PRACTICAL WISDOM

Timeless ideas fix problems

Practical wisdom (phronesis) is the ability to be wise in daily, practical matters. It means combining new and old, applying accumulated knowledge to seek the best of both worlds.

Those with practical wisdom draw from history, tradition, and experience, but don’t stop there. They use what’s timeless to navigate sudden change, problems, and the shape-shifting present with agility, adaptability, and a rigorous intellectual approach.

What it looks like

We stay sharp, pragmatic, and disciplined. We comb past experiences and master new skills for the best possible approach. We draw on acquired knowledge when things change rapidly.

“No magic bullet.” Cultivating good habits consistently over time.

Above all, we pay attention. Something that’s worked wonders in the past may not be the answer we’re looking for right now… but applying practical wisdom means bringing context and straightforward thinking to any new solution.

What it doesn’t look like

Staying stuck in the past, or recycling some old approach because that’s what’s easiest. Saying “I told you so,” and having nothing to offer when problems arise. Arrogance. The world is big, and we don’t know everything. So we’re willing to learn, even learning with our clients in some cases.

Words that brought us here

Practicality, Habits, Intellection, Flexibility, Diligence