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Last week artist Bill Henson saw a very heated reaction to his exhibition that was up one day, and gone the next. The exhibition portraying his newest works at
Oxley9 gallery was dramatically shut down by police visiting the gallery to claims of child pornography. [
1]
I believe Bill Henson's art has been wrongly censored: and that the basic right to freedom of speech in this country is being eroded. What is most worrying about this particular 'dispute' is that judgements aren't being made on consensus, but instead angry and uninformed reactions that are undermining Henson's portrayal of adolescent hardship and the journey of the innocent. This portrayal (of adolescent experience) is something universal - his portraits aren't sexualised or sensationalised, and speak of the fragility of human experience.
Sectors of the arts community protested on grounds of censorship. John McDonald (art critic for the Sydney Morning Herald) states he feels there is nothing sexual about the photos. In his article
Triumph of the Philistines (SMH 24th May 2008) he talks about pornography as being "a form that revels in its own sordidness. It is a commercial product made for the sole purpose of titillation. Yet even Henson's detractors must admit that his photographs are ineffably beautiful. They portray the human figure as fragile and mysterious - in the same way that he transforms the twilight world of the suburbs. His subjects are no longer children, but not yet adults. They are caught between night and day, between freedom and responsibility. Why are they naked? Well, Truth is naked..." [
2]
Judy Annear, senior photography curator of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, says of his portraits... "They're beautiful. They're very, very still. They're very formal, they're very classical. They're a bit like looking at an Ancient Greek Attic vase." [
3]
So why the big uproar? Apparently it's not OK to show naked adolescents in any form whatsoever in this country, even though Bill Henson's treatment of his models isn't in any way seductive or titillating. Art market analyst Michael Reid, says..."the question is: 'Was there consent?' which I can't answer, and 'Has the image been sexualized?' Michael Reid was able to have a special viewing of the exhibition before it opened, and says that the images were certainly not sexualised ones. [
4]
Consent is definately an issue to consider and I found
Zahava Elenberg's comments an important contribution to the debate. Zahava was 12 when she posed for a series of photographs taken by Bill Henson. More than 20 years later she still has vivid memories of working with the artist, but "absolutely no regrets". She says ... "I absolutely support Bill Henson. I'm a parent myself and I abhor child pornography, but this is not child pornography. It's artistic and creative." [
5]
It's a shame (as John McDonald states) "... the only time that we start looking at art and talking about art in the mainstream media is when it's banned, when it's supposedly pornographic, when it's doing something that's taboo." [
6]
The reality that adolescence for many children is fraught with difficulty, drama, questions and insecurities makes for a subject that might not necessarily be 'nice viewing'. This becomes all the more real when a society turns its back on hearing these stories, and sets up avenues for denial that whitewash the
harshness that many young adolescents face in Sydney.
What is most apparent in this debate is the fact of conservative and unskilled commentary being allowed to govern and quench the underlying truths that Bill Hensen refers to in his work: the real dramas of adolescence in it's fragility, it's rawness, and the transition from innocence which is never easy or mapped out for anyone.
I sincerely hope that our society is mature enough to always acknowledge the difficulty of adolescence, and that artists like Bill Henson will be allowed to remind us of this. The tribulations of adolescence will never be truly heard while society chooses to manipulate the way our children's stories are shared amongst us.
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Footnotes:
1, "Gallery under angry seige" Sydney Morning Herald, 24th May 2008. Retrieved 5th June 2008 from http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/05/24/1211183177189.html
2. "It's a triumph of the philistines", Sydney Morning Herald, May 23, 2008. Retrieved 5th June 2008 from http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts/its-a-triumph-of-the-philistines/2008/05/23/1211183097200.html
3. "Police seize 'child porn' art from Sydney gallery", The Independant, May 24 2008. Retrieved 5th June 2008 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/police-seize-child-porn-art-from-sydney-gallery-833592.html
4. "Indecency charges expected over Australian photo exhibit", CBC News, May 23, 2008. Retrieved 5th June 2008 from http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/05/23/australia-photo-henson.html
5. "This is not porn, say Henson's models", Sydney Morning herald, 26th May 2008. Retrieved 5th June 2008 from http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts/ive-no-regrets-about-posing-for-picture/2008/05/25/1211653846181.html
6. "Art or child pornography" ABC AM radio interview with Michael Edwards and John McDonald. Retrieved 5th June 2008 from http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2008/s2253356.htm
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The Wisdom project is a wonderful collection of media clips, portraits, and writings from a selection of current influential notorieties, directed by Andrew Zuckerman, and assisted by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.+Book+Cover.jpg)
In an attempt to create a more profound, honest, and truly revealing portrait of these luminaries, the project encompasses their voices, their physical presence, and the written word" (from the Wisdom website)+ravi+shankar.jpg)
What I loved was the inclusion of a blog (published on the NSW State Library website at the time) that gave the opportunity for anyone visiting the exhibition to be able to submit their own 'words of wisdom'. This was constructed by offering a competition (ie. reward) to anyone who entered, with a 'blog station' provided in the exhibition space where entries could be made.+Mike+Parkinson.jpg)
Seeing this as an opportunity to collect and record the wisdom of 'ordinary folk' I raced home and saved the entries of this blog with the urgency of recording something that isn't always as readily available, and also with the knowledge that the full scope of entries would be included on the blog page since it was the final day of competition.
