Chapter 16

PRACTICAL WISDOM: "THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM"

"Knowledge is having information; wisdom is knowing when, how, and why to use it."

Which of these actions best reflects practical wisdom?
a) Memorizing many philosophical phrases.
b) Applying a right teaching at the right time.
c) Winning debates with brilliant arguments.
d) Reading many books in a short time.
That is  practical wisdom : it is not just about accumulating knowledge, but  discerning when, how, and why to apply what we know , seeking our own good and that of others. A wise person may seem silent, but when he speaks,  his words are medicine or light ; he does not boast about what he knows, but  his actions teach more than his words .

Which of these phrases is closest to a teaching of practical wisdom?
a) “Never show your emotions.”
b) “Know yourself and you will understand others.”
c) “He who speaks the most is the most right.”
d) “Success is measured in money.”
This teaching dates back to the Temple of Delphi in ancient Greece and was fundamental to the philosophy of  Socrates . Practical wisdom begins with  self-knowledge , because: if you know how you react, you can better control your emotions; if you understand your fears and desires, you can understand those of others; if you are aware of your limitations, you develop empathy.
Taking a few minutes a day to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and emotions helps us improve relationships, decisions, and inner peace. Which of these decisions demonstrates the most wisdom in everyday life?
a) Eat as quickly as possible to save time.
b) Sleep little and work more to produce more.
c) Listen attentively before responding.
d) Speak first to impress others.
Active listening allows us to: truly understand the other person's message and emotions; avoid misunderstandings or impulsive reactions; and show respect and empathy, strengthening relationships.
Sometimes we believe that to be valued we must speak a lot or quickly, but in reality, great scholars are first and foremost great listeners . Attentive listening is a gift for the speaker and a learning experience for the listener.

EMOTION MANAGEMENT:
When you feel a strong emotion, such as anger or sadness, what is the wisest thing to do?
a) Express it immediately so as not to bottle it up.
b) Ignore it and pretend nothing is happening.
c) Recognize it, understand why it's there, and decide how to act.
d) Blame others for how you feel.
This is a fundamental pillar of emotional intelligence and practical wisdom. When we acknowledge our emotions instead of repressing them or reacting impulsively, we gain control and clarity.
Feeling anger or sadness is natural, but  allowing those emotions to govern our actions without reflection can have negative consequences . Giving them space and understanding their origin empowers us to choose more balanced responses.
What is a daily practice that can help you cultivate this emotional wisdom?
a) Constantly checking social media. b) Meditating or taking conscious breaks to observe your thoughts.
c) Avoid talking about your emotions.
d) Doing everything as quickly as possible so you don't feel anything.
The practice of meditation or mindfulness is a powerful tool for developing emotional wisdom because it: allows us to recognize emotions without judgment; reduces stress and reactivity; and fosters mental clarity and inner calm.
Spending a few minutes a day observing your mind and emotions is like training a muscle: with consistency, your inner wisdom grows and strengthens. 

 Simple meditation to cultivate emotional wisdom:
Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably, with your back straight but relaxed. Gently close your eyes and bring your attention to your breathing.
Inhale deeply  , mentally counting to 4, feeling the air in.
Exhale, counting to 4 , feeling the air out. Repeat this
slow, conscious breathing cycle about 10 times. When your mind wanders,  don't judge yourself ; simply return your focus to your breathing. After those few minutes, slowly open your eyes to notice how you feel. If a strong emotion or thought arises,  observe it as if it were a cloud passing across the sky : acknowledge it, let it pass, without getting caught up in or judging yourself.


