The researchers asked experts to come up with a list of qualities that humans exhibit when they’re exhibiting wisdom, intelligence and spirituality. Wisdom differed from intelligence on 49 of the 53 conceptual characteristics. There was very little overlap.
There was greater commonality between wisdom and spirituality in the following areas: altruism, “other-centeredness,” a willingness to forgive others, ego integrity, a sense of peace with eventual death, humility, gratitude, self-compassion, mindfulness, reverence for nature, nonviolence, ethical conduct, calmness, a sense of purpose in life, life satisfaction, and a general sense of well-being.
In sum, being wise and being smart aren’t the same thing. But, being wise and being spiritual are in the same family especially if it’s focused on asking “the ultimate questions about life, meaning, and the relationship with the sacred or transcendent.”
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