WISDOM THROUGH THE AGES

A historian surveys various philosophical approaches to wisdom in this nonfiction book.

“The pursuit of knowledge is not a static endeavor,” Kelley writes in his book’s preface, “but a dynamic and ongoing journey” and “collective quest” of humans that spans time and cultures. Divided into five parts, the book begins with an overview of the “multifaceted nature of wisdom,” emphasizing its interdisciplinary nature and eschewing simplistic definitions. While spiritual and philosophical giants from Buddha to Socrates are important figures in the book (and are centered in Part II’s narrative), Part III highlights community leaders, artists, and others who put “wisdom in action” and who offer alternative insights into wisdom beyond the esoteric, theoretical realms. Part IV takes readers to the present day as it explores the complex role of technology and globalization in fostering access to knowledge, as well as the challenges associated with the unregulated disinformation that proliferates on social media and the internet. While the “high-beam headlights of modernity” outshine the “luminous glow of ancient wisdom,” per the author, we must recognize that more information does not equate to better information. The book’s final section is an essay exploring “the multifaceted nature of wisdom through a comparative study across cultures and eras, emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse wisdom traditions to address contemporary challenges and enrich human understanding.” The strength of the book lies in its diverse sources, with examples spanning from India and China to Greece and medieval Europe. At just over 100 total pages, the book may oversell its claim to offer “a panoramic view” of wisdom “that connects disparate points into a cohesive whole,” since entire continents (particularly Africa and the pre-Columbian Americas) are omitted. But as an introduction to the emphasis humanity has placed on wisdom throughout history, this is a refreshingly diverse, interdisciplinary overview. Kelley, who has authored more than a dozen history books, is particularly skilled at distilling complex information into an engaging read. The text includes a useful glossary of key terms, a host of scholarly footnotes, and a 12-page bibliography.

A well-researched introduction to the concept of wisdom.