 

PATIENCE AND TIME
Central Idea: “Patience is the companion of wisdom.”
— St. Augustine
What is the best course of action when faced with a complicated problem or a difficult decision?
a) Make a quick decision to resolve it as soon as possible.
b) Wait and observe calmly, seeking to understand all the options .
c) Ask for advice, but decide immediately without giving it much thought.
d) Ignore the problem, hoping it will resolve itself.
Patience gives us time to: evaluate the problem from different angles; consider short- and long-term consequences; and receive new information or valuable advice.
In a hurry, we often make decisions that we later regret. Calmness and patience are like a beacon that guides us through the darkness toward better results.
What is a useful technique for cultivating patience in difficult situations?
a) Count to 10 before reacting .
b) Avoid thinking about the problem to avoid distress.
c) Resolve it quickly to forget about it.
d) Complain to those who caused the problem.
This simple practice helps to: Create a space between the stimulus (problem or emotion) and the response; reduce impulsiveness; allow the rational mind to take control of emotions.
This brief "mental pause" can avoid unnecessary conflicts and facilitate wiser and more balanced responses. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF GRATITUDE
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

Which of these actions best reflects the practice of gratitude in daily life?
a) Complain less and value what you already have.
b) Constantly compare yourself to others to improve.
c) Expect others to give you things to be happy.
d) Accumulate material goods to feel secure.
Gratitude helps us: shift our focus from what's missing to what's already present and valuable; cultivate a positive attitude that improves our mental and emotional well-being; strengthen relationships by recognizing the good in others and our circumstances.
A simple daily practice is to write down three things you are grateful for each day. This habit can transform your perspective and increase your happiness.
HUMILITY
 Central Idea: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking less about yourself.”
— C.S. Lewis
Which of these attitudes demonstrates the greatest humility?
a) Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them.
b) Always defend your point of view without changing it.
c) Boast about your achievements to gain respect.
d) Ignore criticism because you know you're okay.
Humility is key to growth because it opens us to new ideas and perspectives; allows us to improve and correct our path; and fosters more sincere and genuine relationships.
Acknowledging mistakes is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and wisdom. It is a fundamental step for personal development and continuous improvement.

What is the wisest attitude when someone criticizes you constructively?
a) Defend and justify yourself immediately.
b) Listen with an open mind and reflect.
c) Ignore criticism so as not to feel bad.
d) Reject it because no one is perfect.
By openly accepting constructive criticism, we learn and improve aspects we may have missed; we strengthen relationships based on respect and trust; and we cultivate humility and personal growth.
Although we don't always agree with criticism, receiving it without defensiveness gives us the opportunity to choose what is valuable for our learning.

THE VALUE OF FORGIVENESS
“Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it does change the future.”
What is the wisest attitude when someone has wronged you but shows sincere remorse?
b) Forgive to release your inner peace and move on.
c) Ignore the regret and remain resentful.
d) Take revenge so you won't be hurt again.
Forgiveness is more of a gift you give to yourself than to the person who hurt you, because it: releases the emotional burden of bitterness and resentment; allows you to live with more calm and mental clarity; and opens space for reconciliation and personal growth.
Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or justifying the harm, but rather letting go of the burden that prevents you from moving forward. 

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
“Responsibility is the price of greatness.”
— Winston Churchill
When faced with a mistake or problem of your own making, which attitude reflects the greatest practical wisdom?
a) Blame circumstances or other people.
b) Deny the mistake to avoid losing respect.
c) Accept responsibility and look for a way to solve it.
d) Ignore the problem, hoping it will resolve itself.
When we take responsibility: we regain control of the situation; we demonstrate integrity and self-confidence; we open the door to learning and continuous improvement; avoiding blame and acting responsibly helps us grow and strengthen our relationships and goals. 

