Wisdom Quotes

“A “life of value,” as I see it, has two parts: The first is about one fulfilling oneself and finding meaning by prioritizing, or living the values that they authentically possess. When one’s life is consistent with what they truly value, then life just “feels right.” But beyond a more self-oriented approach to finding happiness and fulfillment, a good life is making positive differences to those in the family, the community, the country, and the world.”
― Jason A. Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“Self-knowledge is, in part, knowing what values you value, which virtues you possess, and what makes you ethically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally unique.”
― Jason A Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“Certitude and habitual modes of thinking will not be one's friend if wisdom is the goal.”
― Jason A Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“can one dispute that the wiser a person is, the more effective and content and meaning-rich they will be? I would say not. It is more difficult to define and research wisdom than it is to theorize about it. As an illustration, take two identical race cars and put two very different drivers behind the wheels; the success each driver will enjoy more often than not, is directly related to their skill level – their proficiency. One can likewise think of a wise person as proficient at living life.”
― Jason A. Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“Rather than fret that this moment in the life of the republic portends the decline of American hegemony and America’s unique culture, I just might be able to find some solace in what
modern philosopher Alain de Botton referred to as “the consolations of philosophy.” Socrates stayed true to his values even unto death, so I believe America needs its lovers of wisdom to keep their chins up and face the storm. And if worse comes to worst, all people of goodwill can take heart in the fact that when they were living in “times that try men’s souls,” they stood up straight, remembered their character, and did their best.”
― Jason A. Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“I have been looking into wisdom for nearly two decades and have come to believe that wisdom is not only one of humanity’s highest aspirations, but also our best hope. I firmly believe that this potent and sought-after skill (or, alternatively, an attribute, characteristic, or phenomenon) can help us navigate most of the
challenging aspects of being human.”
― Jason A. Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“Now that I'm on my fourth book on values, I feel a bit inadequate. I'm using a little bit of Woody-Allen-esque self-deprecation, but basically, that is true; it is hard to study legends like Twain, Socrates, King, Shaw, Gandhi and Keller and not feel like an underachiever.”
― Jason A. Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“When you possess fierce self-knowledge, you are excited by your values. You know what you believe, why, and how. Every day you are proud or enthusiastic of the life you lead, the relationships you are in, the mark you’re leaving on the planet. You are motivated to live life, to become all you can, to make a positive difference, to come to love yourself .”
― Jason A Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“The wise tune into themselves, understand what they feel, and take appropriate risks.”
― Jason A Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

“Anxiety changes thinking — for better or for worse. Anxiety is the horse that gallops you toward truth or bucks you off.”
― Jason A Merchey, Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought