On aphorisms
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All answers are situation and context-sensitive. But, as I have been modeling over the years, I have found that one could derive a bunch of wisdom that offers value in a context-free way in any situation. Is it a tall order? Perhaps. And I would like to try my hand at it. And inspect to see whether some utility will come out of it, for me or someone who could find a way to use them.
Check this quote on aphorisms’:
“We can be knowledgeable with other peoples' knowledge, but we can’t be wise with other peoples' wisdom.”
~ David Brooks
Interesting indeed, but I ponder, why not? And how could one achieve this? Is it even possible? How would one transfer wisdom? And can you transfer wisdom in a context-free way? And if aphorisms are guidances, can they be written as negative guidances - as guidances of what not to do?
That’s why I love aphorisms. I call them “distilled wisdom”. While a single aphorism can produce utility on its own, I believe a network of curated aphorisms used all together all at the same time might offer tremendous value. And I am going to try my hand at a few of them over the next several days.
Footnote: the whole quote from David Brooks:
“We can be knowledgeable with other men’s knowledge, but we can’t be wise with other men’s wisdom.” That’s because wisdom isn’t a body of information. It’s the moral quality of knowing what you don’t know and figuring out a way to handle your ignorance, uncertainty, and limitation.”
― David Brooks, The Road to Character