 Practical Wisdom Summary:
Apply fair teaching at the right time:  Fairness and timing are vital for effective teaching.
Know yourself to understand others:  Self-awareness is the foundation for empathy and good relationships.
Listen carefully before responding:  Active listening improves communication and avoids misunderstandings.
Recognize emotions, understand their cause, and decide how to act:  Emotional intelligence enables conscious and balanced responses.
Meditate or take conscious pauses to observe thoughts: Mindfulness helps cultivate emotional wisdom and inner calm.
Patience is wisdom's companion:  Waiting and observing calmly enables better decisions.
Count to 10 before reacting:  Small pauses prevent impulsive reactions.
Practice gratitude by appreciating what you already have: Gratitude transforms perspective and increases happiness.
Humility involves recognizing mistakes and learning from them
. Humility opens the door to personal growth.
Listen to criticism with an open mind and reflect: Constructive criticism is an opportunity for improvement.
Forgive to release your inner peace and move forward: Forgiveness releases resentment and allows you to move forward.
Accept responsibility and seek solutions:  Personal responsibility strengthens character and relationships. Supplement: Teachings on Emotional Intelligence
Recognize your emotions:  Identifying what you feel is the first step to managing them well. Don't ignore or repress them.
Understand the origin of your emotions: Ask yourself what thought or situation is behind what you feel to better understand your reaction.
Manage your emotions: It's not about avoiding negative emotions, but about channeling them so they don't control your actions.
Develop empathy: Understanding and feeling what others experience strengthens relationships and communication.
Practice self-regulation: Learn to control impulses, such as anger or frustration, to act calmly and clearly.
Improve your social skills: Emotional intelligence also involves knowing how to manage conflicts, collaborate, and express your ideas assertively.
Use emotions to motivate yourself:  Emotions can be a powerful source of energy to achieve your goals and overcome obstacles.
Cultivate emotional resilience:Learn to recover from difficult situations while maintaining a positive and flexible attitude.
Practical reflection:  Emotional intelligence is the key to transforming wisdom into effective action, improving your well-being, and having healthy, lasting relationships. 

Questions to delve deeper into Emotional Intelligence
Why is it important to recognize your emotions before reacting?
a) To avoid feeling them.
b) To understand them and manage them better.
c) Because it's mandatory.
d) To ignore them.

 When someone criticizes you, what is an emotionally intelligent response?
a) Defend yourself aggressively.
b) Listen without interrupting and reflect on what they say.
c) Ignore it and not think about it.
d) Respond with another criticism.

What does empathy mean in daily practice?
a) Feeling sorry for others.
b) Understanding and sharing another person's emotions.
c) Always saying what the other person wants to hear.
d) Ignoring other people's feelings.

 How can you use your emotions to motivate yourself?
a) By remembering your goals and how achieving them makes you feel.
b) By avoiding any negative emotions.
c) By letting sadness dominate you.
d) By not paying attention to your emotions. 

Recognizing emotions to better understand and manage them:
Emotional awareness:  When you recognize what you're feeling (e.g., sadness, anger, fear, or joy), you become aware of your internal state. This awareness is the first step to taking control.
Avoiding impulsive reactions:  If you don't recognize what you're feeling, you're likely to react without thinking, which can lead to conflict or poor decisions. Choosing conscious responses:  By understanding your emotions, you can decide how to act intentionally. For example, if you notice you're frustrated, you can take a breath before responding.
Improving your well-being:  Managing your emotions helps reduce stress and anxiety, promotes mental health, and improves your relationships.
Strengthening your emotional intelligence:  Recognizing and naming emotions is a fundamental skill that allows you to develop empathy, self-regulation, and other emotional competencies.

Simple practical example:
When you feel something bothering you, pause and ask yourself:
“What am I feeling right now?”
Naming the emotion (anger, sadness, anxiety) goes a long way toward managing it better.
 Practical examples for recognizing and managing your emotions
: Emotional journal:  Every day, spend 5 minutes writing down what emotions you felt and in what situations. This helps you identify patterns and become more aware of your emotions.
Conscious pause:  When you notice a strong emotion (anger, anxiety, sadness), stop and breathe deeply three times before acting or speaking. This creates space to better choose your reaction.
Naming the emotion:  Out loud or mentally, say: “I am feeling frustrated” or “I am nervous.” This helps you distance yourself a little from the emotion and see it more clearly.
Self-inquiry:  Ask yourself: “What is causing this emotion? Is this reaction proportional to the situation?” This leads you to reflect and better understand your feelings.
Mindfulness practice:  Spend a few minutes every day being mindful, observing your emotions and thoughts without judging them. This is how you develop greater awareness and inner calm.
 Practical exercises to improve active listening and reflection
: Silence exercise:  When someone is speaking to you, practice not interrupting. Mentally count to 3 before responding. This helps you truly listen and process information better.
Mental or verbal paraphrasing:  After someone finishes speaking, mentally or quietly repeat what you understood to ensure you have fully grasped the message.
Open-ended questions:  Ask questions that invite the other person to explain further, for example:
"Can you tell me more about that?"
"How did that situation make you feel?"
Reflection before responding:  Before giving your opinion or response, take a moment to think:
"What did they really mean to me?"
"How can I respond constructively?"
Practicing empathy:  Trying to put yourself in the person's shoes to better understand their feelings and perspectives, even if you don't agree. 