Words of Wisdom
The meaning of life is the pursuit of truth and wisdom, the explantion I enjoy the most of wisdom is the personification of it as described in the book of proverbs what can aid in pursuit of wisdom is the patience of Job.
Idealism is an excellent thing, it empowers people with hope, but ultimately it just isn't realistic.
Wisdom is very much a realisation of self - of who we are, of our place in the universe and of how our personal actions and reactions effect those immediate to us and also those whom we may never know. It is a selfishness that leads us to live life as we wish and at the same time, it is a generosity of such proportions that we understand the need to do and say things that will empower others to achieve amazing things.
Wisdom for me would be to accept the utter joy of a first grandchild at 73 without worrying about how little time I might have left to enjoy him and now his little sister.
The best thing you can do for yourself and for those around you is to have a strong, open and loving inner core and to use that to reach your potential. Everything comes from within, everything that happens, every action a human being makes, every word, every tear, starts from inside, and we all affect each other. So, get the inside right - the outside will match.
The Getting of Wisdom is what we're here for; to experience Life in all its complexity, richness and paradox... Wisdom is not confined to the Elder ranks, but we are fools if we fail to learn from those with more mileage or experiences. Besides, it's a joy and a privilege to hear their stories. Thank you.
my Mother told me at 10 to "love many, trust few, ALWAYS paddle your own canoe" at 44 I'm paddling!
Real wisdom seems elusive, however I gather a little more of it each day.
Feed the people things of beauty, love and substance... There is too much crap being thrown at our young today.
Wisdom isn't some mystical quality gained through the ages. It is practical and necessary and conveyance is not helped with vague Disney-esque like "Love conquers all" or "Believe in your heart". There is a common theme such as perseverance, taking responsibility for your decisions, having the courage to follow through with your conviction ... and, amongst others, recognising there is ultimately a wrong and a right.
Everyone has it, young and old, though it seems to be more effectively exercised when one is a bit more introspecive.
Wisdom is a measure of how much you know you do not yet know
embrace sadness
be surprised by joy
eat fruit…and chocolate
admit you are wrong
exercise as the sun comes up (or as it goes down)
walk in the shoes of your enemy
say sorry
accept the essence of work
forgive yourself
find beauty somewhere
vow to do better next time
give some of what’s yours to someone else
revere truth as you know it
love when to love is hardest
never stop learning
listen to your voice
always have hope
chase wisdom
Wisdom is the personal acceptance of all aspects of the human condition, in ourselves and others: being able to forgive ourselves (and others) for mistakes made once we have learned from them; accepting that many aspects of our lives are the consequences of factors beyond our control; acceptance of the emotional factors that help shape the decisions we make. Wisdom is acknowledging the aspects of our lives we have control over and seizing these with great enthusiasm as we seek to create our own journey.
Wisdom is the process of becoming. It comes when one lives. We all develop it on our own - through an honest conversation with ourselves. It cannot be taught or bought.
Zuckerman has done an outstanding job at capturing invaluable moments of wisdom,
Silvana
Wisdom is appreciating your strengths and understanding your limitations and surrounding yourself with people who complement and support each other and who will strive together to achieve a common objective. May we all find "it"!
Follow your passion. Love what you do. Cook with love and let your creativity flow. Share yourself, teach what you know, enjoy time with family and friends and nature...and remember to have fun and laugh. Laughter heals and helps you to learn from your mistakes. Nature heals, calms the soul and reminds us of why we are here.
Wisdom is the knowledge that you are only one small part of an even greater whole and that to reach fullness you must never be afraid to question everything and consider everyone.
Stop. Breathe. Consider all the options & each potential consequence. Then act; or don't.
Wisdom is to see through appearance to essene and intuit the underlying wholarchical dynamic of life.
Wisdom is the peaceful inner space that comes from tempering the knowledge in your
head with the truths of your heart and aligning them to the guidance of your spirit/soul
Wisdom for me is the growing awareness that the answers I seek are held within me.
