Thots on the youth, age and the development of wisdom from Marcel Proust's "Within a Budding Grove"
We do not receive wisdom, we must discover it for ourselves, after a journey through the wilderness which no one else can make for us, which no one can spare us, for our wisdom is the point of view from which we come at last to regard the world. The lives that you admire, the attitudes that seem noble to you, have not been shaped by a paterfamilias or a schoolmaster, they have sprung from very different beginnings, having been influenced by evil or commonplace that prevailed around about them. They represent a struggle and a victory.
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." Proverbs 19:20
It is true that we are shaped by our own experiences, but ultimately wisdom comes from much more than just our own experiences. And it takes humility to listen to correction and instruction, which may not be in abundance when we are young and naive, thus giving way to the struggles of life.
"Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well for it is your life." Proverbs 4:10-13
And this is not to say that we will not have struggles if we listen to sound counsel, because there are always struggles in life; but sound advice would help us make better choices for ourselves in our struggles.
Posted by: Jasmine | August 13, 2010 at 12:28 AM