Intelligence, Knowledge & Wisdom

Introduction 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new buzz word. I wonder why we don’t have a concept called Artificial Wisdom (AW) ? Why do we call it an ‘intelligent algorithm’ rather than a wise one. Consider the dichotomy between a wise old man and an intelligent student, or the distinction between the wisdom of the Rishis and the intelligence of a scientist. Why is it normal to prefix as above - can they be interchanged? Reflect on these before reading this blog.

What is Intelligence, Knowledge & Wisdom

Intelligence, Knowledge & Wisdom are closely linked terms and may sound synonymous. But there are subtle differences. Intelligence seems like a gift you are born with, you can develop it further. Knowledge is the outcome of your intelligence & hard work. Wisdom is how you apply this knowledge to connect the dots, develop insights and apply them to solve a problem, build a product, company or develop a concept. You can use your wisdom for the well-being of humanity or for destructive purpose – this power of discrimination has been given to humans.  

The Human Brain 

Scientifically the neurons in our brain and the inter connections they form is what contributes to our intelligence. Every human is born with approximately 86 billion neurons in their brain. At birth, these neurons are unconnected and disparate. The human brain at this stage is like a blank slate upon which scribbling begins. 

As the infant enters the human society, connections, termed as synapses began to form between these neurons. It peaks by the age of two when there are approximately 100 trillion synapses. After this  neural pruning begins. The second stage of synapses formation begins just before the onset of puberty and continues throughout the teenage years with simultaneous pruning. By the age of 25, neural changes in the brain gets stabilised with changes occurring at glacial pace. By adulthood, a human brain is left with only 50% of the synapses that were formed by the age of two. 

So how do we become wiser with age? In his best-selling book “ The Brain – The story of you” the author David Eagleman says: “You become who you are not because of what grows in your brain, but because of what is removed.” This dynamic aspect of neural circuitry is termed ‘neural plasticity’ as synapses keeps on forming and pruning throughout life.

Wise Grandmother

In this context I felt this example was apt. I narrate this since we would normally associate these terms with great scientists or successful entrepreneurs with high IQ & Mensa ratings. 

My 80 year old grandmother was visiting us. The vessel of a steel lid was stuck and none of us were able to open it. Pulling, pushing, inserting sharp object at the edge - nothing worked. Then the grand old suggested – ‘just keep it on the gas burner  and it will pop open’. And that’s exactly what happened – the hot air inside pushed the lid up in a jiffy. Here was a lady who had studied till Class 5 but had more practical knowledge and wisdom than highly educated people.

The Source of these attributes 

What is the source of our intellect, knowledge, power of discrimination? Where does it reside? Is it just the brain or is there more to it. 

It is fascinating on how our ancient scriptures have talked in detail on this topic. A starting point is the Pancha Koshas.

The Concept of the Pancha Koshas 

The Taittiriya Upanishad (From the Yajur Veda) explains that the human Soul is enveloped by five Kosha’s (Layers or sheaths). 

• Annamaya Kosha : Gross physical appearance / Physical Sheath

• Pranamaya Kosha : Vital life force / Vital Sheath 

• Manomaya Kosha : Mental and emotional status / Mental Sheath

• Vigyanmaya Kosha : Subtle knowledge / Wisdom Sheath

• Anandmaya Kosha : State of eternal freedom / Bliss body

Manomaya Kosha is the layer of mind which comprises thoughts, emotions, feelings and passions. It is the connection point between the lower and upper two sheaths. Our mind is restless. It is difficult to control thoughts. The Manomaya kosha can be either useful or detrimental, depending on how we train the mind. 

The Vijnanamaya Kosha is also called the awareness or wisdom sheath. This kosha is considered the seat of intuition, awareness, and wisdom. It comprises mind, intellect, and ego with the five organs of perception and is responsible for all the judgmental actions. It is often described as the "mind beyond the mind". 

Antahkarana (अन्तःकरण)

This Sanskrit term translates to "inner instrument" or "inner organ" It has four components and operates within the framework of the Vijnanamaya Kosha. 

• Manas (मनस्): The mind, responsible for receiving and processing information from the senses. 

• Buddhi (बुद्धि): The intellect, responsible for understanding, reasoning, and making decisions. 

• Chitta (चित्त): Consciousness, the storehouse of memories, impressions, and subconscious thoughts. 

Ahamkara (अहंकार): The ego, the sense of "I-ness" or self-identification. 

Analogy from the Katha Upanishad 

How these various elements operate in synergy is explained beautifully in the Katha Upanishad from the Krishna Yajurveda. 

The Self of man is compared to the Lord seated in a chariot. The body to the chariot, the intellect to charioteer, the mind to reins, the senses to  horses, and  sense objects to the road along which the chariot is driven. The unbridled horse can drive the chariot on a perilous journey. 

By channelizing buddhi or intellect, in the right direction, one can control the mind and the senses from going astray, and invigorate the wisdom-body.  Having intellect is an asset – but diverting it in the right direction is what makes a difference. That is Wisdom. 

As we control our senses with practise, we go deeper into our layers of consciousness. From the world of words to the world of thoughts, then beyond thoughts to wisdom in the Self. This is the ultimate purpose of life.

Intelligence Vs Wisdom 

There is a big difference between intelligence and wisdom. The world has  many intelligent people who may lack wisdom. If wise men ruled the world would it be a better place ? 

Our current education system strives to leverage our intelligence and make us knowledgeable – but the traditional Vedic Gurukul system emphasised on developing self-awareness and wisdom. 

Wisdom is described in the Bible as the skill of living life as God intended. It is not just the ability to “think well” but rather to “thoughtfully act” in a way that is good and godly.

When knowledge builds pride and a sense of superiority it is detrimental – it is Ahankara. 

In Conclusion 

In a world immersed in intellectual arrogance many struggle to say “I don’t Know”.  Many claim to “Know it all”. I will conclude the Blog with a beautiful quote from the Ishavasya Upanishads. 

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Ishavasya Upanishad 

Andham Tamah Pravishanti Ye Avidyam Upasate

Tato Bhuya Iva Te Tamo Ya U Vidyayam Rataah

Those who worship ignorance enter into darkness and those who worship knowledge enter into greater darkness.

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