There are few things our world needs more right now than wisdom. But what is it exactly? Let me begin by observing that we humans can “know” things on three different levels. The first and lowest level is mere data, consisting of isolated facts, figures, dates, people, and observations. This is the lowest form of “knowing.” The second level is knowledge, which organizes and systematizes the data we perceive such that we understand their cause and end. The third and highest level is wisdom. Great minds throughout history have given different but, I would argue, mutually compatible definitions of wisdom. Let’s begin with Socrates. In the “Apology” of Plato, his student, we are told that Socrates’ friend Chaerephon inquired of the Oracle at Delphi whether there was any man wiser than Socrates. The Oracle said there was not. Socrates was puzzled by this, and after pondering the Oracle’s answer concluded …