"La ruse... n'est que la pâle imitation de la sagesse."

When you think about the essence of wisdom, it’s a deep understanding of life, people, and the world around us. True wisdom often comes with experience, reflection, and a genuine desire to do what’s right. On the other hand, cunning is more like a cheap imitation. It’s trying to outsmart others for personal gain, often by tricking them or being deceitful. While they might look similar at a glance, they’re fundamentally different.

Let’s wind back to the 17th century when this was articulated. The philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon wrote about the distinction between wisdom and cunning. In his time, politics was a treacherous game, full of plots and schemes. Bacon saw many people who were cunning, always looking for an edge, but he recognized that genuine wisdom was a far nobler pursuit. His insight was likely shaped by the turbulent politics of Elizabethan England, where survival often depended on shrewdness. Bacon wanted to highlight that while cunning might bring short-term success, it lacks the depth and moral grounding of true wisdom.

Imagine you’re in a workplace. There’s one colleague, let’s call him Jake, who always seems to have the scoop. He knows which projects are hot, seems to be friends with everyone, and can charm his way into getting what he wants. But over time, you notice Jake is always shifting blame, taking credit for others' work, and manipulating situations to his advantage. He’s cunning, no doubt.

Then there's another colleague, Sarah. She might not always be in the limelight, but she listens, offers genuine help, and when she speaks, people listen. She solves problems thoughtfully and is respected because of her integrity and insight. She embodies wisdom.

Now, if you’re thinking about applying this to your own life, the advice is straightforward: strive for wisdom, not cunning. Here’s how. First, be honest in your dealings. Integrity builds trust and long-term respect. Second, seek to understand rather than just to win. Ask questions, listen deeply, and reflect. Third, be patient. Wisdom isn’t a quick win—it’s a lifelong journey of learning and growth.

Let’s paint a picture. Imagine you’re at a family gathering. There’s a heated debate about the best way to care for an elderly relative. One sibling, let’s call him Tom, is pushing hard for a particular nursing home, but you suspect it’s because he’s thinking about the inheritance. He’s cunning—using the situation to his advantage subtly.

But there’s your aunt Lisa, who’s calm and thoughtful. She listens to everyone, weighs the options, and suggests a plan that’s best for the relative, even if it means more work for her. She’s wise. You can see how the family respects her and values her opinion. You want to be like Aunt Lisa—someone who looks at the bigger picture with kindness and insight.

In the end, it’s about choosing the high road. While cunning might give you that quick edge, wisdom will carry you through life with honor and a clear conscience. Think of each decision as a brick in the wall of your character. Each time you choose wisdom over cunning, you’re building something strong and lasting. And isn’t that the kind of life we all aspire to?