Types of Knowledge and Motivation

Knowledge without wisdom is like a load of books on the back of an ass.

Knowing about interpersonal relationship tools and how to use them is what we mean by Wisdom.

Different aspects of Wisdom include:

• Declarative Knowledge – What to do
• Procedural knowledge – the Way to do it
• Contextual knowledge – When, Where and Why to do it
• Motivation – Want to do it

We can know what to do without knowing the way to do something.  We can know the way to do it without having the wisdom of knowing when where and why to do it.  We can have the what, how, when, where, and why to do it and not want to do it.  TO DO IT WELL takes all four elements: declarative knowledge, procedural knowledge, contextual knowledge, and motivation. 

For example, lying and honesty are tools. Knowing how, when, where, and why to use them appropriately defines when they are being used in a healthy or pathological manner.  Brutal honesty can be pathological, and a white lie to compliment someone can be healthy.  The Jim Carey film “Liar, Liar” is a good illustration of the healthy vs. pathological use of both honesty and lying.  Both can cause harm or promote connection.  The wise person Wants to use both lying and honesty in healthy ways.

When was a time that a lie you told was harmful?  Helpful?

When was a time that telling the truth was harmful? Helpful?