“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.” ~ Henry Ford
I am a firm believer in the power of lifelong learning. That said, I agree with Thoreau’s assertion that “It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.” This may seem contradictory, but allow me to explain why it isn’t.
The human mind is a vast repository endless amounts of data and paradigms. As with so many things, it operates on the basis of “garbage in, garbage out” and you are wise to take great care to filter the content you plan to deposit in your memory bank.
Some engage in “thinking” on more of a mechanical, self-generated basis, while others have mastered the ability to relax their minds sufficiently so that the currents of inspiration can rise up through their minds, collecting the bits and pieces of information necessary to amass a solution to the problem or question at hand. Thinking needn’t be an arduous, tortuous process. It should be an easy, graceful process through which original solutions are wrought.
Learning is important as it provides building blocks for thought. The quality of the building materials are important as with any construction project. Build with shoddy materials and the resulting form will be a shoddy facsimile of what should have been a solid and meticulously crafted piece of art. I read somewhere that the Latin spoken in the Silver Age, which followed the Golden Age in Roman history was characterized by needless flourishes, likely because the populace had grown complacent, resting their laurels on the achievements of previous generations, linguistically speaking. They came to enjoy and accept the appearance of excellence, rather than taking the time to do the work necessary to produce the Real McCoy.
Wisdom is not the product of an accumulation of knowledge. It comes as a result of the cultivation of an uncommon sensitivity to what the right thought, word or deed might be in any given moment. Knowledge provides a base from which you operate, and don’t get me wrong, I think that knowledge is important, but it is a far cry from true wisdom. Having a base of knowledge is valuable in that it gives you points of connection to the world around you. That said, you can become encased and weighted down by your knowledge if you prize it as an end, rather than seeing it as a means to an end.
Knowledge in this sense opens the door to wisdom. Knowledge is necessary but not sufficient to the expression of wisdom. In my experience wisdom comes only as you are willing to let go of any attachment to the knowledge you’ve acquired (in ego, in rigid mindset, etc.) and let go to the ever-present currents of inspiration that move through quickly and abundantly, if you let them.
Gregory Hake 
I was taken by your statement “garbage in, garbage out”, and I think it could not only apply to the actual knowledge that you obtain, but to the attitudes with which you obtain the knowledge as well. The attitude with which you learn something will have a direct impact on how you see that knowledge, and therefore how you express that knowledge as well. You might only hear half of the story, you might spin the truth to your own bias, etc. What we call wisdom must have a clean and clear knowledge base to sprout in. Remember to look for the unbiased truth when you are carefully selecting what to add to your knowledge repository.
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I’m at my most creative when I have run out of well worn solutions. Saying I don’t know to myself and relaxing with that, certainly opens the flood gates for inspiration.
I also save inspiring writings that I read, to reread when I have a momentary block. I’ll print this post and add it to my muse collection. Thanks
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Beyond thought provoking – awesome!
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I love gleaning bits here and there from your Latin studies. Keep sharing!
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I wish I had the wisdom when I was younger for what should and shouldn’t have been deposited in the memory bank, but I am glad for your outlook – it increases the potential for what can be done in the here and now. The brain is amazing under the right direction and stimulation!
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I see why Thoreau’s quote isn’t really a conundrum. Thanks for explaining your thoughts so well.
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Enjoyed this post!
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What a perfect tie in for recent considerations!
Finding myself in that point of Cross-over where the past meets the future called the moment, more often recently, quite a serene place to be!
Great to be Alive!
Thanks Gregg.
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Enjoyed your thoughts about the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
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Oh such a key point you make – letting go of any attachment to knowledge acquired – bias is tricky hurdle for the mind and can greatly limit creative thought and the generation of fresh ideas; ideas which just need to be formed at first to the greatest degree of accuracy that is possible, and then just being willing to re-examine them without value judgements as greater knowledge is gained. You make the point that wisdom is a force unto itself, and limited in any way by mental ceilings limits its movement and expression.
Such great points you raise here – nice work!
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Excellent post.
A book that was I was introduced to and has had a major impact on my thinking is titled,
The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz.
I strongly suggest it!
I enjoy your daily posts, they help me expand my thinking.
Thank you
Brad
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