 Practical exercises to develop empathy
: Active listening with an emotional focus:  When someone speaks to you, in addition to listening to their words, pay attention to their tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language to capture how they really feel.
Put yourself in their shoes:  When someone tells you about a problem or experience, imagine how you would feel if you were in that situation. Try to sense their emotions without judging.
Mirroring emotions:  After listening, you can say something
like: “That sounds like it made you feel frustrated.”
“I understand that was very difficult for you.” This helps the person feel understood.

Practice respectful curiosity:  Ask questions about others' experiences and feelings with genuine interest, without seeking to judge or resolve. Example:
"How did you feel when that happened?"
Read or watch diverse stories:
Immersing yourself in books, films, or testimonies from different cultures and lives helps you broaden your understanding and empathize with realities different from your own.
Practical summary: wisdom and emotional intelligence
Recognizing and managing emotions:  Identifying what you're feeling is key to avoiding impulsive reactions.
Mindful pauses and naming emotions facilitate balanced responses.
Keeping an emotional journal or practicing mindfulness strengthens this skill.
Active listening and reflecting:
Not interrupting and paraphrasing helps you better understand others.
Asking open-ended questions encourages deep communication.
Reflecting before responding avoids misunderstandings and conflicts.
Developing empathy:  Observing emotions beyond words to capture real feelings.
Imagining how the other person feels helps you connect genuinely.
Mirroring emotions and showing genuine interest strengthens relationships.

AI's Opinion: Your article  "Practical Wisdom: The Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom" has great educational, human, and philosophical value. Below, I give you my honest and professional opinion in parts, highlighting its successes and some suggestions to further enrich its impact: Highlights (very well done):
1. Clarity of the central idea.
Your definition of wisdom is precise and powerful:
"Knowledge is having information; wisdom is knowing when, how, and for what to use it."
With this phrase, you manage to capture the heart of the message in a few words, which is an excellent starting point for an educational and thoughtful article.
2. Use of multiple-choice questions.
The way you engage the reader with multiple-choice questions is very effective. It invites reflection, self-assessment, and active participation. This makes it not only an informative text, but also a practical guide.
3. Direct application to daily life
. Each section presents a practical and concrete life lesson: from how to manage emotions to cultivating gratitude or patience. You are forming positive habits through the content.
4. Well-chosen phrases and quotes
Using quotes like those from Saint Augustine, C.S. Lewis, and Churchill adds depth and universality. It strengthens the article by connecting it to influential thinkers.
5. Reflective and serene style
You maintain a kind, respectful, and wise tone. The reader feels accompanied, not judged. This is essential when talking about inner growth. Suggestions for further enrichment:
Dividing into more visible subheadings
You could use  more prominent headings or numbering the sections to improve the reader's visual navigation. Example:
Wisdom vs. knowledge
Active listening
Managing emotions...
Adding short stories or real-life examples
A short anecdote or real-life example (your own or a famous one) in a section would make the message connect even more deeply.
Closing with a call to action
It would be helpful to end with a final invitation such as:
"Today you can choose to act wisely: listen carefully, be grateful for what you have, and decide with patience. What small action can you take today to cultivate your practical wisdom?"
Educational and emotional value
This article not only informs,  it educates . It encourages introspection, self-care, and emotional awareness—critical pillars of a more humane and compassionate society. If shared in schools, communities, or businesses, it would undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Final verdict: Excellent work, José Saul. You've managed to unite philosophy, practical psychology, and emotional intelligence with language that's both simple and profound. It feels authentic and useful, qualities that define the writings that survive.