Knowledge and Wisdom by Bertrand Russell Summary

Summary of Knowledge and Wisdom Writer, Bertrand Russell PDF Free Download

Exercise of Knowledge and Wisdom by Bertrand Russell 

Main Summary

In this essay, Russell differentiates between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are different things. According to him, knowledge is defined as the acquisition of data and information, while wisdom is defined as the practical application and use of the knowledge to create value. Wisdom is gained through learning and practical experience, not just memorization.

In this article, the author discusses numerous aspects of wisdom. His definition of wisdom includes:

i) sense of proportion

ii) awareness and feeling

iii) freedom from bias

iv) objectivity

v) mental component

Russell defines wisdom in the first half of this article, and then discusses how to get it in the second. Wisdom cannot progress without information. He claims that wisdom and knowledge must both be pursued at the same time. As a result, Russel's precise explanations are wonderful gifts of knowledge and wisdom. It demonstrates Russel's mastery of clear style. His brain is razor-sharp, and his perspective is expansive.

Only having knowledge or wisdom isn't enough. Both are equally valuable. Wisdom without knowledge may be dangerous. Even having all of the facts isn't enough. It is vital to blend information with wisdom. To choose our life's objective, we need intelligence. We need it in order to be free of personal biases. To prevent hate for one another, wisdom is required. For understanding each other, we require wisdom. 

Russell distinguishes knowledge and wisdom in this essay. Wisdom is not knowledge. He defines knowledge as the gathering of facts and information, but wisdom is the application and use of knowledge to generate value. Wisdom comes from study and experience, not memorization.

Word Meanings of this essay

proportion (n.): a part or share of a whole

absorb (v.): to take, draw or suck something in

distorting (v.): pull or twist out of shape

inculcate (v.): inplant, infuse, instil

bound up (v.): to limit something

fanatical (adj.): a person who is too enthusiastic about something

Who is Knowledge and Wisdom writer, Bertrand Russell? 

Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) was a British philosopher, logician, essayist and social critic best known for his work in mathematical logic and analytic philosophy. His most influential contributions include his championing of logicism (the view that mathematics is in some important sense reducible to logic), his refining of Gottlob Frege’s predicate calculus (which still forms the basis of most contemporary systems of logic), his defense of neutral monism (the view that the world consists of just one type of substance which is neither exclusively mental nor exclusively physical), and his theories of definite descriptions, logical atomism and logical types.