Wisdom, like spiderweb, has its anchors in the world of ordinary things/events all around us. Like spiderweb it links them together. It can be at once both 'sticky' and hard to lay hold of as cobweb is; not always easy to see until the light is right; both evanescent as smoke and strong as steel. The stronger the winds of life, the greater its staying power once set.
Wisdom to me is a knowledge of the past, passed to us by our elders, tempered and mixed with the joy and anticipation of the future.
What is wisdom?
Wisdom is a broken heart
Wisdom is a shot in the dark
Wisdom is a scar
Wisdom is a lesson learned
Wisdom is a dream burned
Wisdom is experience
Wisdom is a battle won
Wisdom is a challenge overcome
Wisdom is a friend
To me wisdom isn't being smarter than everyone else or knowing as much as you possibly can in the world. Wisdom is simply knowing what to do with the few pieces of information you have to work with right then and there.
Wisdom is the ability to use your past experience to make the people around you happy and your life fulfilled and joyful. Wisdom is a constant self-teaching process that never ends.
Keep walking forward, as movement changes the context and that in turn helps us change our condition.
this was a great exherbtion ;-0 i loved the consept of putting the pictures away from the answers. i congratulate the person who came up with th whole idea.
Wisdom can come in any shape or size. although people may think they lack it, everyne is known to it and has a substantial understandng. Wisdom is not an old mans saying or knowledge, t is is but the simplist understanding of clever. it can also descrbe anything and most importanly, fredom. :)
Widsom is nor negative nor positive, not an estimation, judgement or simple correction. It is a simple gift that cannot be identified.
seek and you shall find.
It is enough to know that you can never know enough.
As the old saying goes "you are never too old to learn something knew."
Live to learn, your whole life long.
what a differnet world we might have had,if G W Bush had not been president of the USA
Wisdom is knowing who to ask.
wisdom does not come with age, it is cultivated
Wisdom is knowledge.
Universal experience.
Seek to know.
To realise.
That which is old, is new.
That which is new, is old.
The beginning of wisdom is knowing that you don't
You don't have to be old to be wise
Wisdom is tolerance , love , and acceptance.
We visited the exhibition on Sunday 19 October and found it a warming experience. So many great people represented; maybe an overabundance of South Africans and Australians. I realise that any such collection is idiosyncratic, and I think the curator has done a marvellous job. I agree with many of teh people, especially that knowledge is not wisdom, also that wisdom has to be learnt through personal experience.
Wisdom is not one thing.
Wisdom is knowledge plus the intuitive understanding of how to apply this capacity to solve problems, to improve the well being of yourself and others, knowing when to act or when not to act..
party party party and then party some more
Wisdom is the best use of your unique knowledge, skills and experience. It is the capacity to see life through a reality tinted lens, to recognise all that has gone before and all that is to come. And the commitment to speak and act with deep authenticity.
Fear is easier; Love is better.
do not worry so much and you will live a better life.
To be old and wise, you must be young and foolish!
Wisdom is learning from yourself and your surroundings: the people, the place, the world. Then passing on what you have learned to others.
always be happy h e you are doing now don't be panic if you are unsuccess because I think
happiness can bring success in your life.So always be happy.
Always remember who you are.
remember where you are before you act.
wisdom is attention,
attention to life,
attention to experiences,
attention to people.
Don't look back and be sad because it's over. Look forward and be happy because it happened.
shit happens, deal with it and move on
one might know many things but it is only when you take this knowledge and apply it in your life, making it your own, that it turns into wisdom. then its really useful
no more wars
Wisdom is knowing that in this life you control nothing but yourself.
We learn more from our children than they will ever learn from their parents
Wisdom is being able to listen when you have a lot to say.
Much like happiness absolute wisdom is never attained... it is, however eternally sought and it is the pursuit of wisdom and happines that gives our lives great purpose.
Wisdom is when you appreciate your current level of knowledge, but are open to knew learning and experience, because you are aware that knowledge is infinite, while life is finite and you may as well get as much of the infinite and as long as you can.
I think you must do something good with your life, big or small, and happiness will follow. This is what I think. But I am still young.
perhaps we are wrong perhaps we do not aspire to wisdom as we age, perhaps we are born with all the wisdom we are ever going to get and gradually lose it along life's path.-for instance my 3 year old grand-daughter lucy is very wise-she says Grandma -it is such a lovely day lets go and play and have a picnic .Now what can be wiser than that?
I was really sure i would be wiser and surer the older i got. i am not so sure about that now, maybe i have gota littl wiser....
wisdom is listening to your gut instincts... i mean really being in tune with what u know is right and having the courage to do it...real wisdom also means knowing and calmly accepting that that may not always happen...and lifes way too short to worry about it !!!
