Wisdom - Can It Be Taught?

It can be learned. Therefore, it’s logical to think it can be taught.

Only to those willing to learn. Otherwise, no.

Coaching hockey and managing people has taught me that uncoachable people can’t be taught anything. Most of the uncoachable people I’ve encountered (young and old alike) were not inclined to listen to anybody. Try as I might, nothing seemed to click with them. So I kept trying, and trying and trying some more. I have a very hard time giving up on people, but I’m learning in my older age to let go. It’s admittedly very difficult.

So, I’ve got some coaches who are helping me. They’re giving me instruction that may just help me realize the truthfulness of that old adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” They’re telling me to let go. Stop trying. Learn that you can’t always influence people to behave wiser. Sometimes people just refuse instruction. Focus on accepting help from those who have an interest in your life and focus on helping those who will accept your help. I know it’s wise advice. I need to learn it.

I’ve spent too much of my life trying to get the horse to drink. I hope to find a place where just leading the horse to water is enough. The rest is up to the horse. It’s sad to see a thirsty horse refuse to drink though. That makes the urge stronger, but I’m devoted to giving it my best effort. I think I can do it. It’ll take practice, but I can be a very determined person.

Can wisdom be taught? Not always. And when you realize it cannot be taught - it may be best to stop trying and move on toward more productive behavior.

My leaning toward wisdom is probably better spent being coachable myself.