Knowledge And Wisdom Summary and Exercise Solution : Class 12 English Notes

Summary of Knowledge And Wisdom : Class 12 English

Knowledge and wisdom are distinct concepts. According to Russell, knowledge refers to the accumulation of data and information, while wisdom involves the practical application of that knowledge to create value. Wisdom is acquired through learning and real-life experiences, rather than mere memorization. The relationship between knowledge and wisdom highlights the various paths to achieving wisdom. Russell expresses concern that despite the vast amounts of knowledge we have gained, there has not been a corresponding increase in wisdom. He elaborates on the factors that contribute to wisdom.

One key factor is a sense of proportion, which is the ability to carefully consider all significant aspects of a problem. Specialization can complicate this process. For instance, while scientists may develop new medications, they often lack insight into the broader implications these medicines may have on people's lives. While such medicines might lower infant mortality rates, they could also lead to population growth, which in poorer countries might result in food shortages. An increase in population could ultimately diminish the quality of life. Furthermore, knowledge about atomic composition could be exploited by someone with malicious intent, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences through the creation of nuclear weapons.

When knowledge is devoid of wisdom, it can be detrimental. It must be integrated with the overall needs of humanity. Even comprehensive knowledge is insufficient on its own; it should be aligned with a deeper understanding of life's purpose. Historical study can provide examples of this. For instance, Hegel possessed extensive knowledge of history, yet he convinced the Germans that they were a master race, which ultimately contributed to war. Therefore, it is essential to merge knowledge with emotional intelligence. Individuals who possess knowledge but lack empathy are devoid of wisdom. Wisdom is necessary in both public and private spheres; it guides us in determining our life goals and helps us overcome personal biases. Pursuing an ambitious goal unwisely can lead to self-harm, as one may strive for the unattainable.

In personal life, Russell emphasizes the importance of wisdom to prevent animosity between individuals. Two people can remain adversaries due to their biases, with one disliking the other for perceived faults that may not even exist. If they understand that everyone has imperfections, they might find common ground and become friends. Wisdom can help us avoid hatred. It involves liberating ourselves from the dominance of our senses, as our ego is shaped by them. Our primary understanding of the world comes through sight, sound, and touch. As we mature, we begin to recognize other aspects of life, leading us to think beyond ourselves. This shift allows us to consider others, fostering wisdom and diminishing our ego. While completely shedding selfishness is challenging, we can learn to focus on matters beyond our immediate environment. True wisdom emerges when we cultivate love for others.

Russell believes that wisdom should be an educational objective. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to love our neighbors, regardless of whether they are friends or foes. Often, we overlook this lesson because we struggle to love those who may harm society. In essence, Russell advises against harboring hatred. He references historical figures like Queen Elizabeth I, Henry IV, and Abraham Lincoln, who managed to avoid the mistakes made by other prominent individuals in history.

The risks associated with hatred and narrow-mindedness can be highlighted through education. Russell argues that knowledge and wisdom should be integrated into educational frameworks. People ought to be taught to view things in relation to the broader world and encouraged to see themselves as global citizens.

Exercise Solution of Knowledge and Wisdom : Class 12 English

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. What are the factors that contribute to wisdom?

Russell believes that there are several factors that contribute to wisdom. The first factor is a sense of proportion. He defines it as the capacity to take account of all the important factors in a problem and to attach to each its due weight. The second factor focuses on awareness of the ends of human life. Russell substantiates this factor using the example of Hegel, an eminent historian from Germany. The third factor is emancipation from personal prejudice. Russell also stresses on the need to try and view the world with impartiality although to the view the world with complete impartiality is impossible.

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

The writer tries to tell us knowledge itself cannot save the world. Knowledge without wisdom will not benefit the world and in some cases will even pose a serious threat to humanity. So a wise person has to have a comprehensive view.

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

Queen Elizabeth I in England, Henry IV in France and Abraham Lincoln in the United States of America were the leaders Bertrand Russell says who were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly. Queen Elizabeth I and Henry IV remained free from the errors of their time, being unaffected by the conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. Abraham Lincoln conducted a great war without ever departing from wisdom.

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

Wisdom helps to free ourselves from personal prejudices and hatred against one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. However, if they can be told that we all have flaws then they may become friends. This is the matter of public life. Considering about the private life too, we may fail in choosing the target of our life and we may not have sufficient patience and sufficient persuasiveness. That’s why wisdom is needed not only in public ways, but in private life equally.

