if he does get elected?  I will say I'm somewhat sorry I initially commented, as when I reflect on it, I'm just the "Terrier barking at the heels of the Mastiff," and who really cares what an old man thinks?  (Except, of course, me!)

    14. Jonathan1 Randy_Gage Brian Bennington OK, Jonathan "1,"  I'm getting the feeling you're siding with Randy because you both have matching hair-dos.   But, considering you're a "Veteran of the entertainment industry as well as an entrepreneur," I'd better remember my place and shut-up.  It's also mighty impressive you've read all of Ayn Rand's books and "lean heavily towards objectivism."  (You sound like a real fun guy!)  My only claim to fame is that in my youth I was a Limerick writer, and I'm credited with such classics as "I once knew a man from Nantucket."

    15. Brian Bennington Trump is an expert at bullshit, manipulation, and hyperbole.  One thing I will give him is he is an expert at using these to promote himself and acquire wealth.

    16. Randy, both of us know that if what you state above came to fruition, religion as we know it would be nonexistent.

    17. Randy,  I really appreciated your post on wisdom.  You provided some very useful nuggets:  practice discernment in your learning, question the premise, have breadth in learning, ask the right questions, and spend a meaningful amount of time developing wisdom.  

      In my book, http://www.amazon.com/Undeniable-Laws-Being-Wise-Snake-ebook/dp/B00YNL4SKA, I extrapolated Jesus's verse where he was instructing us to gain wisdom from the snake.  Similar to what you are saying, he also made note of the cruel, close-minded behaviors in Matthew 10:16 when he said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."  You mentioned how the people are quick to act in cruelty based on emotions or preconceived thoughts rather than investing time to understand a viewpoint different than their own.  I think that the behavior that you mentioned is "wolf-like" behavior, and Jesus instructed us (as you have) that in “wolf-like” circumstances, we should seek wisdom.  The Bible also speaks of how wisdom increases the length of your life, your ability to achieve success, prosperity, good relationships, and many more things.  Your tips are very similar to some things that can be learned from dissecting that scripture.  

      You mentioned having breadth in learning.  Similarly, the snakes are very flexible animals, but they are only flexible when it is to their advantage.  As you said, we should be curious, but we must ground our curiosity on something firm.  Otherwise, we will be blown like the wind; chasing whichever direction has something unlearned.  A good way to ground our exploration for wisdom is to ensure that what we are exploring can expand our ability to fulfill our life purpose.

      Regarding your tip on spending meaningful time developing wisdom, I would add that you should try to balance consumption with creation.  It is one thing to consume information, but wisdom is when you have the ability to apply it.  Take the information that you explore and find, and use it to benefit others.  Create.  Many, many, many other things can be presented about this topic, but in summary,  I agree with you that wisdom is mission essential for a life of complete wholeness and prosperity.  Great post!

      Tiffany Domena
      http://www.mandatorysuccess.com

    18. pandkenterprises Brian Bennington Humm, let me see.  You say "Trump is an expert at bullshit, manipulation and hyperbole"?  Sounds to me like a great politician, and we can sure use an expert instead of the usual amateurs at it who normally run.  And, just for a change, it would be interesting to have someone in the office who doesn't owe anybody anything. 
      Reviewing what his motives might be for doing it, they're surely not money or power.  He already has plenty of both.  Personally, I think the thing that would keep him on the "straight and narrow" is his relationship with his kids.  I think he would go to enormous lengths not to embarrass or shame them.  Being a political leader is 100% making deals, be it with congress or with other world leaders.  Just once in my lifetime, I'd like to see a real proven dealmaker in the office, and he's about the best at it we have in the country.  Let's just see how he does overcoming his negatives and getting the "vast unwashed" on his  side over the coming months.

    19. Brian Bennington pandkenterprises He may be a great bullshitter but that doesn't mean we have to be.  We both know that he is not going to go the distance (have you forgotten last time?).  He is doing this to promote himself.  He is going to drop out within two months.

    20. Brian Bennington I wasn't making a blanket statement, just clarifying that he is not in the category of the other thinkers.   He's a fringe candidate with no chance of winning, so I don't think there's any chance of that.  I do think he needs brand building still because that is a big part of his biz now, selling his name out on projects.  But let's not lose sight of the point of the post.  Although I must say, the Republican debates will be "must watch" TV with him on the panel.  -RG

    21. When you say that our educational system fails to teach us how to think, you are being too kind. I would go so far as to say that it actively and intentionally undermines our thinking skills.

    22. Just a thought on mass wisdom Randy, considering over 99.9% of our universe doesn't really exist, even ourselves are 99.9% totally nothing less,  and all that's left in its quantum physics origin is a wave of energy, that's no longer there, with our bodies being nothing but a power house to create electrical energy that travels through us, and serves to connect all of our being, and create our material existence in this spiritual dimension, more commonly known as life.
      If we strip  ourselves bare from all we believe and cling to, we are left naked, exposed and vulnerable with absolute nothingless. If you can imagine that, and realise at this level we're all connected,  then all fear should subside.
      REALITY CHECK  !!!!!
      Such thoughts are scary,  these thoughts undermine people's perception of existence, people need value and meaning in life to avoid the pain of such a reality.
      We can't pass through doors that are shut, but wisdom and learning are the keys of the universe.

    23. Randy_Gage Brian Bennington Yes, Randy, it is "must watch" TV because we do need a good laugh.  I used to be a Republican when the party was run by common sense and compromise.  Now it has been hijacked by a bunch of fruitcakes (God sends tornadoes because of our acceptance of homosexuality, no such thing as global warming, etc., etc.).  If the Republican Party does not change and come into the 21st century, they will never have a candidate elected as President. The last half way reasonable Republican candidate, Ron Paul, got booed in 2011 at the South Carolina debate when he suggested treating other countries the way we would want to be treated.  I thought the Golden Rule was the main tenet of Christian religion, and isn't the Republican Party the true party of God?  This kind of stupid shit is going to torpedo any chances of having a Republican President.  Although I did not agree with all of his policies, he was the only Republican candidate that would not pander to the audience. The other ones would say whatever was necessary to get applause.

    24. pandkenterprises Brian Bennington What you mean "We," paleface!  By the way, I hate baseball!

    25. Brian Bennington pandkenterprises Spoken like a true non-American.  (And baseball hates you).

    26. Wow!  I learned so much from this one post that I feel like I need to read it again just to grasp all the nuggets hidden here in plain sight.  (And I will!)  Thanks for sharing!

    27. I love that last statement: Learning takes you to wisdom in other words keeping learning and wisdom will follow!
      Thank you
      Bruno

    28. Bruno Pelagalli No, it states, "wisdom likely will follow".  Learning only makes you educated.  How you use it, makes you smart and rational.  I know several people with PhD's who still believe in alien abductions, homeopathy, Bigfoot, levitation, talking to the dead, and a whole gamut of supernatural bullshit.

    29. i think it is important to stand out from your competition. expecially in this industry. i also think its very important to get the right customers to your offer. that was the toughest for me. i was very blessed to find a mentor to teach me what you have been talking about and also traffic strategies that ACTUALLY work!. theres actually a FREE training on traffic and conversions i would like to shar if you dont mind? i think it could help out more entrepreneurs as well. so here is the free training i would like to share >> http://9nl.it/targetedwebtraffic

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