Every day we make choices—from small ones like should I snooze my alarm? to big ones like should I take this job offer or not? Some don’t matter much, but others shape our future in big ways. The challenge is knowing which is which. That’s where wisdom comes in.
Wisdom isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about knowing how to act: what to do, what not to do, and what to simply let go of. The Stoics taught that wisdom is built by practicing three habits:
Our first reaction is often wrong. For example, you send your friend a WhatsApp message, and they don’t reply. Your first thought? They ignored me. But maybe they’re busy with exams or work. Acting on the wrong impression (anger, sulking, gossiping) can damage relationships. Wisdom is pausing, breathing, and checking before reacting.
Not everything is up to us. You can’t control traffic in Bengaluru, your professor’s mood, or how many likes your Instagram reel gets. But you can control how you prepare for exams, how you use your time, and how you respond when things don’t go your way. Spending energy on things outside your control only drains you.
Even if something is in your control, it’s not wise if it goes against who you want to be. For instance, shouting at your parents may feel like a release, but does it align with respect and patience? Taking a high-paying job that burns you outdoes it align with balance and purpose? Wisdom means choosing the option that reflects courage, fairness, and moderation, even if it’s harder.
Wisdom is not theory, it’s practice. Every day gives you chances to implement it: how you study, how you treat friends, how you handle setbacks. Over time, these small choices build a life you’re proud of.
So today, don’t just react. Choose wisely
