In Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, Alfred is more than just Bruce Wayne’s butler—he is his mentor, a voice of reason who tempers Bruce’s reckless tendencies with wisdom. Though Bruce Wayne is intelligent, his passion sometimes blinds him, and Alfred’s counsel keeps him from disaster. Most of us aren’t superheroes, but we all face moments when we need guidance, whether we recognize it or not. In those moments, what we seek is not just knowledge or intelligence, but something deeper: wisdom. Without it, we risk messing up our lives, relationships, and even our highest pursuits. But what exactly is wisdom, and how do we acquire it? In this post I propose that there are two, not one, sorts of wisdom.
Insights of the Sage
We begin answering this question by considering what sages possess that the rest of us often lack. Sages don’t just know; they have insight–a deep understanding of what truly matters in life. They see circumstances differently, discerning patterns and truths that escape ordinary perception. They also know what to do, especially in difficult situations, because their judgment is shaped by something more than mere intelligence or experience. This suggests that while wisdom may involve knowledge, it must be something greater. But what exactly? And why is it so crucial that we grasp its nature? If wisdom is as indispensable as it seems, then discovering what it is—and how to acquire it—may be one of the most important pursuits of our lives.
Aristotle offers a helpful framework for understanding wisdom by distinguishing between two sorts of wisdom: practical wisdom and theoretical wisdom.
Practical Wisdom
Practical wisdom is what enables us to make sound decisions in real-life situations—choosing a career, discerning whom to marry, knowing when to speak and when to stay silent. This is the kind of wisdom we typically associate with a sage, the mentor who helps us navigate life’s complexities, much like Alfred advising Bruce Wayne.
Theoretical Wisdom
But Aristotle also speaks of a more rarified form of wisdom: theoretical wisdom. This wisdom is not primarily about action, but about understanding the fundamental nature of reality. It concerns itself with the deepest questions—why the universe is the way it is, the nature of God, and the ultimate purpose of human life.
The Need for Both Sorts of Wisdom
Despite Aristotle’s distinction, the two sorts of wisdom may not be so separate after all. Plato, for one, believed wisdom was singular, integrating both aspects. And in practice, can someone truly be wise without both? A person who understands life’s ultimate purpose (theoretical wisdom) but fails to live accordingly (practical wisdom) hardly seems wise. Likewise, someone who makes good life choices (practical wisdom) without reflecting on their deeper significance (theoretical wisdom) is missing something essential.
To be truly wise, we need both sorts of wisdom.
Who is Wise that You Know?
Take a few minutes to reflect on the Alfred’s you know. What is it that makes them wise? Do their qualities reflect what Aristotle describes—practical insight into life’s choices and a deeper understanding of what truly matters? Now consider your own life: In what area, problem, or situation do you require wisdom to proceed?
Wisdom is not mere intelligence or even a moral instinct. Rather, it is seeing reality rightly. Aristotle is not the only to emphasize that wisdom begins with seeing reality as it truly is, this is represented in other wisdom traditions as well. For example, king Solomon in Proverbs when he says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (9:10, cf. 1:7). For Solomon, God is the highest good and ultimate reality, and only when we begin with him can we be wise. Genuine wisdom starts with orienting oneself toward what is ultimately real and good–toward God himself.
Attaining Wisdom?
We have begun to see what wisdom is and why we need it, but one crucial question remains: How do we attain it? Given its importance, this question demands our attention. Neither Alfred, nor anyone else, is born wise. Rather, people become wise. But how, exactly? Are there steps that we can pursue in order to grow in wisdom? In the next post, we will explore the path to gaining true wisdom.
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