Wonderful!!!! I am grateful to hear that for all of my fears, for all of my energy spent moving forward in this life, the fruits of my labour have the chance to be boundless. (P.S. It would be intresting to hear some words of wisdom from some little people...... 'out of the mouths of babes'.)
Reverence and love of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.
wisdom cannot be defined as a simple gift given to those who are 'old with much experience.' wisdom is how you see yourself and the inner beauty of life. some say 'Knowledge is Power', but we say 'Wisdom is Power.'
Wisdom is realising that every fears useless at times and its how you learn to turn that into something productive that shows what kind of person you are.
Far more of us believe in peace than we do in war. Why, then, to we continue to fight? Because we think only of what is best for ourselves, and not of others around us.
Wisdom is understanding that the act of caring for our fellow human beings, no matter where they, in what conditions they live or what higher being they might believe in, is more fulfilling than anything we can ever do for ourselves.
The fear of the truth is the beginning of knowledge. To know something is to know truth. All words are meaningless without it. The man of folly accepts the comfortable lies of others. But the man of understanding is he who seeks out the truth no matter how high the cost or self-interest.
Be prepared to leave the bright city lights and enter the darkness of pain, suffering,death. It will teach you the deepest wisdom.
Wisdom is the power to tell between good and bad
I hink wisdom is life's lessons!!!
What is, ....is.
Wisdom is; having the humility to recognise what you don't know... the faith to accept what you'll never know... and the generosity to share what you do.
I believe wisdom is learning. It expands within you throughout life and builds with every experience, be it good, bad, exhilarating or just plain boring.
Wisdom is the by-product of having faced life's experiences with courage, compassion and humour
Wisdom is being mindful of the past, present in the here and now and open and welcoming to a changing future.
Wisdom is what I saw on the faces of two of my Year 12 students this week when they realised that exams are so much easier when you have prepared for them, even though their dedication to their studies was rather recent!
It was the wisdom of experience.
Something I couldn't teach them. If only I could.
Wisdom is knowing useful things about the human state, knowing what you do know about that state and most of all knowing what you do not yet know. From such a perspective, true wisdom is the application of that knowing in a way that enrichs, salves and assists others in their daily struggles.
Wisdom is life and what we draw from it.
Wisdom is the ability to open your mind, body and soul to the knowledge and understandings of others
to listen without judgement
to see without fear and
to feel with clear passion
Wisdom is being able to reflect on the past and learn from it, to know that you don't have every answer and to have the insight to always be open to learn from others.
Be the best you can - in any situation.
In doing so, you stay true to yourself and people will appreciate your honesty and passion. Again and again you alone will " sell" the best things in life.
Words bring Wisdom to life.When someone you respect, connects with your life by sharing their words, you become empowered to achieve and be the best you can.
True friends are a source of inspiration to me, with their positive attitude. They are self sufficient.
Negative people have their place - to remind me of what not to do and not to become.They are too hard to maintain.
From two to toothless each of us possess the wisdom to make a difference - we just need to speak and be understood.
Wisdom is guided through each generation with love, openness, sharing, listening and honesty
wisdom is knowing that the very end of it all, we did all we can and learned all we could.
How do you define your life? The term "cancer survivor" gives the impression that you have survived a train wreck or crash. As one who has come out the other side of the cancer roller-coaster, we live, we love, we make each day count, and we never forget to forgive!! The days that we are given are a gift from above!!
Information/wisdom/ knowledge -
how do they relate?
Knowledge is information integrated,
and wisdom is integrated knowledge.
This is why a knowledgable person is not necessarily wise.
never trust a friend who calls you an "idiot". they're often slow.
They didn't say it would be easy, but they said it would be worth it...
At the setting of the sun, at the end of the long day, when all is said and done, all we can ask ourselves is whether we held ourselves accountable for our dream
I only know, that I know nothing. Socrates humble attitue towards knwoledge
There is something new to discover every day
There is something new to discover every day
“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment."
- Proverbs
Wisdom is making sure the top of the sauce bottle is screwed on, before you shake it.
Wisdom is the child who takes time to talk to others, sees beauty in the world, is willing to wear hand-me-downs, stops and admires the plants and animals, and never stops asking BUT WHY?Wisdom for adults would be to see the world as children.
Wisdom is the triumph of emotional intelligence over cleverness. We are born with it but soon forget it; spend our lives striving for it; and finally achieve it if we realise that it cannot be learned, but is inside each of us.
Good better best. Your better has to be good and your best has to be better.
In order to be happy, watch the pursuit of happiness.
Wisdom is knowing what to overlook.
Wisdom is having enough respect for yourself, to then allow you to respect others.
