What does it mean to be wise?

A common thought:

Many people say that we’re wisest when we’re young. This could be true in the sense that the younger we are, the less forced influence and the less forced opinions we’ve been programmed with. In other words, as we age, we are subjected to more and more opinions and beliefs, often times by people who expect us to believe it without question. In this sense, we may very well be wisest in our youth.

My thoughts:

While I do give credit to the common thought, I still maintain my own constantly developing opinion on this matter. My thoughts are that to be a wise person is to know that you know nothing (as said Socrates), and to search for answers with the intent of prodding others to think beyond the thought patterns that they’re accustomed to (again, Socrates). To be wise could be to not allow oneself to slip into a consistent thought pattern, to keep one’s mind open to changes of thought, like a flowing river of unscathed intellect. This is my current belief of what it is to be wise.

I advise you to take these thoughts and, not accept them, but question them. Compare them to your view on this subject, consider what makes sense in comparison and in contrast to your present thought patterns.

I also urge you to take this advice as well, and to apply it to any and/or ALL of your current beliefs, opinions, and ideals:

Question everything; assume nothing.