As humans, we often assume that wisdom is universal—that what’s true in one man’s life must apply equally well to another. Nothing could be further from the truth. Actions deemed wise for one man may constitute absolute folly in the case of another. Let’s consider an example of two men whose understanding of the world is constrained by their limited experience.
The subjective nature of wisdom: diversity of human experience
Imagine a primitive man, let’s call him Mr A, who has spent his entire life in the cold solitude of snowy mountains. His routine involves seeking warmth, conserving body heat, and surviving icy winds. He comes across one of his contemporaries from another part of the world—another primitive man, say Mr B, who has lived forever in a scorching desert. Mr B tells him how difficult desert life is, but he finds it hard to believe it could be any worse than his frozen abode. He assumes life in the desert to be very comfortable, as it does not have the challenges he currently faces. Similarly, Mr B finds it difficult to accept that a life without scorching heat could be any less than a paradise.
Both Mr A & Mr B have a limited understanding of the other man’s situation, based on what they have heard. While evaluating the other man’s lifestyle and its inherent challenges, each man fails to account for the other’s lived experience. Both men commit the same mistake—they begin from their own situation and its drawbacks. Upon finding that the other man does not have the same problems, both men assume their counterpart’s situation to be better.
The risks posed by the subjective nature of wisdom
Both of the men described in the above paragraphs harbour grave fallacies. Such fallacious assumptions can be counterproductive and even dangerous, as is the case with all conclusions based upon inadequate data. Often, people offer critical advice to others based on such fallacies. Whilst such advice may arise from good intentions, it’s unlikely to be useful to others due to the absence of proper context. It is imperative to remember that life’s terrain shifts under every pair of feet. What soothes one person might scorch another. True empathy requires listening and understanding rather than merely assuming things.
Before we offer counsel, we ought to pause and ask ourselves,” Do I truly know their ‘climate’—the storms they weather, the heat they bear”? The wise do not pretend their story fits every landscape; they acknowledge the diversity of human experience.
How to act in view of the subjective nature of wisdom
It may appear as though all advice is inherently flawed due to the vast diversity of human experience. This isn’t true. The crucial point is to distinguish between the objective and the subjective aspects of life. Advice backed by empirical evidence and rational thought is very useful, as opposed to advice based on mere anecdotal evidence and personal biases.
Humans have thrived not only due to their industriousness and steadfastness in the face of adversity but also because of the knowledge passed down by the wise men of the bygone era.