"La moralité est temporaire, la sagesse est permanente"

The core idea here is that our sense of right and wrong can change over time, but true understanding and insight stand the test of time. Morality often shifts with cultural trends or societal changes, but wisdom—deep, abiding knowledge and good judgment—remains constant.

Think about the 1960s, a decade of radical change. What was considered moral back then? The Civil Rights Movement was just gaining momentum, and actions that some deemed immoral were pivotal in pushing society towards equality. Today, we'd see those actions as not just moral, but necessary. Morality shifted, but the wisdom behind the push for equality—valuing human dignity and justice—hasn't changed.

Take, for instance, the story of Rosa Parks. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. At the time, that act was seen as immoral by many because it defied the segregation laws. People around her saw her as a troublemaker. But her wisdom told her that all people deserve equal treatment and respect. Her action was based on a deeper truth that transcended the temporary morals of her time. Today, we recognize her as a hero, an icon of wisdom and courage.

So how do you apply this in your own life? When faced with a difficult decision, don't just think about what's considered "right" at the moment. Ask yourself what will still seem right in ten, twenty, fifty years—what will withstand the test of time? This means cultivating a sense of wisdom within yourself. Reflect on your experiences, learn from others, and seek timeless principles like compassion, integrity, and fairness.

Imagine you’re working at a company that's pushing for rapid growth, sometimes at the expense of employee well-being. The moral climate might be to go along with it—everyone else is—but wisdom tells you that treating people well creates sustainable success. You decide to speak up for better working conditions. It might not be the popular choice now, but it's the wise one over time. Employees will remember your stand, and when the tide turns, you'll be seen as a leader who had the foresight to value what truly matters.

Here's a relatable scenario: Think about friendships. We've all had friends who were fun to be with, but maybe they pushed us into doing things we weren't comfortable with. While it felt okay at the time, looking back, we realize those actions didn't align with our deeper values. True friends, on the other hand, give us advice that holds up no matter the current phase of our lives. They remind us to stay true to our principles. That’s wisdom in action—choosing relationships that nurture and challenge us in meaningful ways, beyond the fleeting trends of what's seen as cool or acceptable.

Remember, wisdom isn't about being perfect or always knowing the right answer immediately. It's about striving for understanding that doesn't waver with the winds of change. It’s a compass for navigating life's complexities. So, next time you’re at a crossroads, don’t just ask, "Is this right?"—ask, "Is this wise?"