David Starr Jordan: 'Wisdom is knowing what to do next virtue is doing it.'

Wisdom is knowing what to do next virtue is doing it.

Wisdom is an attribute that many people aspire to possess. It involves having knowledge and experience to make sound decisions and choices in life. Knowing what to do next, as David Starr Jordan put it, is a key aspect of wisdom. Understanding the best course of action in various situations can lead to positive outcomes and personal growth. But wisdom alone is not enough. Virtue, on the other hand, is the moral courage and discipline to actually follow through and do what needs to be done. It is about aligning one's actions with their values and principles, even when it may be challenging or unpopular.Jordan's quote highlights the synergy between wisdom and virtue in navigating through life's complexities. While wisdom provides the insight and foresight to understand what is right, virtue gives us the strength and integrity to act upon that understanding. Together, they form a powerful combination that can guide us towards a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Indeed, the importance of this quote lies in the way it encapsulates the essence of personal growth and moral development.However, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept into the discussion – existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility in the face of an indifferent and sometimes absurd world. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus would argue that wisdom and virtue are ultimately subjective constructs that individuals must define for themselves in the absence of inherent meaning or purpose in the universe. In this light, the quote by Jordan takes on a different tone.From an existentialist perspective, wisdom becomes the ongoing process of self-discovery and decision-making based on one's unique experiences and perspectives. Virtue transcends mere adherence to societal norms or ethical codes; it becomes a personal commitment to authenticity and integrity in the face of life's uncertainties and ambiguities. The intersection of wisdom and virtue, therefore, is not just about knowing what to do next and doing it, but also about embracing the inherent freedom and responsibility that come with shaping one's own moral compass.In conclusion, David Starr Jordan's quote on wisdom and virtue invites us to reflect on the interplay between knowledge and action, insight and integrity in our daily lives. While the quote itself offers a practical guide for navigating ethical dilemmas and decision-making, unpacking it through the lens of existentialism adds a layer of complexity and nuance to our understanding of personal growth and moral agency. Whether we find ourselves in moments of clarity or moments of doubt, the pursuit of wisdom and virtue remains a timeless endeavor in our quest for authenticity and meaning.