# Motivation and emotion/Book/2024/Wisdom, motivation, and emotion

* Multimedia presentation (3 min)

## Overview

* Case Scenario Example 1
* Figure 1. Wisdom illustrated as light illumining through an ageing tree.
* Mr. Lawrence, an 82-year-old retired teacher, is a beloved figure in his suburban community for his wisdom and calm demeanor. One day at a cafe, he overhears Jane and Sarah arguing about whether to cut down a large tree for a new playground. Jane wants to save the tree, while Sarah argues for the playground. After listening, Mr. Lawrence suggests keeping the tree and building the playground around it, allowing the children to enjoy both. His advice strikes a chord, reminding them that true wisdom lies in finding harmony between preservation and progress. Mr. Lawrence adds, "True wisdom isn’t about choosing sides, but about seeing beyond the immediate to find harmony in the whole."
Wisdom is traditionally seen as the ability to make sound decisions and judgements based on knowledge, experience, and insight. Wise-decision making has been a fundamental topic in philosophical exploration for centuries. Over the years, the study of wisdom has shifted toward psychological perspectives, with researchers like Robert Sternberg developing theories that view wisdom as a balanced decision-making process that considers both immediate and long-term impacts on oneself and others (Sternberg, 1997, 2018). As research has shown, motivation and emotions play a critical role in developing wisdom. Intrinsic motivation, driven by internal rewards (curiosity and personal growth), promotes deeper self-reflection and wise decision-making. Extrinsic motivation, however, is driven by external rewards and can lead to short-term thinking. Self-determination theory (SDT) emphasizes the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering wisdom. Emotional regulation, or the ability to control impulses and manage stress, is also crucial. Empathy and compassion help individuals consider multiple perspectives, but they must be balanced to avoid emotional overwhelm. This chapter reveals that when people age, do they often become wiser? or does using their life experiences and emotional regulation skills, learning, and reflecting make individuals wiser[grammar?]? This chapter explains exactly how and what the different elements of motivation and emotion influence wise decision making.
* Key points
* Strong emotions can overwhelm rational thinking, leading to impulsive decisions that lack wisdom, particularly in high-pressure situations.
* A focus on short-term gratification or external rewards can undermine the pursuit of wisdom, as individuals may prioritize immediate gains over thoughtful, long-term outcomes.
* Insufficient empathy can result in unwise decisions that fail to consider the emotional well-being of others, leading to negative consequences in personal and social contexts.
* Focus questions:
* Why is it beneficial to think wisely?
* What motivates individuals to pursue wisdom in their lives?
* How does emotion influence wise decision-making?
* Why do we need both motivation and emotional insight to act wisely?

## Historical Background of Wisdom

Wisdom has roots in many cultures, including Mesopotamian, Egyptian (Sebayt), and Hebrew traditions. Time where wisdom was considered to be moral instruction and words of the divine. In ancient Mesopotamia, wisdom literature such as The Counsels of Wisdom and Instructions of Shuruppak provided ethical guidance, emphasising values like proper conduct, humility, and social responsibility. However, in Egypt, wisdom was embedded in texts like The Maxims of Ptahhotep and The Instructions of Amenemope, which were used as an offer of practical advice on leading a virtuous life. This was seen as managing relationships to dealing with wealth and power. Wisdom was braided with concepts of balance (Ma'at) and social harmony (Visit Link). Similar to this, Hebrew's wisdom literature, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Book of Wisdom, reflected deep concerns with the nature of justice, morality, and the human condition, often seeing wisdom as a gift from God that guides ethical behavior (Visit Link).
For centuries, wisdom has been a central concept in ancient philosophical traditions. In Greece, Socrates emphasised the pursuit of knowledge and self-awareness. While Plato and Aristotle explored the nature of wisdom as a virtue related to practical reasoning and ethical behaviors,. Plato, a student of Socrates, expanded on his teacher’s ideas, defining wisdom as the ability to understand eternal truths (the nature of the good). In Plato’s view, wisdom was not just practical but transcendent—it involved knowledge of universal principles that guide ethical behavior. Within The Republic, Plato described the "philosopher-king" as the epitome of wisdom, a ruler guided by deep understanding and moral virtue. However, Plato’s vision of wisdom was somewhat bumptious. Aristotle, Plato’s student, took a more practical approach, arguing that wisdom (or phronesis) was about practical reasoning and ethical behavior. He viewed wisdom as the ability to make sound judgments in everyday life, particularly when faced with moral dilemmas. For Aristotle, wisdom wasn’t just theoretical—it was more about applying knowledge in a way that led to virtuous action. This view of wisdom as a blend of knowledge and ethics has strongly influenced modern ideas about wisdom, particularly in fields like psychology and cognitive science.
In the modern era, wisdom has been explored through various lenses, including psychology and cognitive science. Researchers like Robert Sternberg have developed theories such as the "Balance Theory of Wisdom," which considers wisdom as the ability to make balanced decisions that consider the long-term consequences for oneself and others[factual?]. This approach reflects a shift towards understanding wisdom as a blend of cognitive, emotional, and ethical components (Robert. J. Sternberg, 2014). Additionally, Ryan and Deci (2000) describe intrinsic motivation as arising from inherent enjoyment, curiosity, and the desire to master skills or contribute positively to others. These modern approaches reflect a shift in understanding wisdom as not merely intellectual, but as deeply intertwined with emotional regulation, ethical considerations, and motivation. Thus, wisdom emerges as a dynamic trait that incorporates both ancient philosophical virtues and modern psychological insights into human emotion-motivation and behavior.

