English Guru

 

    Understanding the text

Answer the following questions

 a. What are the factors that contribute to wisdom?

Ans. According to the author, the factors that contribute to wisdom are:

i. sense of proportion

ii. aware comprehensiveness and feeling

iii. emancipation from personal prejudices

iv. impartiality and,

v. intellectual element

b. What message does the writer try to convey with the example of technicians?

Ans. The writer tries to convey the message related to harm with the example of technicians. If technical knowledge is applied without wisdom, it can be harmful to humankind. The author has given examples, the technicians become happy in lowering the infant death rate in the world but it results lack of food supply and lowers the standard of life. Similarly, the knowledge of atomic theory can be misused in making atom bombs that destroy the human race.

c. Which leaders does Russell say were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly?

Ans. Russell says that leaders like Queen Elizabeth I in England, Henry IV in France, and Abraham Lincoln can mix knowledge and wisdom soundly.  Queen Elizabeth I and Henry IV remained free from the errors of their time and both, by remaining free were beneficent and certainly not ineffective-. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln conducted a great war without departing from wisdom.

d. Why is wisdom needed not only in public ways but in private life equally?

Ans. Wisdom is not only needed in public ways but also used in private life equally. It is needed for making decisions about goals and objectives as well as for letting go of one's own biases. In the lack of wisdom, we may fail in choosing the target of our life and getting success in life.

e. What, according to Russell, is the true aim of education?

Ans. Simply speaking students get information or knowledge from classroom education. The aim of education is not only to instill information. According to Russell, the true aim of education is to instill wisdom in individuals. Wisdom is the ability to apply gained knowledge to solve problems in real-life situations.   

f. Can wisdom be taught? If so, how?

Ans. Russel says wisdom can be taught. It should be taught with a greater emphasis on logic and reasoning than morality. In the process of imparting information, people who harbor animosity and narrow-mindedness may unwittingly learn about the devastating consequences of their actions. For example, while teaching the composition of an atom, the disastrous results of it must be taught to eliminate its misuse such as making an atomic bomb.

g. Why does the world need more wisdom in the future?

Ans. If knowledge is not paired with wisdom, most individuals will continue to misuse their information, which has several negative impacts. In a world increasingly dominated by technology and consumerism, many people feel a sense of emptiness and lack of purpose. Wisdom can help reconnect with deeper values, find meaning in lives, and live with purpose and direction. Cultivating wisdom is not a simple task, but it is an essential one. By fostering wisdom in ourselves and in our communities, we can build a brighter future for all.