James Hillman: 'It's very hard to know what wisdom is.'

It's very hard to know what wisdom is.

James Hillman’s quote, 'It's very hard to know what wisdom is,' captures the elusive nature of wisdom and provokes us to explore its meaning and significance. At first glance, the quote suggests that wisdom is not easily attainable or definable. It implies that wisdom may be a complex and multifaceted concept, leaving us grappling with its true nature. However, delving deeper into this idea, we can introduce the concept of philosophical skepticism, which provides an unexpected perspective on the search for wisdom.The straightforward interpretation of Hillman's quote highlights the inherent difficulty in grasping the concept of wisdom. Wisdom is often considered as a state of being or a quality possessed by individuals who possess profound knowledge, enlightened insights, and intuitive understanding. Yet, despite our understanding of what wisdom entails in theory, it remains elusive and hard to pinpoint in practice. We encounter this challenge because wisdom is not a fixed destination with clear boundaries but rather a dynamic and evolving essence that defies easy categorization.Philosophical skepticism enters the conversation by questioning our ability to truly know and understand wisdom. This ancient philosophical stance challenges our capacity to acquire knowledge with certainty and raises doubts about our ability to discern truth and wisdom. Skepticism contends that our perception, reasoning, and beliefs may be flawed, influenced by biases and subjectivity. In this context, the quote by Hillman takes on a more profound meaning, suggesting that wisdom may fall into the realm of knowledge that is ambiguous, subjective, and challenging to fully comprehend.On one hand, wisdom can be seen as a deeply intuitive and personal experience, making it inherently subjective. Each person's journey towards wisdom will be unique, guided by their own set of values, beliefs, and experiences. The diversity and subjectivity of these individual paths to wisdom further contribute to the nebulous nature of the concept.On the other hand, wisdom also carries the potential for universality. While the personal aspect of wisdom cannot be ignored, it often transcends individual perspectives and has the power to touch the lives of others. This collective aspect of wisdom suggests that there may be shared principles, insights, and understandings that underpin its essence. However, trying to define and capture these shared elements can be a relentless and elusive pursuit.Additionally, the elusive nature of wisdom invites us to reflect on its relationship with knowledge and intellect. Wisdom is not synonymous with knowledge. One can possess a vast amount of knowledge yet lack wisdom. Wisdom is something that goes beyond mere learning and encompasses an understanding of the deeper truths and values that guide our lives. Wisdom integrates knowledge, experience, and a profound sense of discernment and judgment. It transcends mere intellectual prowess and involves an intuitive understanding of the complexities of life.In conclusion, James Hillman's quote, 'It's very hard to know what wisdom is,' presents a thought-provoking exploration of the enigmatic nature of wisdom. While it eludes easy definition and comprehension, the search for wisdom remains a deeply human endeavor. The concept of philosophical skepticism further enriches our understanding of wisdom by challenging our certainty and encouraging us to question the limits of our knowledge. While wisdom may remain elusive, this only highlights its importance and the ongoing journey we undertake to grasp its meaning in our lives.