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We are growing increasingly disenchanted with the institutions on which we depend. We can’t

trust them. They disappoint us. They fail to give us what we need. This is true of schools that

are not serving our kids as well as we think they should. It is true of doctors who seem too

busy to give us the attention and unhurried care we crave. It’s true of banks that mismanage

our assets, and of bond-rating agencies that fail to provide an accurate assessment of the

risk of possible investments. It’s true of a legal system that seems more interested in

expedience than in justice. It’s true of a workplace in which we fulfill quotas and hit targets and

manage systems but wind up feeling disconnected from the animating forces that drew us to

our careers in the first place. And the disenchantment we experience as recipients of services

is often matched by the dissatisfaction of those who provide them.

Most doctors want to practice medicine well and keep up with the latest medical research, but

they feel helpless faced with the challenge of balancing patients’ needs with the practical

demands of hassling with insurance companies, earning enough to pay malpractice

premiums, and squeezing patients into seven-minute visits. Most teachers want to teach kids

the basics and at the same time instill a passion for learning, but they feel helpless faced with

the challenge of reconciling these goals with mandates to meet targets on standardized tests,

to adopt specific teaching techniques, and to keep up with the ever-increasing paperwork. No

one is satisfied — not the professionals and not their clients.

When we try to make things better, we generally reach for one of two tools. The first tool is a

set of rules and procedures that tell people what to do and monitor their performance. The

second tool is a set of incentives that encourage good performance by rewarding people for it.

The assumption behind carefully constructed rules is that even if people do want to do the

right thing, they need to be told what that is. And the assumption underlying incentives is that

people will not be motivated to do the right thing unless they have an incentive to do so. Rules

and incentives. Sticks and carrots. What else is there?

My book with Ken Sharpe, Practical Wisdom:

The Right Way to Do the Right Thing, is an

attempt to answer that question. Rules and

incentives are not enough. They leave out

something essential — what classical

philosopher Aristotle called practical wisdom

(his word was phronesis). Without this missing

ingredient, neither detailed rules nor clever

incentives will be enough to solve the problems

we face.

Most experienced practitioners know that rules only take them so far. How should a doctor

balance respect for patient choice with the knowledge that sometimes the patient is not the

best judge of what is needed? How should a doctor balance the need to spend enough time

with each patient to be thorough, compassionate, and understanding with the need to see

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enough patients to keep the office solvent? How

should a doctor balance the desire to tell

patients the truth, no matter how difficult, with

the desire to be kind?

Doctors — and teachers attempting to teach

and inspire, or lawyers attempting to provide

proper counsel and serve justice — are not

puzzling over a choice between the “right” thing

and the “wrong” thing. The common quandaries

they face are choices among right things —

right things that clash. A good doctor needs to

be honest with her patients, and kind to her

patients, and to give them the hope they need

to endure difficult treatments. But, these aims

are often at odds, and the doctor must decide

whether to be honest or compassionate, or

more likely how to balance honesty and

compassion in a way that is appropriate for the

patient in front of her.

Aristotle recognized that balancing acts like

these beg for wisdom, and that wisdom has to

be practical because the conundrums we face are embedded in our everyday work. They are

quandaries that any practitioner must resolve to do her work well. Practical wisdom combines

the will to do the right thing with the skill to figure out what the right thing is.

Our book describes the essential characteristics of practical wisdom and shows why it’s

needed to inform the everyday activities of doctors, lawyers, and teachers — and parents,

lovers, and friends. We discuss some impressive examples of wisdom — and its absence —

in practice. We show that the rules and incentives we reach for to improve our schools or our

clinics, or even our banks, are no substitute for wisdom. Worse, they can be the enemies of

wise practice. And we suggest that when wisdom is cultivated it is not only good for society

but is, as Aristotle thought, a key to our own happiness. Wisdom isn’t just something we

“ought” to have. It’s something we want to have to flourish.

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5/27/13 Practical Wisdom: The Right Way to Do the Right Thing | LinkedIn

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Vanessa W.Vanessa W.

Founder and Owner at Shy Hill MarketingFounder and Owner at Shy Hill Marketing

I'm going to purchase your book and hope that it will assist in finding a way. I'm going to purchase your book and hope that it will assist in finding a way. Some people may laugh at thisSome people may laugh at this

post, but in the past 6 months my sweetest, most loving companion, Rici, was treated very cruelly at thepost, but in the past 6 months my sweetest, most loving companion, Rici, was treated very cruelly at the

hands of specialist. hands of specialist. His skin was removed, some of his toes were missing, nipples were gone, the skin fromHis skin was removed, some of his toes were missing, nipples were gone, the skin from

his anus removed, his teeth cleaned (?), I have no idea why. his anus removed, his teeth cleaned (?), I have no idea why. I do know that he had a disease that was notI do know that he had a disease that was not

curable and I know that doctors took advantage of that, surely, hoping to have enough tissue to test and helpcurable and I know that doctors took advantage of that, surely, hoping to have enough tissue to test and help

the next one and not just to be some type of egotistical hero. Rici could not speak and I have been helplessthe next one and not just to be some type of egotistical hero. Rici could not speak and I have been helpless

in defending him. I'm willing not to take, but to give anything I can to defend the next one, small, sweet, dogin defending him. I'm willing not to take, but to give anything I can to defend the next one, small, sweet, dog

who gave nothing but love, who was love.who gave nothing but love, who was love.

