Smart or Wise?

A recent comment on facebook got me thinking about the difference between intelligence and wisdom. Here’s what I have so far:

Smart:

- Doing what can be done.

Wise:

- Doing what should be done.

Smart:

- Having an informed opinion.

Wise:

- Appreciating someone else’s point-of-view.

Smart:

- Knowing what answers to give.

Wise:

- Knowing what questions to ask.

Smart:

- Pointing out what needs fixing.

Smarter:

- Suggesting good ways to fix it.

Wise:

- Realizing that the only direction you can truly point your finger is into the mirror.

Smart:

- Thinking wise thoughts.

Wise:

- Taking wise actions.

Update:

Smart:

- Being right.

Wise:

- Being happy.

(The Car Talk guys frequently mention that in relationships, you can either be right or you can be happy.)

Palm Springs 10-10-09

Saturday morning I spent getting cameras and clothes and water and snacks and the car ready for a drive to Palm Springs and hiking in Mt. San Jacinto State Park at the top of the Palm Springs Tramway. I meant to get an early start, but it’s so hard to rush a Saturday morning after rushing every morning all week.

I took the scenic route over the mountains to enjoy the views and the drive. Near the start of the last descent into Palm Desert I stopped at this turn out to enjoy the view. That road looking like a strand of spaghetti plopped onto the desert is great fun and gives you some idea of what the last hour of the drive is like.