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

Russell feels that wisdom can be taught as a goal of education. The message in the parable of the Good Samaritan is that we should love our neighbour whether friend or foe. However, in many situations we miss the message in this parable because we fail to love those who cause harm to the society. The only way to eradicate hatred is through understanding and love. Queen Elizabeth I in England, Henry IV in France and Abraham Lincoln in the United States of America were the leaders Russell says who were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly. Russell feels knowledge and wisdom can be combined in the scheme of education. People should be educated to see things in relation to other things of the world.

f. Can wisdom be taught? If so, how?

Yes wisdom can be taught as a goal of education. The message in the parable of the Good Samaritan is that we should love our neighbour whether friend or foe. However, in many situations we miss the message in this parable because we fail to love those who cause harm to the society. The only way to eradicate hatred is through teaching of the wisdom. The danger of hatred and narrow-mindedness can be pointed out in the course of giving knowledge. Russell feels knowledge and wisdom can be combined in the scheme of education. People should be educated to see things in relation to other things of the world. They should be encouraged to think of themselves as world citizens.

g. Why does the world need more wisdom in the future?

Wisdom is needed to free ourselves from personal prejudices and hatred against one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. However, if they can be told that we all have flaws then they may become friends. We can avoid hatred if we are wise. Wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from the control of our sense organs. Our ego develops through our senses. As we grow, we give up thinking of ourselves alone. We start thinking of other people and grow wiser and thereby help us in giving up on our ego. Thus, the world needs more wisdom in the future.

Reference to the context

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

The essay ‘Knowledge and Wisdom’ written by Bertrand Russell talks about the need to integrate knowledge and wisdom. He defines various ways of achieving wisdom and how knowledge without wisdom can be harmful.

Russell stresses on the importance of comprehensiveness, but at the same time says that comprehensiveness alone does not constitute wisdom. Hegel’s philosophy was comprehensive, but was lacking in wisdom and there was prejudice in his philosophy. Hegel wrote with great knowledge about history, but made the Germans believe that they were the most powerful race in the whole world which led to war. Therefore, it is necessary to combine knowledge with feelings. Men who have knowledge and have no feelings lack wisdom. We need wisdom both in public and private life.

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

Russell believes that it is unwise to pursue certain goals if it is impossible of achievement. He points out that the essence of wisdom is to free oneself from the confinement of the physical world and the emotional world and look beyond. He also points out that emancipation from personal prejudice makes one’s thoughts and feelings to become less personal which contributes to wisdom.

Wisdom does not come immediately with knowledge. According to Russell, wisdom is defined as the practical application and use of the knowledge to create value. One can acquire the very essence through learning and practical experience, not just memorization.

Reference beyond the text

a. Why is wisdom necessary in education? Discuss.

Wisdom is necessary in education because with every increase of knowledge and skill, wisdom becomes more necessary. If wisdom is inculcated it helps us realise our purposes whether it is unwise or not. Wisdom is needed to free ourselves from personal prejudices and hatred against one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. However, if they can be told that we all have flaws then they may become friends.

We can avoid hatred if we learn how to be wise. Wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from the control of our sense organs. Our ego develops through our senses. As we grow, we give up thinking of ourselves alone. We start thinking of other people and grow wiser and thereby help us in giving up on our ego. The danger of hatred and narrow-mindedness can be pointed out in the course of giving knowledge. Therefore, there is the great necessity of wisdom in education.

b. How can you become wise? Do you think what you are doing in college contributes to wisdom?

Wisdom is something that’s hard to define and yet somehow we know it when we see it. The wise people stay calm in a crisis. They recognize the limits of their own knowledge, consider alternative perspectives, and remember that the world is always changing.

Becoming wiser is not a matter of night. Patience and discipline are the key to become wiser. Wise reasoning is associated with a whole lot of positives: higher life satisfaction, fewer negative feelings, better relationships and less depressive rumination. A wise man commits mistakes. You learn by your own mistakes. It’s necessary to remember that the more you commit mistakes the more you learn and the more you improve. Staying happy is also a step to become wiser. No matter what happens in your life, just be happy, keep the faith and solve the problems calmly. A wise man is never afraid of any situations. He/she work peacefully to solve the problem. I think this are the certain ways to become wise.

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