## Role of Motivation and Wisdom

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### Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation plays a critical role in shaping individuals’ behaviours, decision-making processes, and overall wisdom. Two types of motivation are commonly discussed in psychology--intrinsic motivation, which refers to engagement in activities driven by internal rewards; and extrinsic motivation, which is fueled by external factors such as rewards or pressures. Distinction on both types of motivation can have profound implications for the wisdom, particularly when long-term success and personal fulfillment are considered. In terms of intrinsic motivation, many scholars suggest that intrinsically motivated self-reflection is essential to developing some of the highest human virtues, including wisdom (Stefano & Ryan, 2017; Vervaeke and Ferraro, 2013) . This includes asking questions such as: Do individuals engage in activities driven by an internal desire for self-growth? Do they tend to reflect more deeply on their experiences and learn from their mistakes? These allow individuals to strive for personal improvement. This process of self-reflection allows individuals to foster greater self-awareness and introspection, both of which are fundamental to wise decision making.
In contrast, as outlined by Ryan and Deci (2000), extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in activities that are influenced by external rewards or pressures. It often stems from personal growth, curiosity, the desire to achieve mastery, or the wish to contribute positively to others' lives. For instance, a student who is intrinsically motivated to learn about a particular unit will likely make decisions that involve deeper engagement with the material, such as: long-term study habits and critical thinking skills. These decisions contribute to intellectual growth and mastery of the subject, which aligns with long-term personal goals. Additionally, intrinsic motivation fosters autonomy and self-regulation, both of which are key components of wisdom (Linley & Joseph, 2004) . However, individuals motivated by short term rewards (extrinsic) are more likely to make unwise decisions (Magasin and Gehlen, 1999). This means that autonomy allows individuals to take ownership of their actions and decisions, while self-regulation ensures that they remain focused on long-term goals. As a result, intrinsically motivated people are far more likely to make wiser decisions that reflect personal values and a desire for personal development.