I think wisdom is when you can live, what you believe in. Acknowledge what you don’t, and always strive to live to find positives, but accept that life must balance and the negatives are also important lessons to be reflected on too.
Wisdom is stopping others from making the same mistakes you did.
Living in unity with one another is wisdom.
to be truly wise is to acknowledge all that you don't know
choosing to remain ignorant when the answers are there waiting to be discovered is apathy at its worst
Wisdom
Is to embrace love when it is given to you
Don't push it away
Love other's always and you will be loved
Give selflessly and you will always be rich in heart, mind and body
Unconditionally be a friend to stranger in need and you could change there life
Don't judge others, look at yourself first
Listen, and be patient
Have hope, give hope
Don't be afraid to say sorry
Don't be scared of being who you are
Be your own truth and you will shine
always forgive yourself and others
Find your own wisdom on your journey
So smile all the time
Have passion and confidence in life
Laugh with your everything
AND LIVE!
You only have to know one thing about most things and you can talk with anyone
Wisdom is feeling comfortable with discomfort.
A wise person will never feel that oneself is wise when he or she is always finding never ending questions that he or she tries to answer.
It is impossible to exaggerate the value of working together, locally and globally.
By discovering,wondering and questioning the real import of personal,urban,national,international and socio-cultural issues we can all make a difference to the future sustainability of our planet.
It is impossible to exaggerate the value of working together locally and globally.
You have to get into the water. Salt water, fresh water, chlorinated water if that is all you can get. It is what we are made of. The water will sort you out.
its from when they push you out
push me out, push us out; feel pushed
from the the first breath to the last...
got to move, not fast not slow
got to move, not here not there
just move to answer why, when, where...
then we begin to push ourself then eachother... when you and me and she and them are away from our mother we need to breath more and deeper to move more... life is a few seconds before and after our beat of heart a few seconds between blinks and a few between the odd orgasm while looking at the passing train heading to an unknown destination where all wisdom is kept in bubble-wraps and dipped in the green water from the land in between two rivers where wise-men told that wisdom is known when only your soul is old...
all matter must decay,
Wisdom a speicl word, actully it is also a powerful word as well. Well wisdom I think is somthing new in life. like... um... a new school in sydney or a new life like moving away from your parents. Your Sincerely Claire Honeywood PS: I'm 9 years old.
if we approach all things with respect, everything else will fall into place. we can only improve.
Fairness is something that some people want and all people need. but if you try to treat some people fairly you may risk being unfair to others.
Is knowing when to speak up and when to shut up.
You can't know where you are going if you don't know where you are.
If every individual could respect every other individual, and treat them with the dignity they deserve, the world would be a (more) wonderful pace
established in being, perform action
you don't always get what you want ...
Civility toward and among fellow human beings: husbands & wives; siblings; work colleagues; neighbours; politicians; leaders is essential for harmony & peaceful coexistence on Earth. Let us all celebrate our differences!
Wisdom comes with personal growth and awareness. It is as much a gift as something one can learn. To live life fully until one dies and to learn something every day is the beginning of wisdom.
Accept that life will not always give you what you want. Look for joy in every situation, turn the negative into positive, forgive and be kind. Look at sunsets and dream, keep fit and love your body. Have a sense of humour and most importantly, put on your favourite song at least once a day and dance !
wisdom is a lifelong journey as individuals and collectivley. wisdom + compassion = equanimaty xxx
In any context, wisdom isn't a milestone. There isn't a point where one has "arrived" at being wise. Wisdom is what happens as you live life, connecting with, growing through and learning from wise people. Everyone has the potential for wisdom. The ultimate difference between those who are recognised as wise and those who are not, is the application of wisdom to causes and the inspiration of people to mobilise. Wisdom is not a badge to be worn. It's a value, attitude and currency to be used for good. Wise people know that and are comfortable in the knowledge.
We learn as we go along and never stop. We either pick up or dont pick up, Wisdom along the way.
Wisdom comes from within; we all have the power to unlock it if we choose. xx
Treat other people how you would like to be treated and never do anythig unless you are happy for everybody to do it in the same situation. Life is rich.experience it!
Sean Aged 10.
Wisdom is understanding that you cannot control what happens to you in life. You can only control how you react to life's challenges.
We may find that in our lives 'knowledge' will meet 'life experience' and when this unique combination takes place, we have something special to share with others.
Wisdom's easily taught but it's not easily learnt.
Wisdom is knowledge mixed with understanding and dissolved into the heart of compassion.
Wisdom can be found in the phrases "knowledge is power" and also "forewarned is forearmed".
Wisdom is knowing what you need to know, and knowing that there are things that you don't know.
Awareness (mastery would be nice, but you can't master "wisdom") of these tenets allows you to make decisions.
