Culture is so much a part of our lives that we’re usually not aware of how it affects the way we understand the world. This is evident when we examine what culture actually means. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines culture as the customary beliefs and traits of a racial, social, or religious group. When we’re surrounded by others of our culture, the culture itself is invisible; it’s like the air we breathe. And since culture envelops us, the one that we’re raised in influences how we understand wisdom.
For example, I was raised in Canada, and my primary caregivers were Irish Catholics. Regardless of other influences in my life, Irish Catholic culture has had a profound influence on how I understand not only reality, but also wisdom. For me, talking to saints is very much a part of how I make my decisions. The reason for doing this goes beyond religion and beyond superstition. Rather, the fine qualities attributed to saints gives me guidelines for wise behaviour. And just in case you get the wrong idea, understand it’s vital that I have these guidelines. Left to my own devices, I’m a bit of a fool. My desire to overcome this foolishness is the reason I’m so deeply interested in wisdom.
Folk Wisdom
I want you to imagine for a moment that wisdom belongs to two very different, but related families. In one of these families, everyone is rather bookish. When this family meets, they talk about philosophy. In the other family, everyone is practical and down-to-earth. They prefer to share ideas they can use in the day-to-day world. It’s this second family, called “Folk Wisdom,” that we’ll turn our attention to for now. Folk Wisdom is the knowledge found in concise sayings and expressions meant to deliver advice. The best of this Folk Wisdom is discovered in maxims that must be mulled over. For example, consider some sayings from the Australian bush, which were assembled by Brian Dibble of Curtain University. One of these is, “Every man should spend an hour a day looking into a fire.” Of course, this implies more than simply watching the chicken cook on the barbecue. It refers to the importance of reflecting and gathering one’s thoughts. It refers to the need to be still and relax rather than constantly filling one’s life with more activity. You could think of it as Zen for the Outback.
Other sayings from the Australian bush include: “A man should keep short arms and long pockets,” and “There’s no exception to the rule of bush hospitality.” Together, these maxims suggest that the wisdom of this culture has developed out of a demanding lifestyle where both self-sufficiency and generosity are indispensable qualities. As is often the case in remote regions, the Outback may have caused the inhabitants to develop unique standards for judging who is wise.
Another distinct approach to wisdom can be found among Australians with Aboriginal ancestry. Those remaining close to their traditions have a notion of wisdom that’s more meditative practice than it is a principle. Some call it “Dadirri,” which can be understood as “active wisdom through reflection.” Dadirri occurs when one is in a state of “deep listening,” or a “Waking Dreamtime.” Apparently, it’s a form of meditation that can last throughout the day. Maintaining this state is both a spiritual practice and a way of acquiring wisdom.
The scholar Robert Epstein points out that the folk wisdom of different cultures might not be meaningful to outsiders. For example, “Call on God, but row away from the docks," is a favourite piece of folk wisdom shared in India. More perplexing are the contradictions found in the folk wisdom that exists between different cultures. In Bali we hear that “Goodness speaks in a whisper, but evil shouts," while in Tibet the message is, "Evil speaks in a whisper, but Goodness shouts.” Which adage is true? Which adage is wise? Perhaps the answer depends upon your culture.
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Is there a special piece of “Folk Wisdom” that you find important? Is there a maxim, or a familiar saying that you like? Would you share it with us? Best of all would be something that you yourself have made up.
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Note that I have also created a group called Wisdom
For example, I was raised in Canada, and my primary caregivers were Irish Catholics. Regardless of other influences in my life, Irish Catholic culture has had a profound influence on how I understand not only reality, but also wisdom. For me, talking to saints is very much a part of how I make my decisions. The reason for doing this goes beyond religion and beyond superstition. Rather, the fine qualities attributed to saints gives me guidelines for wise behaviour. And just in case you get the wrong idea, understand it’s vital that I have these guidelines. Left to my own devices, I’m a bit of a fool. My desire to overcome this foolishness is the reason I’m so deeply interested in wisdom.
Folk Wisdom
I want you to imagine for a moment that wisdom belongs to two very different, but related families. In one of these families, everyone is rather bookish. When this family meets, they talk about philosophy. In the other family, everyone is practical and down-to-earth. They prefer to share ideas they can use in the day-to-day world. It’s this second family, called “Folk Wisdom,” that we’ll turn our attention to for now. Folk Wisdom is the knowledge found in concise sayings and expressions meant to deliver advice. The best of this Folk Wisdom is discovered in maxims that must be mulled over. For example, consider some sayings from the Australian bush, which were assembled by Brian Dibble of Curtain University. One of these is, “Every man should spend an hour a day looking into a fire.” Of course, this implies more than simply watching the chicken cook on the barbecue. It refers to the importance of reflecting and gathering one’s thoughts. It refers to the need to be still and relax rather than constantly filling one’s life with more activity. You could think of it as Zen for the Outback.
Other sayings from the Australian bush include: “A man should keep short arms and long pockets,” and “There’s no exception to the rule of bush hospitality.” Together, these maxims suggest that the wisdom of this culture has developed out of a demanding lifestyle where both self-sufficiency and generosity are indispensable qualities. As is often the case in remote regions, the Outback may have caused the inhabitants to develop unique standards for judging who is wise.
Another distinct approach to wisdom can be found among Australians with Aboriginal ancestry. Those remaining close to their traditions have a notion of wisdom that’s more meditative practice than it is a principle. Some call it “Dadirri,” which can be understood as “active wisdom through reflection.” Dadirri occurs when one is in a state of “deep listening,” or a “Waking Dreamtime.” Apparently, it’s a form of meditation that can last throughout the day. Maintaining this state is both a spiritual practice and a way of acquiring wisdom.
The scholar Robert Epstein points out that the folk wisdom of different cultures might not be meaningful to outsiders. For example, “Call on God, but row away from the docks," is a favourite piece of folk wisdom shared in India. More perplexing are the contradictions found in the folk wisdom that exists between different cultures. In Bali we hear that “Goodness speaks in a whisper, but evil shouts," while in Tibet the message is, "Evil speaks in a whisper, but Goodness shouts.” Which adage is true? Which adage is wise? Perhaps the answer depends upon your culture.
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Is there a special piece of “Folk Wisdom” that you find important? Is there a maxim, or a familiar saying that you like? Would you share it with us? Best of all would be something that you yourself have made up.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Note that I have also created a group called Wisdom