### Self-determination theory

Of the numerous studies published[factual?], it is suggested that the broad theory of human motivation, Self-Determination Theory (SDT), emphasises the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and the importance of psychological needs, is crucial for the development of wisdom. The work of Deci and Ryan (2002) emphasises that when individuals feel in control of their actions and connected to others, they are more likely to make decisions that are thoughtful and well-reasoned. Parimala and Judu (2022) relayed that SDT consists of three main factors: feeling in control (autonomy), feeling capable (competence), and feeling connected to others (relatedness).
Below is a representation of how each of the elements are seen among different individuals (Deci and Ryan, 2002;Parimala and Judu, 2022).
Deci and Ryan's SDT Framework described by Parimala and Judu (2022) :
| SDT's Elements | Descriptions | Examples in practice |
| Autonomy | The need to feel in control of one's own behaviours and goals | - Offering choices in tasks - Encouraging self-initiation - Minimising controlling language (e.g., “you must...”) |
| Competence | The need to feel effective in one’s actions and to master tasks, fostering a sense of capability. | - Providing opportunities for skill development - Offering constructive feedback - etting[spelling?] achievable goals |
| Relatedness | The need to feel connected to others, fostering a sense of belonging and social integration. | - Encouraging teamwork and collaboration - Creating a supportive environment - Recognising individual contributions |
Many authors[factual?] have said that SDT's emphasis on personal fulfillment doesn't fully explain wisdom. While SDT might cover the subjective side of wisdom, focusing on fulfilling psychological needs for happiness and well-being, it may not capture the more complex, objective aspects of wisdom (Bauer, King, & Steger, 2018). These qualities align with the core needs of SDT theory.
Below is a table [who?] created to better understand how SDT might contribute to the development of wisdom (Arvanitis, 2024).
Arvanitis's Theory on Expressing and Developing Wisdom with SDT Approach :
| SDT's emelents[spelling?] | How it fosters Wisdom | Examples in Wise decision Making |
| Autonony[spelling?] | Encourages individuals to make self-directed choices based on their values, fostering independent thinking, reflection, and self-regulation | - [Use bullet points as taught in Tutorial 02] Taking responsibility for one’s actions - Reflecting on personal values when faced with complex decisions - Being open to different perspectives but choosing based on inner principles |
| Competence | Supports the development of cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation, which are essential for processing complex information and applying knowledge wisely. | - Accurately assessing situations before acting - Developing mastery in understanding human behavior, allowing for better judgment and advice - Exercising patience in decision-making |
| Relatedness | Fosters empathy, compassion, and concern for others, all of which are central to wise, prosocial actions and judgments. | - Listening to others’ perspectives with empathy - Understanding the impact of decisions on others and striving for harmonious relationships - Promoting fairness and justice in group settings |
However, research by Bauer et al., (2018) suggested that while SDT explains well-being through subjective need fulfillment, it struggles to account for wisdom, which involves more objective and complex meaning-making processes. Wisdom is rooted in narratives that demonstrate complex and coherent thinking about humanistic values and end with positive outcomes (Bauer et al., 2018). However, narratives that encapsulate wisdom reflect a coherent and complex understanding of values and life experiences, beyond what SDT addresses in terms of fulfillment. Thus, a deeper understanding should be considered alongside the needs outlined in SDT to account for the development of wisdom.

## The Role of Emotion in Wisdom

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### Self-Regulation

Self-regulation, also known as emotional regulation, requires managing one’s emotions in a healthy and constructive manner. It includes the ability to control impulsive feelings and behaviours, maintain a calm and composed demeanour in stressful situations, and thinking before acting. Self-regulation is a key skill that influences our decision-making, whether it's staying calm under pressure or controlling a sudden urge to act. In 2016, James J. Gross proposed a model of emotion regulation that outlines how people manage their emotions in five stages:
The below shows the process of emotional regulation framework developed by James J. Gross (2016).
James J. Gross's Emotional Regulation Framework :
| Stages | Examples |
| Situational Selection | Choosing situations that will result in positive emotions. |
| Situational Modification | Changing a situation to alter its emotional impact. |
| Deployment of Attention | Shifting focus away from or toward emotional triggers. |
| Change of Cognition | Reframing a situation to change its emotional meaning. |
| Modulation of Response | Controlling one’s emotional responses directly. |
Each stage gives us different tools to manage our emotions, whether it's avoiding stressful situations or reframing how we see a problem. For example, if someone is anxious about public speaking, they might reframe the event as an opportunity to practice rather than as a potential failure (cognitive change). This can help in regulating one's emotions to better cope or make wiser decisions that lead to growth. However, does this process always lead to better outcomes? While Gross’s model gives a useful framework, we must ask: Are all emotions easy to regulate? In some high-stress moments, such as during a personal crisis, simply reframing a situation may not be enough. So, how does self-regulation impact decision-making? Fundamentally, as James J. Gross explains, when we control our impulses, we avoid making decisions that we might regret later. These stages of self regulation essentially help in making more responsible decisions that account for long-term benefits as well (James Gross, 2016).
Effective decision-making requires individuals to manage emotional responses, particularly in situations with a high level of stress. Without the ability to regulate emotions, individuals are more likely to make impulsive decisions that prioritise short-term satisfaction over long-term benefits. However, we must ask: Is self-regulation always beneficial? In fast-paced environments, making quick decisions based on gut feelings can sometimes be necessary. Research suggests that if we over-regulate our emotions and overthink every decision, we might miss out on opportunities that require fast action or creative thinking (Harte, 2019). Furthermore, the work of Glück & Weststrate (2022) highlighted that empathic concerns—the ability and willingness to accurately recognise others' emotions and feel sympathy for them—are fundamental aspects of wisdom. Empathy's role in self-regulation highlights the broader social implications of wise decision-making.

