Our age is not one that suffers from a lack of information. Within a few clicks, we can access, explore, and analyze virtually any topic that sparks our curiosity. But mere head knowledge can never replace the wisdom that comes through the human touch.
Of course, there are many benefits to knowing more about the world around us. This allows us to be wise and discerning in how we use the time and resources God has given us. And, to be sure, we can make a greater impact when we can clearly name the issues we’re dealing with and prioritize our attention accordingly.
But there’s more to life than simply filling our minds with more information. True wisdom requires a meaningful integration into our daily lives, which means we must also stay in touch with our bodies and souls.
For instance, there’s a profound difference between simply knowing about our wife and appreciating a lived experience with her. These are not mutually exclusive, but they’re not interchangeable either. Knowing about our wife helps us to enjoy life with our wife. But the essence of her being can never be reduced to mere fact sheets.
And this is true with the whole of life.
To experience the fullness of life we must touch the grass, feel the wind, and even learn to accept the mingled realities of our beautiful yet dirty bodies. And it’s through such embodied experiences that we stay in touch with reality and gain the wisdom needed to rightly apply the vast amount of information we’re exposed to.
Without the wisdom that comes through the human touch we become increasingly disconnected from ourselves and each other. We diminish our human dignity by becoming like mere robots ourselves.
In the end, expand the limits of your mind and the knowledge you possess. But don’t forget wisdom requires the human touch – living in body and soul and not just the vast information our minds can hold.
