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Accumulate Wisdom, Not Information

Robert Rackley
Robert Rackley
— 1 min read

Chris Butler writes about the glut of information to which we are exposed and how that does not advance our wisdom or understanding.

Think about this comparison: Information is to wisdom what pornography is to real intimacy. I’m not here to moralize, so I compare to pornography with all the necessary trepidation. Without judgement, it’s my observation that pornography depicts physical connection while creating emotional distance. I think information is like that. There’s a difference between information and wisdom that hinges on volume. More information promises to show us more of reality, but too much of it can easily hide the truth. Information can be pornography—a simulation that, when consumed without limits, can weaken our ability to experience the real thing.

It's a powerful comparison. Of course, the pursuit of wisdom doesn't guarantee the acquisition of it any more than the pursuit of physical intimacy guarantees true human connection. Heading in that direction, though, is the best way to achieve what you are after. In that respect, the moderate and deliberate consumption of proper information can aid in the development of wisdom.1 Whether you are on the right path I believe very much depends on your discernment regarding your intake habits.

Source: chrbutler.com

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Robert Rackley

Robert Rackley

Mere Christian, aspiring minimalist, inveterate notetaker, budget audiophile and paper airplane mechanic. Self-publishing since 1994. Fan of the open web.

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