### Empathy and Compassion in Wise-decision making

Empathy and compassion are pivotal in wise decision-making, acting as the emotional drivers that allow individuals to consider the needs and perspectives of others (Moudatsou et al., 2020). However, research showed that empathy alone can distort our judgment, introduce bias, and reduce our effectiveness in making wise decisions (Casey Jo Humbyrd, 2019; Hougaard et al., 2021). For instance, Casey Jo Humbyrd (2019), described empathy as a double-edged sword. "While it enhances relational understanding and promotes prosocial behaviour, there is also the risk of “empathic over-arousal." (Casey Jo Humbyrd, 2019).This is a state in which individuals become so emotionally affected by others and lose the capacity for effective action. Glück and Weststrate(2022) caution against this phenomenon, suggesting that self-regulation is critical for managing empathy to avoid emotional burnout. This raises a significant question: How can individuals balance empathic concern with the emotional detachment necessary to make impartial and wise decisions? Bloom (2016) argues that it’s a poor basis for moral decisions because it can be biased or limited. For instance, empathy may make people focus on one emotionally impactful situation (like rescuing a baby from a well) rather than addressing larger-scale issues (like curing a disease that could save many lives).Too much empathy may cloud individuals judgments, leading to biased decision-making. Therefore, emotional regulation must extend beyond managing one’s own feelings to include the regulation of empathic responses.
Wisdom and Compassion have been a crucial element to Buddhist psychology and other introspective traditions for a long period of time (Germer & Siegel, 2012)Rational compassion, as described by Bloom (2016), is a more thoughtful and detached form of caring. This suggests that, instead of getting emotionally overwhelmed, it focuses on effective actions to help others thrive. It’s about making moral decisions based on reason and the greater good, rather than emotional reactions. For instance, wisdom involves seeing things clearly, understanding the root causes of suffering, and recognising the impermanence and interconnectedness of all experiences (Germer & Siegel, 2012). It helps us discern why people suffer and what contributes to mental or emotional pain. While we might understand suffering, without care and empathy, we risk responding coldly or analytically without helping. Therefore, Empathy and compassion are important for making good decisions, but they need to be balanced with clear thinking to avoid emotional bias. By using both wisdom and calm compassion, people can make fair decisions that help others without getting overwhelmed.

### Cognitive ageing and Wisdom

Growing old and accumulating life experiences is an important foundation for wisdom (Glück, 2024). Cognitive aging and wisdom show exactly how our mental abilities change as we get older (Harada et al., 2013). It involves the gradual shifts in functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving. While some cognitive skills may decline, wisdom often grows with age, reflecting deeper understanding and better judgment gained through life experiences. Research has found that older adults often exhibit higher levels of emotional regulation and wisdom. They tend to prioritise positive emotions and relationships, leading to more balanced and wise decision-making (Glück, 2024). Older adults who have cultivated wisdom often report greater life satisfaction, even in the face of adversity. The ability to regulate emotions and consider multiple perspectives allows cognitively aged individuals to navigate the complexities of aging with grace and resilience. Further research suggests that wisdom can help mitigate the negative effects of cognitive decline (Lindbergh et al. 2021). Various research has indicated that certain mental abilities may decrease with age, but wisdom can compensate by providing older adults with the tools to make thoughtful, balanced decisions. For instance, they may take longer to make a decision, but the decision is often more considered and reflects a deeper understanding of the situation.
This means that the relationship between wisdom and chronological age is complex. On one hand, research shows that wisdom often grows with age. Research showed that adults tend to score higher on measures of wisdom, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation and prosocial behaviour (Jeste & Lee 2019). The authors further explained that they tend to be better at managing conflict, balancing different viewpoints, and accepting life's uncertainties (Jeste & Lee 2019). However, wisdom is not an inevitable outcome of aging. It does not mean all older individuals are wise, and all younger individuals lack wisdom. What matters the most is the accumulation of meaningful experiences and how one reflects on those experiences. People who have faced and overcome adversity, learned from their mistakes, and maintained an open-minded approach to life are more likely to develop wisdom, regardless of their age. Research by Glück’s (2024), highlights that wisdom develops from a combination of personal experiences and reflective thinking. Therefore, it is not just about having lived a long life, but about learning from life's ups and downs; being able to manage emotions; and recognising the limits of one's knowledge.
   Take Home Message
   —Wisdom is not simply a byproduct of aging. It develops through reflection, learning from life’s ups and downs, managing emotions, and recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge.
Quiz

