August 9th, 2008 |  Print This Post |  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email |  

The greatest insights are some of life’s basic truths that spawn wisdom and enlightenment. Each one of these truths is not only fundamental, but also rudimentary to the point that it can be easily comprehended by both adults and children alike. However, in its simplicity, each of these insights are usually one of the hardest concepts for an individual to come to terms with and practice on a daily basis. Since wisdom is the principal thing, it (wisdom) should be pursued along with its benefits.

Insight and Foresight

As insights are deep revelations, those with insight should have the foresight to act or react with wisdom. The glossary on NinthStreetCenter.org defines insight as “a permanence of concept that insures comprehension - analogous to mastery”.

For a person to claim mastery of a thing, this person has to have an understanding of it. This is accomplished by knowing what it is, and how to apply it. This person understands what a particular insight is by realizing its importance or relevance to his/her life (and the lives of others). This person also has a deep comprehension of the issues surrounding that.

According to wordnet.princeton.edu, insight is defined as:

Know-how is an essential part of being insightful. It is not only knowing how to go about applying the knowledge, but experiencing the actual application on a repetitive basis. This is why someone with knowledge on a particular issue will typically know how to navigate the issue in order to resolve it optimally; in a sense it becomes an acquired skill. The ability to navigate and resolve becomes the foresight to act or react with wisdom. The resulting wisdom is the aggregated knowledge through experience, yielding the ability to accurately discern an issue of doubt or uncertainty as to what to do in a certain situation.

For example, it is commonplace for people to know about driving and understand what it is. However, a person cannot be a knowledgeable driver if he hasn’t sat behind a wheel and driven some distance. The longer he drives, the better his driving skills. While driving on the road, there are certain things that the driver experiences which cannot be completely revealed through theoretical learning, given the nature of driving. Mastery of driving becomes evident when a person can drive during the day or at night, over very long distances, during hazardous weather, terrible traffic conditions, life threatening situations, etc.

The above analogy is similar to the understanding and mastery of life’s insights. Living and applying them continues to be a learning process, even after a high level of proficiency has been developed.

Ultimately, life’s greatest insights are perceptions of knowledge that are ageless and will always be relevant. Below are those considered to be the best of them - insights that if practiced daily lead to mastery, and a happy and fulfilled life.

Life’s Greatest Insights:

1. It is better to Love than to hate
2. Learn to keep Promises; be a person of Integrity
3. Revenge is a failing of human nature and is for the weak
4. Give liberally without ulterior motives
5. Live simply and worry less
6. Forgiveness always eases burdens introduced by grudge
7. Demonstrate Goodwill through good works
8. Be Dedicated to what matters, ascribing to each their appropriate value
9. Always encourage Fairness around you
10. Aspire to walk the high road of Fidelity
11. Remember that Humility outlast pride
12. Learn lessons whenever you can (preferably from others mistakes)
13. Experience Peace through Patience

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