Wisdom: A History - Hardcover
“There’s no fool like an old fool,” the saying goes. What is it about wisdom that sets it apart from mere intelligence? What is that elusive difference between a simple grasp of the facts and profound understanding? Wisdom has fascinated the human race for thousands of years; philosophers are notorious for being in love with it, and for centuries writers have tried to capture its essence in proverbs and fables. In this book, Trevor Curnow provides an accessible introduction to wisdom and the many ways we have thought about and tried to achieve it throughout history.
Drawing on examples from a diversity of eras and places―from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe to modern Africa―Curnow explores the ways we have sought to overcome the problems posed by our existence, such as love and death, with a steadfast wisdom. He shows how many cultures have attributed wisdom to deities such as Apollo, Odin, and Sarasvati, and how, especially, we have placed it within the vehicle of the proverb, which has safeguarded its lessons throughout time and across cultures.
Including a collection of one hundred sayings that offer a rich record of wisdom’s reification, this history gives new insight into what wisdom actually is and where we might find it.
Drawing on examples from a diversity of eras and places―from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe to modern Africa―Curnow explores the ways we have sought to overcome the problems posed by our existence, such as love and death, with a steadfast wisdom. He shows how many cultures have attributed wisdom to deities such as Apollo, Odin, and Sarasvati, and how, especially, we have placed it within the vehicle of the proverb, which has safeguarded its lessons throughout time and across cultures.
Including a collection of one hundred sayings that offer a rich record of wisdom’s reification, this history gives new insight into what wisdom actually is and where we might find it.
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About the Author:
Trevor Curnow is professor of philosophy at the University of Cumbria, UK. He is the author of Oracles of the Ancient, Ancient Philosophy and Everyday Life, and Wisdom in the Ancient World.
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- PublisherReaktion Books
- Publication date2015
- ISBN 10 1780234511
- ISBN 13 9781780234519
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages240
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Hardcover. Trevor Curnow provides an introduction to wisdom in its many forms throughout human history. Curnow draws on examples from diverse times and cultures including ancient Egypt, medieval Europe and modern Africa. Special attention is paid to the proverb - regarded as a vehicle for wisdom throughout history - and the author collects 100 edifying examples at the book's conclusion, which can instruct and inform readers searching for wisdom in their own lives. Giving a new insight into what wisdom actually is and where to find it, this book will interest all those interested in the history of humanity's quest for knowledge. An account of the many forms of wisdom throughout history, this book draws on examples from diverse times and cultures including ancient Egypt, medieval Europe, and modern Africa. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781780234519
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