## Key point

Below are the key points of motivational and emotional aspects of Wisdom:
* Historical Perspectives on Wisdom:
** Ancient philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the foundation for understanding isdom, focusing on self-awareness, eternal truths, and practical reasoning.
** Ancient cultures like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Hebrew traditions saw wisdom as moral guidance from the divine.
** Modern psychology views wisdom as a balanced decision-making process, considering both immediate and long-term impacts (Zhang et al., 2022).
* Intrinsic & Extrinsic Motivation and Wisdom:
** People motivated by curiosity and personal growth tend to make thoughtful decisions, focusing on long-term outcomes rather than short-term rewards.
** Extrinsic motivation can lead to short-term thinking and decisions based on external validation rather than personal growth (Stefano & Ryan, 2017; Vervaeke & Ferraro, 2013).
** Intrinsic motivation promotes wiser decisions by encouraging autonomy and long-term thinking (Magasin and Gehlen, 1999).
* Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Wisdom:
** SDT outlines three key psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—that foster wisdom (Deci & Ryan, 2002)
** SDT encourages individuals to make autonomous and well-reasoned decisions, fostering cognitive skills and emotional regulation essential for wisdom, such as reflection, problem-solving, and empathy (Parimala and Judu, 2022).
** Bauer et al. (2018) said that SDT explains subjective well-being, but it may not fully account for the complex, objective aspects of wisdom.
* Self-Regulation and Wisdom:
** Self-regulation involves controlling impulses and maintaining calm in stressful situations, improving decision-making.
** James J. Gross’s model has a unique relationship that can help individuals make wiser decisions.
** Those who can delay gratification and manage emotions are better at making long-term decisions aligned with personal goals (Peake, 2017).
* Empathy and Wisdom:
** Empathy helps individuals consider multiple perspectives, fostering balanced and ethical decisions, which are a key aspects of wisdom (Glück & Weststrate, 2022).
** Excessive empathy can distort judgment, leading to emotional burnout or biased decisions.
** Rational compassion, as described by Bloom (2016), emphasises thoughtful action without emotional overwhelm, enabling better moral decision-making.
* Cognitive Aging and Wisdom:
** Wisdom often increases with age due to life experiences and improved emotional regulation.
** While cognitive abilities may decline, older adults tend to focus on emotionally meaningful goals, enhancing their wisdom.
** Socioemotional Selective Theory suggests that, as people age, they tend to prioritise emotionally meaningful relationships and goals, which enhances emotional wisdom and well-being in later life(Carstensen, 2021).

### Links

Here are few links to related topics you might be interested in:
* Youtube
** Motivation
** What is wisdom?
* Wikipedia
** Motivation
** Emotion

## Conclusion

In conclusion, wisdom is a multifaceted concept that has evolved from ancient cultural and philosophical traditions to modern psychological frameworks. Motivation, particularly within intrinsic motivation, is crucial in the development of wisdom. For instance, individuals driven by a desire for personal growth and meaningful involvement are able to deeply reflect, learn, and pursue long-term goals. This form of motivation encourages autonomy and self-regulation, leading people to make decisions that are not only aligned with their personal values but also fostering wiser decision making. Conversely, extrinsic motivation can result in short-term thinking that often undermines wisdom. Additionally, the SDT highlights the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness and shows how individuals can start to make wiser decisions.
On the other hand, self-regulation enables individuals to manage their emotions and maintain a calm and measured approach in challenging situations. This is an important aspect when cultivating wisdom. Additionally, empathy and compassion also contribute significantly to the emotional foundation of wisdom. However, excessive empathy must be managed to avoid emotional overwhelm. Whereas compassion acts as a crucial factor that drives prosocial behaviour, motivating individuals to act in ways that benefit others and foster social harmony. Furthermore, wisdom has shown to increase with age, as life experiences and emotional control contribute to better judgment. Ultimately, the motivational-emotional aspects of wisdom—intrinsic motivation, SDT, emotional regulation, empathy, and compassion. These factors of motivation and emotion work together to create a framework that helps individuals navigate complex life challenges. In addition, these aspects also allow individuals to reflect thoughtfully, use ethical reasoning. Essentially, grasping the ability to make wise decisions that not only benefit oneself but also contribute positively to others and society. However, it is important to understand that wisdom is not just about intellect or age. Wisdom is about :cultivating self-reflection, managing own emotions, and ensuring that there is a balanced approach to life's challenges