Wisdom makes you capable of decisive action.
Wisdom is knowing we are all one. With that in mind we strive to live our lives with compassion, empathy and love. We strive to be non-judgmental of others.
Wisdom is knowing we should live our lives with love over fear. We realise that even with our great knowledge, education and enlightenment we are human and make mistakes and misjudge people. We can learn from each other and our mistakes because in the beginning and in the end we are all one and that light and dark are inseparable.
Wisdom is truth – not what we are told what is right and wrong via the government, establishments, media etc. Wisdom is knowing that war, poverty and injustice is wrong and expressing so.
Wisdom is accepting that everything has a use by date, learning to let go and realizing that we cannot control other people’s lives other than our own.
Love liberally
Eat fear
Teach if able
Giving is life
Open your heart
Thank you
Be a passionate person and an interested individual always
You may never be called wise
but
Will always be amused
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Wisdom lives in everyone
I have found that advice is usually worth about what it cost me and mostly makes good sense for what I do - with relationships, finances, career, parenting and so on. But true wisdom makes perfect sense for who I am or the person I want to be… and it is always priceless.
Wisdom is not a competition. Wisdom is bigger than one individual and his needs and desires. Wisdom is a collabortive effort, often unrewarded. The individual means little, it's the process of learning and the achievements that benefit all.
Tolerance is not the answer to prejudice. The question is when will we feel acceptance and respect towards eachother?
Being religious doesn't necessarily mean that you are a good person, and being a good person doesn't mean that you are religious.
Getting old is getting smart.
The journey through life opens and closes doors, knocks us over seven times and courage gets us to stand up eight. Wisdom comes from the willingness to learn, to be curious and to be generous with others despite the knocks.
To me Wisdom is one of the most subjective virtues. That is the reason for its ‘elusiveness’
To me Wisdom is about the depth of our perceptions.
To be Wise is not to be concerned with the price of everything but its value.
To recognise beauty and truth in all its forms and to believe in it with blind devotion and utter submission.
To accept that everyone has their limitations.
The ability to listen.
To recognize that yours is not the only brain that has high perception and talent.
But in the end to be Wise is to enjoy the ever continuing search for Wisdom.
It seems to me that a fuller life begins whn you accept that life isn't limar. Things come along and divert you from what you imagine to be your chosen path. OK, go with it and see where it takes you. Far better than struggling to resume the other path
life is what you make it. never stop being curious.
Wisdom is the majority of the voting American public on this day 5th November 2008.
Actions are but by intention. Whether or not the action eventuates, it is the intention, the thought, that is rewarding and catalyses the cultivation of wisdom.
Wisdom is listening to the little voice inside.
Wisdom is the ability to go from the current view of a situation to a better view, and be right.
Wisdom is knowing you will never know everything but will continue to learn every day until you have no more days left. It is living your life making mistakes, but trying not to make them again. Of existing in a way that you personally believe to be ethically and morally good and true, and being a human in a humanitarian world.
Wisdom is not only knowledge but also acting on it. Because to know and not to do, is not yet to know.
You can truly find yourself, when you are separate from friends, family and all those you love, because you see how much you need them in your life.
You can travel the world and see all the sights, but to share that experience with another person is what makes those moments everlasting memories.
Wisdom is the strength to persevere; for up until the day you give up you have never truly failed.
I read an article recently which explained that when US was riding high in the economy, they used to give advice to and tut-tut the Chinese for their supposed poor banking strategies. Now look what has happened! China is well on the way up, and the US is well on the way down. To me, what happened there is analogous to any of us when we give advice: we are on top of life, and we tut-tut those who we see as being beneath us. Really, there is no wisdom that can shield us from pain and suffering. We are not nearly that powerful that we can be above fate. What can we do then? The "wise" among us will hang on and just enjoy the ride. Feeling everything, being open: laughing and being joyous when things are good, and rallying together and supporting each other when things are bad.
I thought that at a certain age I would be as wise as my mother and was disappointed it didn't happen in my 50's..Now in my 60's I see wisdom is opening your mind and spirit to the possibilities and trusting your instincts. It is knowing the value of listening and always learning and growing.
Wisdom is borne of life experience. It is influence, sparked by an intuitive understanding of life experience and a profound love for sharing. Wisdom is not method, nor maturity, it is magic!
Wisdom is a dynamic balance between head, heart and gut on a personal level and a dynamic balance between women and men in all man-made institutions and systems.
Wisdom is an opinion that almost everyone seems to share or express.
In my opinion, wisdom can not be described.
It's only a plain word with a deep meaning.
