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Wiser summary
Dilip Jeste
Scott LaFee
The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes Us Good
19 mins
Brief summary
Wiser by Dilip Jeste with Scott LaFee is a book that offers practical advice on how to grow wiser as we age. It explores the science of wisdom and provides actionable steps for cultivating wisdom in our daily lives.
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Wiser
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Neuroscience can help explain the link between wisdom and aging.
We all know people we consider wise. It might be your former English teacher, an aunt or an uncle, or even a trusted friend.
Whoever the wise people in your life are, you’re probably glad they’re around. After all, wise people are understanding and compassionate. They’re knowledgeable about the ways of the world and the heart – and they understand their own biases and limitations.
And very often, they’re also old. Sure, you might know some young people you consider wise; it’s not an impossibility. But from Dumbledore to Yoda, aging and wisdom seem to go hand in hand.
But why is that? Is it just a fictional stereotype, or is there something deeper at play?
The key message here is: Neuroscience can help explain the link between wisdom and aging.
When scientists began to study the science of wisdom, they found that two parts of the brain surfaced again and again in their research: the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.
You might have heard of the amygdala already. It’s one of the two little almond-shaped organs set deep within the human brain, and it plays a key role in our experience of emotion.
The prefrontal cortex, on the other hand, is large and sits just behind the forehead. It’s responsible for quite a lot of things – but, most important for us, it plays a key role in the development and practice of wisdom. For example, it’s thanks to the prefrontal cortex, or PFC for short, that we humans possess the ability to empathize and be altruistic.
So how does this all tie in with aging? Well, it just so happens that our amygdala and PFC undergo significant changes as we age – changes with close links to wisdom, optimism, and emotional harmony.
One of the most important changes is that, as we age, the amygdala becomes less responsive to upsetting stimuli or information. At the same time, however, older people remain just as sensitive to uplifting stimuli, like a photo of a baby smiling – meaning that they experience fewer lows in response to the world, but just as many highs.
At the same time, as we grow older, much of the brain’s activity shifts from the back of the brain to the front of the brain, toward the PFC – which, as we’ve said, is where much of our compassionate wisdom resides.
In other words, Yoda might be science fiction – but that doesn't mean the link between his age and his wisdom has no basis in the real world.
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What is Wiser about?
Wiser (2020) combines a scientific approach to wisdom with practical tips on how to grow wiser today. Drawing on decades of research and cutting-edge studies, it pairs explanation and advice in its investigation of compassion, aging, decision-making, and more.
Wiser Review
Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes Us Good by Dilip Jeste with Scott LaFee (2021) explores the concept of wisdom and its role in our lives. Here are three reasons why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Offers fascinating insights based on scientific research, shedding light on the nature of wisdom and its impact on our well-being.
- Presents real-life stories and examples that illustrate the principles of wisdom, making it relatable and applicable to our own lives.
- Challenges common misconceptions about aging, showing how it can actually be a time of personal growth and increased wisdom, making the book anything but boring.
Best quote from Wiser
There is no wisdom in instability. If youre always angry or consumed by negative emotions, you cannot behave wisely.
—Dilip Jeste with Scott LaFee
Who should read Wiser?
- Busy twenty-first-century folk hungry for old-fashioned wisdom
- Amateur scientists interested in discovering more about the brain
- People who want to get wise before they get old
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Wiser FAQs
What is the main message of Wiser?
The main message of Wiser is that wisdom is not solely determined by age, but can be cultivated at any stage of life.
How long does it take to read Wiser?
The reading time for Wiser varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Wiser a good book? Is it worth reading?
Wiser is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the science of wisdom and its practical applications. It offers insights and strategies for personal growth.
Who is the author of Wiser?
Wiser is written by Dilip Jeste with Scott LaFee.
What to read after Wiser?
If you're wondering what to read next after Wiser, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Blowout by Rachel Maddow
- David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
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- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- Rewire by Nicole Vignola
- The Meaning of Life by Terry Eagleton
- The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch
- The Formula by Joshua Robinson
- It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn
- The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday