Wisdom

What, precisely, is wisdom? And who is wise? Wisdom has fascinated the human race for thousands of years; ancient authors sought to capture it in collections of proverbs and fables, while modern thinkers seek to uncover its essence. It has been thought about in myriad different ways and searched for in many different places. Philosophers are lovers of it and scholars have always tried to define it, yet wisdom remains as elusive today as it has ever been. 



Every society has had to deal with problems posed by the fundamental features of human existence, from love to mortality. In facing these we have sought to find wise solutions for them. Globally, many cultures have believed in the divine nature of wisdom, and have attributed it to deities such as Sarasvati, Apollo and Odin. Wisdom: A History provides an introduction to wisdom in its many forms. Trevor Curnow draws on examples from diverse times and cultures including ancient Egypt, medieval Europe and modern Africa. Special attention is paid to the proverb – regarded as a vehicle for wisdom throughout history – and the author collects 100 edifying sayings at the book’s conclusion, which can instruct and inform readers searching for wisdom in their own lives. It contains wonderful images of what wisdom may, or may not look like, and provides new insights into what wisdom is and where to find it. This book will be invaluable to all those interested in the history of humanity’s quest for that elusive thing called wisdom.