Knowledge and Wisdom by Bertrand Russell [Summary, analysis, Main Ideas]

In his essay "Knowledge and Wisdom," Bertrand Russell emphasizes the importance of wisdom and adds that, in the absence of it, knowledge can be dangerous. Russell advocates that wisdom and knowledge should go hand in hand to use knowledge rationally. Wisdom, according to the essayist, allows us to put our knowledge to good use in the real world without causing harm to others.

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Knowledge and Wisdom Bertrand Russell [Summary, analysis, Main Ideas]

In the essay, Russell lists many methods for obtaining wisdom and bemoans the fact that, despite tremendous information, there has been no equivalent rise in wisdom. Bertrand Russell discusses several factors that contribute to wisdom in his essay "Knowledge and Wisdom." According to him, a sense of proportion, comprehensiveness with broad feeling, emancipation from personal prejudices and the tyranny of sensory perception, impartiality, and awareness of human needs and understanding are all factors that contribute to wisdom. Wisdom is gained when a person’s thoughts and feelings become less personal.

The key to wisdom is being able to detach ourselves from the control of our sense organs. Our ego grows as a result of our senses. Once we can control our sense organs, we start to think about other people’s convenience. As a result, we stop thinking of ourselves as individuals. We become wise when we begin to think about other people. We give up our egoism. It’s tough to eliminate selfishness, yet we can think about things that aren’t in our immediate vicinity. Wisdom emerges when we begin to value things that do not directly affect us. When we love people, we gain wisdom. The writer urges people not to hate anyone.

In the essay, Russell mentioned how knowledge without wisdom can be dangerous, giving the example of scientists and historians. Scientists develop novel drugs but have no idea how these medicines will affect people’s lives. Drugs may help lower the infant mortality rate. However, it may result in a rise in population, and the world is sure to face the consequences of the rise in population. Once, Hegel, the greatest historian, wrote with historical knowledge and made the Germans believe they were a master race, and this false sense of pride drove them to war. When an intellectual uses his knowledge to demonstrate his theory or principles without considering the feelings or outcomes of such ideas, he may do more harm than good.

The author is assured that wisdom must be an integral part of education because a person can be well educated but lack the wisdom to understand the true meaning of life. Wisdom is required in education because knowledge alone leads to its misuse. After all, one cannot see the true purpose of life. Wisdom, according to Russell, should be taught as a goal of education.

Knowledge and Wisdom by Bertrand Russell [Main ideas]

➤Wisdom is lacking in men who have knowledge but no sentiments.

➤Wisdom should be coupled with humanity’s overall needs.

➤Wisdom should be linked to a basic understanding of life’s purpose.

➤Wisdom is required in both public and private life.

➤Wisdom is required in personal life to avoid dislike for one another.

➤The key to wisdom is being able to detach ourselves from the control of our sense organs.

➤Wisdom appears when we begin to value things that do not directly affect us.

➤Knowledge without wisdom has the potential to be dangerous and harmful to humans.

➤The essence of wisdom is to free oneself from the captivity of the physical and emotional worlds and look beyond.

➤Wisdom can be learnt by loving others and letting go of selfishness.

➤Knowledge and wisdom can be combined in an educational scheme.

➤Wisdom must be an integral part of education because a man or person can be well-educated but lack the wisdom to understand the true meaning of life.

➤Wisdom should be taught in school alongside knowledge

➤Lone technical knowledge can be harmful to humans if applied without caution.

➤Knowledge combined with wisdom is beneficial to people because it addresses all of humanity’s needs.

Knowledge and Wisdom by Bertrand Russell Class 12 Exercise and Question Answer

Understanding the text 

Answer the following questions.

What are the factors that contribute to wisdom?

Wisdom comes from having a sense of proportion, understanding important factors in a problem, and being aware of the ends of human life. It also involves having a comprehensive vision, considering both intellect and feelings, and being free from personal prejudice.

 

What message does the writer try to convey with the example of technicians?

The writer shows that knowledge without wisdom can be harmful. Technicians focused on scientific medicine may unintentionally lower infant death rates but harm food supply. The pursuit of knowledge needs wisdom to prevent unintended consequences.

Which leaders does Russell say were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly?

Russell mentions Queen Elizabeth I, Henry IV, and Abraham Lincoln as leaders who mixed knowledge and wisdom well. They remained free from the fanatical beliefs of their time, were effective, and conducted themselves with understanding, even in challenging situations.

 

Why is wisdom needed not only in public ways but in private life equally?

Wisdom is essential in private life for making wise choices and avoiding harmful actions. Russell emphasizes that personal prejudices and pursuing unattainable goals, even if noble, can lead to wasted lives. Wisdom is needed in choosing ends and understanding the impact of one's actions.

What, according to Russell, is the true aim of education?

Russell believes the true aim of education is to teach wisdom. He suggests that knowledge and morals should not be separated, and even technical skills should be accompanied by a broader education that fosters good citizenship and understanding of the world.

 

Can wisdom be taught? If so, how?

Yes, according to Russell, wisdom can be taught. He suggests that teaching should include a larger intellectual element, pointing out the disastrous results of hatred and narrow-mindedness while imparting knowledge. Wisdom involves understanding the consequences of one's actions and considering the broader impact on the world.

Why does the world need more wisdom in the future?

As knowledge continues to increase, the world will need more wisdom to prevent the misuse of that knowledge. With greater knowledge and skill, there is an increased capacity to realize purposes, which could be harmful if those purposes are unwise. Wisdom is crucial for responsible and beneficial advancements in the future.

Reference to the context

According to Russel, “The pursuit of knowledge may become harmful unless it is combined with wisdom.” Justify this statement.

According to Russell, "The pursuit of knowledge may become harmful unless it is combined with wisdom." This is because he gives examples of unintended consequences.  For instance, advancements in scientific medicine lowered infant death rates but unintentionally led to food shortages and lower living standards in some places. Also, studying the atom's composition, driven by a disinterested desire for knowledge, unintentionally provided the means for destructive actions.  Russell emphasizes that specialists in knowledge may lack the comprehensive vision needed to foresee these consequences. This shows that wisdom is crucial to guide the use of knowledge for the greater good.

What, according to Russell, is the essence of wisdom? And how can one acquire the very essence?

Russell says wisdom is freeing oneself from the present. Growing wisdom involves widening horizons, focusing less on personal feelings, and understanding beyond immediate surroundings.  Russell believes continuous movement towards impartiality, considering distant things and their importance in our feelings, signifies wisdom growth.  Essentially, wisdom means breaking free from selfish views and understanding the broader impact of actions on the world.

Difference between Knowledge and Wisdom

Knowledge	Wisdom
➤knowledge is the acquisition of facts and information ➤Knowledge is gained through memoraization	➤wisdom is the practical application and use of knowledge to create value ➤wisdom is gained through learning and practical experience