Manners are free, they don't cost anything.
just be. you be you. i be me. now enjoy
Choose what makes you feel good.
recognise when you're seeing a situation from 'us' and 'them' and remember we're all humans, and all making our way.
Life is a journey not a destination.
Always remember that one person CAN make a difference, whether it's at a local, national or international level...an individual can be a MAJOR agent of change!
With enough perserverance, you can make your dreams come true...those who never give up reach their goals. To be negative and not believe in yourself, means that you have failed before you start.
Growing up, my parents inspired me with the following words -
Learn - and build your knowledge
Laugh - it will always make you feel good
Love - with an open and honest heart
Live - and be the best you can.
Better than the gift of your time is listening to others with an open heart, and letting love guide your interactions with them.
Wisdom is knowing what's right or wrong in all circumstances without first having to try it yourself or asking somebody else.
Being Intelligent is good
but being wise is better
This is one of the most pretentious exhibitions I have ever seen. The exhibition is full of self gratification and self importance. There needed to be more philosophers and critical thinkers rather than actors.It is more about celebrity than substance.
My dream is Love.
I believe that wisdom is the inescapable consequence of living.
Martin
Wisdom is knowing when to be quiet and listen.
Wisdom is a gift not everyone receives.
Take risks...because pain is temporary, but regret lasts forever.
thanks for putting out this exibition i really liked it. this is my first time being at the state lirary and i am really njoying my self so far i have loved te pictures they are amazing.
from batsheva
8 years old grade 3
In this most material of worlds, wisdom is best defined by what it is not:
- Wisdom cannot be bought and sold on the market. It is not a commodity.
- Wisdom is not a product of political or religious certainty.
- Neither is it a credential. The best education in the world does not guarantee it.
- It is not a function of age. The old can be just as foolish as the young.
Wisdom grows out of our sense of shared humanity; our imperfections and our mortality. It thrives in a climate of questioning and wonder. It is as much dependent on what we can’t explain as what we can. Wisdom can often be felt, but not articulated. It is present not only in great art, but in our own lives.
Wisdom is always within our grasp, whatever our means.
"believe in yourself" is the first step to become a successful person
Enlightenment is a personal journey and always has been. History books trick us when they describe an entire era and societies as enlightened.
true wisdom starts when we arrive at the end of own ego and self deception, and we simply open up our hands and admit that we don't have all the answers. When we do this we become teachable and we can start on the great journey.
Smile, it's the worlds cheapest medicine!!!!
Most people walk the path that's easy,
they get there but along the way they had no fun,
Choose a path you want and when you get there you'll have the best thing...memories.
With age, for me, comes the serenity and wisdom to accept what I cannot change.
Courage to change what I need to and gratefulness that regardless of what lies ahead I have memories of a full, eventful, exciting life.
I will continue to enjoy the richness of my friends and family, pay regular homage to the sea and look after those who are less fortunate than I for as long as I am able.
Wisdom comes through humility" Wisest is he who knows he does not know", The nature of man is self preservating and intrinsicly ego based, whether this be healthly or bursed, we are the centre of the universe.
Wisdom comes when we open ourselves up to what is true and untrue and through our spiritual compass we find our path, True wisedom is never really attained but always desired, and so makes the endeavouring wise or wiser for the journey of life.
The foundations of wisdom are borne within our family and the traditions on which we create and continue to build upon our shared life experiences to affect sociey and our world. It's that simple, yet may take a lifetime to appreciate the wonder of wisdom!
where ae my pants?
Wisdom: such an anticipated prize
yet elusive to the one who tries
too hard to mine it
or define it
Wisdom: the exclusive domain of the wise.
Wisdom is the total acceptance of self. Of our limts, our ignorance, our weaknesses. Acceptance gives freedom and comfort. Openness to new things alloys added wisdom.
Wisdom is to never stop questioning, but never let the things that you don't understand cause you to lose faith in the things that you know for sure.
Rimmy
There is always ups and downs in life.
However, I believe everyone can define the meaning of each ups and downs. The down of life would be the power to create another up. Just have to believe in yourself.
wisdom is me.
wisdom=you
Spend time, listen to and have fun with your family and friends ... especially your children and grandchildren ..... today .... it will never come again. Barbara
Everybody has wisdom in the eyes of the fool.
Wisdom is the humility to say "I don't know" and being willing to learn.
Life should be viewed as something valuable. Not something filled with schedules or meetings. Life should be rich with living so that as you get in to your "golden years" you will have something to reflect on and cherish
There is life. And there is life. Live life and make it count.
What a collection of thoughts!
If life is what happens to you while you're making plans (thanks John), wisdom may be what happens to you while you're reading what others think?
Resilience; Connection; Compassion; Self-love
Wisdom: Whatever you do, do it for someone else.
