1. How does knowledge become harmful to us?
Knowledge without wisdom can be harmful. It should be combined with the total needs of mankind. Even complete knowledge is not enough. It should be related with certain knowledge of the purpose of life. The study of history can illustrate it. For example Hegel wrote with great knowledge about history, but made the Germans believe that they were a master race. It led to war. It is necessary therefore to combine knowledge with feelings. Men who have knowledge and have no feelings lack wisdom. We need wisdom both in public and private life. We need wisdom to decide the goal of our life. We need it to free ourselves from personal prejudices. We may follow even a novel thing unwisely if it is too big to achieve. Man may attempt to achieve the impossible, he may do harm to himself in the process.
2. Define Knowledge and Wisdom. Can wisdom be taught?
or What is the basic difference between knowledge and wisdom?
Knowledge and wisdom are different things. According to Russell, knowledge is defined as the acquisition of data and information, while wisdom is defined as the practical application and use of the knowledge to create value. Wisdom is gained through learning and practical experience, not just memorization. Wisdom does not come immediately with knowledge. A wise person possesses both insight and foresight while a clever person may not necessarily do so. A clever person responds to the exterior changes quickly, but a wise man can penetrate the changes and make the right decision. It takes a broad vision and an unbiased mind to make one wise and one can gain a lot of wisdom through constant thinking and experiencing. When the person's thoughts and feelings become less personal, they may gain wisdom. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it.
Russell feels that wisdom can be taught as a goal of education in schools. Wisdom should be planted and nursed in one's mind. We should love our neighbour whether friend or enemy. We should not hate anybody. The danger of hatred and narrow-mindedness can be pointed out in the course of giving knowledge. We should be free from selfishness. The writer feels knowledge and wisdom can be combined in the scheme of education
3. What do you mean by "Sense of proportion"?
"Sense of proportion" is the capacity to consider all important factors in a problem carefully. In other words, it refers to the ability to get a comprehensive view of a problem, and in the meantime, note which aspect is more important and which is less. Specialization makes it difficult. For example scientists discover new medicines but they do not know what impact these medicines will have on the life of the people. The medicines may reduce the infant death rate. But it may lead to increased population. In poor countries it may lead to shortage of food. If there are more people, it may lower the standard of life. If misused, knowledge of atom can lead human to destruction by manufacturing nuclear weapon.
4. What are the factors that contribute to wisdom?
Russell holds that these factors contribute to wisdom: a sense of proportion, an awareness of ends of human life, choice of ends to be pursued and emancipation from personal prejudice.
I think the essence of wisdom is to free oneself from the confinement of the physical world and the emotional world and look beyond. The writer suggests that people cannot avoid being partial. The difference between a wise man and an unwise man is the former has a lesser degree of partiality. As one becomes more impartial, his wisdom grows. It is possible to become increasingly impartial by gaining knowledge about the history and the future, and about other parts of the world, and by showing due respect and interest to different things.
We start thinking of other people and grow wiser. We give up on our ego. It is difficult to completely get rid of selfishness, but we can think of things beyond our immediate surroundings. Wisdom comes when we start loving others. In personal life, says Russell, wisdom is needed to avoid dislike for one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. If they can be told that we all have flaws (faults) then they may become friends. We can avoid hatred if we are wise.