by Tom Shafer
December 29, 2017
Graduation was not necessarily the end of my relationships with supposedly former students. I still helped with various writings and research, MLA or APA formatting, resumes, career advice — even the occasional interview. One of my formers was taking an introduction to philosophy class at the University of Dayton and needed to conduct an interview with an authority on wisdom — or so that’s how it was sold to me. Though I’m sure I was the thirteenth person on her wisdom list, I agreed to be her victim. What follows is a transcript of the short oral interview (part of a class presentation) that she brought to me after her collegiate graduation. It seems that at one time I was a pretty smart guy — or at minimum I could sound like a pretty smart guy. You be the judge.
How would you personally define “wisdom”?
What an interesting question. Never had that one before. I would best define wisdom as knowledge enhanced by experience with a touch of spirituality (W = K + E + S). That’s sort of an oversimplification, but it’s a good jumping off point.
Do you believe that wisdom is something that can be taught, or do we have to gain wisdom through personal experiences?
I think certain elements of wisdom can be taught (knowledge of philosophy and religion, for example), but truly valuable wisdom can only be gained through experience (living life, dealing with life’s complexities, exploring spirituality). Life itself is our best teacher; it’s up to us to listen to what she has to say.
How do you think wisdom is different from knowledge?
Knowledge is missing the key element of experience, which is the key element of wisdom. All of the knowledge in the world is meaningless until it is activated by experience. It is those life experiences which give meaning to what we learn.
Are there certain events that occurred in your life that taught you wisdom?
I have to admit that much of my wisdom is the direct result of failures. I think all of us learn most from failure because it triggers the ultimate defense mechanism. We don’t like failure and will do anything in our power to avoid it. It is how we have survived since we squirmed out of the primordial ooze. Lessons learned from failure become bookmarks for wisdom. Those who don’t believe this have only to examine their own lives: what have I learned from my successes vs. what have I learned from my failures? For most (actually, I contend all), there is no comparison.
Who do you think demonstrates wisdom other than yourself?
Most people do — some in more extensive ways than others. We tend to look at spiritual leaders as being wisest, but even they are limited to their specialized areas. Wisdom is so varied and complex; it is difficult pin it to individuals. I truly believe that if you polled 1000 people about wisdom, 1000 of those people would tell you that THEY are among the wisest people they know. And, in their own ways, they probably are. I still think I am wiser than any of them. HA!
Do you personally believe that there is a point to teaching philosophy?
Absolutely. I think most people don’t really like thinking about philosophy until someone makes them. Then, of course, they tend to have lots to say — often much more than they would believe. Our most intriguing questions are so intimidating and riveting: Who are we? What is our purpose? What happens after death? People may not want to think about them every day, but the questions are still there, awaiting our perusal and study.
Do you believe that humans have free will?
Another interesting question. I really like to think that we do, then something comes along to counter that assumption — a chance encounter with a kindred soul or a coincidence that isn’t so coincidental. Still, I DO think we have free will — but I won’t be totally shocked if all of this turns out to be the Matrix.
Do you believe that all people are equal? And if so, in what sense?
Buddhism teaches this, and I suppose I have known this since I was a wee little tyke. People forget that discrimination (which is the opposite of equality) is a learned human behavior. I guess I missed the lessons on discrimination because I have always believed that all people are equal in every sense. Nature doesn’t discriminate with any life forms, including humans. Now try to convince EVERYONE of that!
The noted philosopher Shafer — and his noted right hand
American rocker Eddie Vedder
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