Wisdom or Folly?

Paul Ray, author of The Cultural Creatives, put together a set of 15 criteria that can help us determine how cultures describe their actions to themselves. The same style of practical action can be applied to a group or organization as well. Today the task we were given was to perceive and evaluate how wisdom and folly actually operate in a group that we are involved in. I'll just mention a few of those points here.

Often we agree that a wise course of action might be best in some situations, but more often we will rationalize why we act from our own individual needs and points of view instead. Take, for example, the big picture: Do we take the long-term view, thinking not just of our generation, but preparing for our children and grandchildren? "Ah, but I'm a specialist in this area; I need to focus and get this job done now. That's what is important for me to accomplish at this time."

How about using many ways of knowing: Are we combining our intellectual knowledge with our love of something, or how it makes us feel? Are we recognizing our limitations and asking others their opinion? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" and "I'm willing to fight for what I believe" are two explanations that work well. Meanwhile we ignore things like carpal tunnel syndrome, bad eyesight and increased headaches, not to mention discovering new ways to change and grow.

Authenticity seems to be an up-and-coming watchword for this generation. We are interested in a name brand because it is real and lives up to the hype; therefore it is trustworthy and has integrity. We are looking for that in people as well. "I've got to get the job done though, whether I like it or not. That may mean pretending interest, or concealing the truth, but sometimes that's necessary in order to succeed."

And how about leadership? What do we value in a leader? Can our leaders have the quality to inspire ideas and cooperation among the group so that the individuals feel empowered and have a sense of ownership? Or are we still looking for that hero who will do it all for us? After all, we do need heroes in our society, someone to look up to. ("We've just got to make sure that people always see him or her as right and good.")

We all want the best for ourselves and our children. But experience tells us that cultures maintain themselves for a long time before behavior changes. We want to help, as long as the change won't impact our current lifestyle, especially in the direction of our pocketbook. We often get locked in to a way of life, a course of action and don't see the habit to break until someone points it out to us.

That's why it's a good idea to get outside every once in a while. Creation is longing to show us the value of diversity, cooperation, mutual respect and long-term commitment — not to mention unconditional love, patience and forgiveness. As the ones who "know," Homo sapiens have still got a long way to go before we are truly "wise."