Wisdom Reflection by Matt Isaia, MLIS, Instruction and Online Outreach Librarian
Wisdom: Knowing “the most exalted [objectives] through the most excellent principles so that we may act accordingly,” neither mistaking means as ends nor fixating on lesser goods and goals.
There’s a framed picture hanging on my wall at home. In its center contains a quote by Socrates. Displayed in big, navy-blue letters, it reads: Wisdom Begins in Wonder (1). This picture, hanging on my wall in its pretty glass frame, serves as a constant reminder of the virtue of wisdom.
I once read that wisdom is the virtue that is trailed by all the other virtues (2). This makes sense to me. For wisdom, which takes time and experience to cultivate, combines both knowledge and understanding. It helps set our foundation as we navigate our world and our circumstances.
The virtue of wisdom is defined as “knowing the most exalted [objectives] through the most excellent principles so that we may act accordingly, neither mistaking means as ends nor fixating on lesser goods and goals.” To add to that, wisdom is what the philosopher seeks most (3). When I think of wisdom, I think of the many ways in which Saint Mary’s has helped me build upon this virtue. This university has helped me grow in wisdom by offering diverse learning opportunities and work experiences. I also get to work with amazingly talented and smart people who continually teach me new skills and give me new perspectives. This, inevitably, helps me grow further in wisdom.
When I think of wisdom I also think of libraries, for libraries are pillars of wisdom. I am, therefore, honored to be part of the library staff and grateful to be part of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Footnotes:
- While writing this reflection, I researched this quote and found that it is actually a paraphrase of Socrates found in Plato’s Theatetus.
- Grande, L. M. (1962). Twelve virtues of a good teacher. Sheed and Ward.
- Aristotle, Bartlett, R. C., & Collins, S. D. (2011). Aristotle’s Nicomachean ethics. University of Chicago Press.
