Some of us applied our knowledge to the creation of powerful technologies. All of us have used those technologies to create comfortable lives for ourselves. Our intentions were usually honorable in all this, but our actions much of the time were not guided by that holistic, value-connected kind of understanding called wisdom. The situation the world faces today is incredibly complex. And things just seem to get worse.
Wisdom is no longer an option or a frill.
Before wisdom can take control of the situation, however, large numbers of people must become wise. If wisdom really is the only way out of our global mess, then this lackadaisical approach will no longer do. Fortunately, today we know more than ever before about what wisdom is and what prevents people from becoming wise. We also know that just as we can become knowledgeable by going through a sometimes arduous but well-defined process, so we can become wise by going through a different kind of arduous process. On the bright side, we see the amazing power of individual wise people to change things for the better.