"لم يكن أي رجل حكيمًا عن طريق الصدفة"

Wisdom doesn't just fall into your lap out of nowhere. It's not something you stumble upon accidentally. Instead, it's a product of deliberate choices, experiences, and reflections over time. Think about it—do you know anyone who woke up one morning and suddenly became wise? No, it takes effort, learning from mistakes, and sometimes even a bit of suffering to gain true wisdom.

This idea goes way back. The quote, 'No man was ever wise by chance,' is attributed to Seneca, a Roman Stoic philosopher. Seneca lived in a time when the pursuit of wisdom and virtue was a central part of life. For the Stoics, wisdom was a key virtue, and they believed it required constant self-examination and discipline. They practiced what they called 'philosophical exercises' to train their mind and character. Seneca's point was clear: wisdom is intentional.

Let's bring this to life with an example. Think about Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. His journey to becoming one of the most innovative minds in tech wasn't an easy ride. He faced numerous setbacks, including being ousted from the very company he started. Instead of wallowing in defeat, he started new ventures, like NeXT and Pixar. His experiences and the lessons he learned along the way shaped his wisdom. When he returned to Apple, he was wiser and more capable of turning the company around. That wasn't by chance. It was through continuous learning, resilience, and reflection.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by embracing your mistakes. Don't shy away from failure; instead, see it as a valuable lesson. Reflect on what went wrong and think about how you can do better next time. Also, make a habit of seeking out new experiences and learning from others. Read books, ask questions, and don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Wisdom comes from a willingness to grow and adapt.

Imagine you're learning to play the guitar. The first time you pick it up, your fingers fumble, and the strings create a discordant noise. It’s frustrating. But you keep at it—practicing every day, watching tutorials, maybe even taking a few lessons. Over time, your fingers learn where to go. The music starts to flow more naturally. That sense of fluidity and understanding? It didn’t happen by chance. It came from your effort and persistence.

Or picture a friend who’s been through a tough breakup. Initially, they’re devastated. But over time, they reflect on what went wrong and start to understand more about themselves and what they need in a relationship. They don’t just magically become wiser about love; they learn through their experiences and the introspection that follows.

In short, if you want to be wise, you’ve got to work at it. You need to be intentional about learning from every experience, good or bad. Wisdom is a journey, not a destination, and it’s one that requires your active participation every step of the way.