Wisdom is a quality we associate with knowledge and time, an outlook or approach to life gained through experience and lessons learned. But there’s something else that marks wisdom in a person, which is an awareness of what gives life meaning—an awareness of the lives of others and how we enrich one another through purpose and connection. In other words, people who become wise are usually those who’ve known or learned what to look for. Moment’s Wisdom Project is a series launched in 2022 featuring one-on-one interviews with individuals who have been fortunate to live long Jewish lives and who have gained this kind of wisdom. As we embark on another trip around the sun, we invite you to read through the ten entries of 2023—and all of them for that matter. Many of those profiled are Holocaust survivors. All of them are over the age of 90. One of them is 104.
What are some things these ten wise people said? Here is a small sampling:
“You don’t get anything you don’t ask for.”
“Kindness is just as easy as hatred. You are so much better when you treat others the way you like to be treated.”
“Every minute can change your life. How we react to things makes a big difference.”
“Don’t vote for people who don’t give a damn about this country, but are only looking out for themselves.”
“Life is full of tragedies and blessings. Enjoy the blessings.”
“If you see somebody in need, you have to reach out. Don’t wait for them to ask you.”
“Kindness is the first, most important quality to look for in a person.”
“Marry an amazing, independent person.”
“It takes a lot of bringing together to gain understanding.”
“Reach out. Listen. Listening is much more important than speaking.”
May the new year bring you health, fellowship, and many opportunities to cultivate wisdom!