Class 12 English Lesson 15 Essay: Knowledge and Wisdom by Betrand Russel Literature Section

 

Lesson 3 Essay: Knowledge and Wisdom by Bertrand Russel

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About the Essayist

 

Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) was a British philosopher, logician, essayist, and social critic. He is best known for his work in mathematical logic and analytic philosophy. He was one of the most prominent figures of the early 20th century and a founder of the movement, along with his predecessor, his friend and colleague  , and his student and protégé and his student and protégé Ludwig Wittgenstein. In 1950, Russell was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought".

Gist of the Essay

Russell differentiates between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are different things. According to him, knowledge is defined as the acquisition of data and information, while wisdom is defined as the practical application and use of the knowledge to create value. Wisdom is gained through learning and practical experience, not just memorization.

Quotations regarding knowledge and Wisdom

a.      Knowledge without application is simply knowledge. Applying the knowledge to one’s life is wisdom – and that is the ultimate virtue.”               -  Kasi Kaye Ilipoulos

b.     “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”    -- Albert Einstein

c.      “Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.”                             – Lord Tennyson

d.     “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”                                                                                   –   Miles Kington   

Summary of the Essay

In this essay, Russell differentiates between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are different things. According to him, knowledge is defined as the acquisition of data and information, while wisdom is defined as the practical application and use of knowledge to create value. Wisdom is gained through learning and practical experience, not just memorization. We can gain knowledge from memorization but we need practical experience to achieve wisdom. A sense of proportion is needed to acquire wisdom. Knowledge can be misused to destroy human life.

Knowledge and wisdom are necessary for the completion of life. One is incomplete without another. Wisdom is necessary for public as well as private life. Wisdom directs our life goals. It keeps away us from personal prejudices created by knowledge. Wisdom can change enemies into friends. If we are free from the control of our sense organs then we can feel wisdom inside us. We need to love other people too. We should think beyond our lives. We must start loving and caring for other people to venture on the journey of wisdom. Russell thinks that wisdom should be used as a goal of education. We are unwise at the beginning of our life. But we can achieve wisdom in our life by cultivating it.

Abraham Lincoln, Queen Elizabeth, etc. removed evil from their life to welcome wisdom their life. The current age is the knowledge age but we need to teach the value of wisdom to make people wise. Knowledge is increasing but not wisdom. Study, experience, and research help to gain knowledge. But wisdom teaches us to do better for humanity. Knowledge functions as an engine and wisdom as a driver. Action is related to knowledge. But wisdom is related to the results of actions. So, comprehensive vision is linked with wisdom. Knowledge helps to reduce the death rate by supplying medicines. But it doesn't analyze the result of the increasing population. An increase in population brings the problem of scarcity of food. Wisdom helps us to see the negative sides of such research and medicine. So, knowledge should be driven by wisdom. Both are interrelated to each other.

By inventing medicine, a scientist may reduce the infant death rate. It leads to population explosion and shortage of food. The standard of life comes down. If misused, knowledge of atoms can lead humans to destruction by manufacturing a nuclear weapon. Knowledge without wisdom can be harmful. Even complete knowledge is not enough. For example, Hegel wrote with great knowledge about history but made the Germans believe that they were a master race. It led to war. It is necessary, therefore to combine knowledge with feelings.

So, ‘Hate Hatred’ should be our slogan. Wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from the control of our sense organs. Our ego develops through our senses. We cannot be free from the sense of sight, sound, and touch. We know the world primarily through our senses. As we grow, we discover that there are other things also. We start recognizing them. Thus, we give up thinking of ourselves alone. We start thinking of other people and grow wiser. We give up on our ego. Wisdom comes when we start loving others.

Understanding the text: Answer the following questions.

a.     What are the factors that contribute to wisdom?

Russell believes that several factors contribute to wisdom. The first factor is a sense of proportion. He defines it as the capacity to take account of all the important factors in a problem and to attach to each its due weight. The second factor focuses on awareness of the ends of human life. Russell proves this factor using the example of Hegel, an eminent historian from Germany. The third factor is emancipation from personal prejudice and the tyranny of sensory perception. Russell also stresses the need to try and view the world with impartiality although to view the world with complete impartiality is impossible. There are other factors such as comprehensiveness with broad feelings, awareness of human needs, and understanding.

b.     What message does the writer try to convey with the example of technicians?

The writer tries to tell us knowledge itself cannot save the world. Knowledge without wisdom will not benefit the world and in some cases will even pose a serious threat to humanity. So, a wise person has to have a comprehensive view.

c.      Which leaders does Russell say we're able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly?

Bertrand Russell says that Queen Elizabeth I in England, Henry IV in France, and Abraham Lincoln in the United States of America were the leaders who were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly. Queen Elizabeth I and Henry IV remained free from the errors of their time, being unaffected by the conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. Abraham Lincoln conducted a great war without ever departing from wisdom.

d.     Why is wisdom needed not only in public ways but in private life equally?

Wisdom helps to free ourselves from personal prejudices and hatred against one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. However, if they can be told that we all have flaws then they may become friends. This is a matter of public life. Considering our private life too, we may fail in choosing the target of our life and we may not have sufficient patience and sufficient persuasiveness. That’s why wisdom is needed not only in public ways but in private life equally.

e.      What, according to Russell, is the true aim of education?

Russell feels that wisdom can be taught as a goal of education. The message in the parable of the Good Samaritan is that we should love our neighbor whether friend or foe. However, in many situations, we miss the message in this parable because we fail to love those who cause harm to society. The only way to eradicate hatred is through understanding and love. Russell says that Queen Elizabeth I in England, Henry IV in France, and Abraham Lincoln in the United States of America were the leaders who were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly. Russell feels knowledge and wisdom can be combined in the scheme of education. People should be educated to see things as other things of the world.

f.       Can wisdom be taught? If so, how?

Yes, wisdom can be taught as a goal of education. The message in the parable of the Good Samaritan is that we should love our neighbor whether friend or foe. However, in many situations, we miss the message in this parable because we fail to love those who cause harm to society. The only way to eradicate hatred is through the teaching of wisdom. The danger of hatred and narrow-mindedness can be pointed out in the course of giving knowledge. Russell feels knowledge and wisdom can be combined in the scheme of education. People should be educated to see things as other things of the world. They should be encouraged to think of themselves as world citizens.

g.     Why does the world need more wisdom in the future?

Wisdom is needed to free ourselves from personal prejudices and hatred against one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. However, if they can be told that we all have flaws then they may become friends. We can avoid hatred if we are wise. Wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from the control of our sense organs. Our ego develops through our senses. As we grow, we give up thinking of ourselves alone. We start thinking of other people and grow wiser and thereby helping us in giving up on our ego. Thus, the world needs more wisdom in the future.

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