Wisdom: whatever you do, do it for someone else.
age is nothing, love is everything
Wisdom is always remembering you are your own master; then being brave enough and alive enough to let others guide you.
To take time to be aware of all actions. Every action has a reaction. To be humbled by mistakes & dignified in learning & evolving. Every experience brings us closer to who we are whether joyful or traumatic & through this; faith & belief in humanity & the universe is even more paramount. The air we breathe connects us to the new unfolding leaf & every form of life is therefore connected. Live from love & integrity & the ability to laugh out loud especially a yourself.
Be true to yourself
always learning...
Wisdom is knowing when to speak & knowing when to be silent.
Wisdom is knowing when to act & knowing when to be still.
Wisdom is the power of choice & justice over ignorance & apathy.
Wisdom observes even ants move with persistance & goals to obtain food & resource for their future.
Wisdom is not blind to different cultures or religion but differentiates the good.
Wisdom is the value of human life over expolitation of people & resources for self-gain.
Wisdom at the highest level was designed in heaven.
The Wisdom of heaven is the language of forgiveness, love & power.
Wisdom has no enemies except unbelief
Wisdom isn’t an esoteric poetry reserved for those who reach a certain age. It is the courage to learn, to do things better, the courage to confront yourself and the mistruths which make life easier at the expense of all else.
Wisdom is the pluck to believe in something bigger than the now, the celebrity and the want. To stand alone. Wisdom isn’t the knowledge that swells wallets through teachings which abuse others who are unable to refuse.
Wisdom is climbing the stairs next to the escalator. It is the continuity of Mandela as a symbol of freedom, offering perspective and promising alternatives to the staples of “I” and “me” and “now”.
Wisdom was my decision to see this exhibition and to call a friend to say they must see it.
Wisdom is living with optimism and turning away from cynicism, believing what I write.
We are only here for a moment so be accepting of yourself and others; be kind everyday.
Remember, you pave the way with your own work.
Fear is your mind's way of telling you to look sharp, think fast- it is not itself areason to avoid doing something you want to do.
wisdom is knowing that you don't know..
Wisdom is knowing the power of each moment, along with the ability to accept and
forgive.
When you feel like you couldn't possibly go any further, that's when you've only reached half of what you are truly capable of. Don't give up!
As long as you live you can learn.
Without peace there is no love or friendship.
Diamonds are presious, but friends are priceless.
Make love NOT war !!!!
if you don't have what you love, lern to love what you have.
there is o such thing as a bad person just normal person that makes mistaks
Friendship is like china, beautiful but rare, when broken it can be mended, but the crack is always there.
I want to pass on my wisdom to my children, but they look at me and it is as if I am talking another language. Perhaps some of my experiences will sink in, or perhaps when I'm gone they will try to remember what I said.
...and the butterfly found its way through combustion infused air to land on a petal squeezed through brick and mortar...
To live is to hope, to be happy includes being sad.
focus on being positive and progressive
the world can live without you. learn to be a part of it.
Though a roof over our heads protects us from the elements, it divides us from the stars and all the wonders of life around us. . . do not be afraid to live, live as though we have nothing to fear.
what starts as a drop of joy becomes rain watering streams finally leading to the ocean of love.
Take things more slowly. Think of where you could be in ten years. Don't think of where you could be tomorrow. You will be surprised of how much you can achieve within ten years. You will be disappointed of how little you will gain within one day.
Embrace today and live life in a way that you will not be sorry if it is repeated indefinitely. Make someone happy each day. Enjoy life, we only have one and take the risk to find new opportunities.
It is wise to be calm, loving, positive, less beleaguered by everyday trivialities and to always treasure your family. I’ve had to re-examine my priorities since my recent bout with prostate cancer and have learnt to take nothing for granted and to enjoy the simple things life has to offer. Above all, try to make a difference in small ways every day just by being tolerant and nice to people!
Pass no judgement on anyone, until you have walked in their shoes.
at each stage of your life you will learn to see your surroundings in a new light. don't hold on to outdated convictions
Wisdom is decision-making....to learn or speak or act.....and understanding that your choice has influence and consequences
Without respect ... for the land and all living things...one may not achieve the richness of inner wisdom that allows us to reach out and "be there" for others
throw out the tomes, the theses, the texts. erase the essays. banish the books.
wisdom is life's long legacy, of hearts and souls, of tears and triumphs, of joys and sorrows, of truth, of feelings, of enlightenment; accumulated by hand and word and deed, passed down the line like seeds ploughed into the bare fields of minds and nourished by the winds of life.
O wisdom : renew our spirits for the harvests to come. let wisdom saturate those in need in times to come like the good rains and fertile soils guarantee plenty.