Is Wisdom Teachable?
Emily Swanson was under pressure — not the end-of-the-world variety, but definitely stressful; prepping for her PhD qualifying exams. She fully expected the process to be grueling. But then, like a character from a heroic tale, she had an encounter that changed her path. Swanson took a job as a teaching assistant with Monika Ardelt, a leader in the scientific study of wisdom. I know! That’s what I said! How can “Wisdom” be scientifically studied? Ardelt, a University of Florida sociologist, teaches an undergraduate course called The Quest for Wisdom and Human Flourishing . It asks students to spend a week at a time living by, and reflecting on, traditions associated with wisdom — among them Buddhism, Christianity and Greek Stoicism. The weeks dedicated to Buddhism and Stoicism proved transformative for Swanson. Now we’re talking! Through practice — think Luke Skywalker harnessing the Force to master his lightsaber — she l...