15m15m

Bright H.Bright H.

CEO, Britel LLCCEO, Britel LLC

We must not confuse intelligent choice-making and conscious choice making based on ourWe must not confuse intelligent choice-making and conscious choice making based on our

knowledge at a particular point and time with Wisdom. We may make very intelligent andknowledge at a particular point and time with Wisdom. We may make very intelligent and

conscious choices based on our knowledge at the time that may later turn out to be unwise.conscious choices based on our knowledge at the time that may later turn out to be unwise.

16m16m

Bright H.Bright H.

CEO, Britel LLCCEO, Britel LLC

There is no NON-PRACTICAL WISDOM and hence, there is NO PRACTICAL WISDOM. If thereThere is no NON-PRACTICAL WISDOM and hence, there is NO PRACTICAL WISDOM. If there

is NON-PRACTICAL WISDOM and you choose it instead of PRACTICAL WISDOM, then that isis NON-PRACTICAL WISDOM and you choose it instead of PRACTICAL WISDOM, then that is

not Wisdom. There is also no NON-PRAGMATIC WISDOM and hence, there is NOnot Wisdom. There is also no NON-PRAGMATIC WISDOM and hence, there is NO

PRAGMATIC WISDOM. If there is NON-PRAGMATIC WISDOM and you choose it instead ofPRAGMATIC WISDOM. If there is NON-PRAGMATIC WISDOM and you choose it instead of

PRAGMATIC WISDOM, then that is not Wisdom. Wisdom is wisdom, period. Just like Life,PRAGMATIC WISDOM, then that is not Wisdom. Wisdom is wisdom, period. Just like Life,

Love and Light, Wisdom has no opposite. In other words, Life has no opposite, Love has noLove and Light, Wisdom has no opposite. In other words, Life has no opposite, Love has no

opposite, Light has no opposite and Wisdom has no opposite. Going much deeper inopposite, Light has no opposite and Wisdom has no opposite. Going much deeper in

consciousness, one comes to the realization that all four are one and the same, Life is Love,consciousness, one comes to the realization that all four are one and the same, Life is Love,

Life is Light and Life is Wisdom. Love is Wisdom. Love is Light. Wisdom is Light. All four areLife is Light and Life is Wisdom. Love is Wisdom. Love is Light. Wisdom is Light. All four are

beyond the human intellect or our five senses and the physical brain. Again, there is no NON-beyond the human intellect or our five senses and the physical brain. Again, there is no NON-

PRACTICAL WISDOM and hence, there is NO PRACTICAL WISDOM. Wisdom is simplyPRACTICAL WISDOM and hence, there is NO PRACTICAL WISDOM. Wisdom is simply

Wisdom, far beyond our intellect and knowledge.Wisdom, far beyond our intellect and knowledge.

25m25m

Margaret C.Margaret C.

Corporate Governance, Compliance and Legal AffairsCorporate Governance, Compliance and Legal Affairs

Your book on practical wisdom seems to relate to the classic Serenity Prayer that I display onYour book on practical wisdom seems to relate to the classic Serenity Prayer that I display on

my wall above my work desk. It goes like this: "God grant me the serenity to accept the thingsmy wall above my work desk. It goes like this: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things

I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference."I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference."

55m55m

RAM SUNDER S.RAM SUNDER S.

Consultant-Indirect TaxationConsultant-Indirect Taxation

I enjoyed this article , do not how much I get it but certainly preserve some points in mind.I enjoyed this article , do not how much I get it but certainly preserve some points in mind.

Points of Practical wisdom seems to be very simple but hard to practice in this practical worldPoints of Practical wisdom seems to be very simple but hard to practice in this practical world

specially in a network of infected environment. Every body wants attention specially in a network of infected environment. Every body wants attention at least to the tuneat least to the tune

of genuine minimal satisfaction providing a remedy to the cause.of genuine minimal satisfaction providing a remedy to the cause.

1h1h

Beth J.Beth J.

Account Manager, Growth & Retention; Account Manager, Growth & Retention; Scripps MediaScripps Media

Wisdom comes with experience and the ability to perceive the bigger picture. Many of usWisdom comes with experience and the ability to perceive the bigger picture. Many of us

overlook this when placed under pressure. It's best to take a deep breath, think, and not beoverlook this when placed under pressure. It's best to take a deep breath, think, and not be

reactionary or impulsive.reactionary or impulsive.

4h4h

Shalom Stanley O.Shalom Stanley O.

Site Representative for EPC of OFON2 Technical Rooms at Nigerdock PlcSite Representative for EPC of OFON2 Technical Rooms at Nigerdock Plc

Most of the knowledge we have today came from the greeks, including key words in our veryMost of the knowledge we have today came from the greeks, including key words in our very

own English. you call it flavours but to the greeks they have distinctive meanings. own English. you call it flavours but to the greeks they have distinctive meanings. insufficientinsufficient

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english terms have made these communications complicated to the simple. so you have toenglish terms have made these communications complicated to the simple. so you have to

study from the right sources so you dont get limited by the understanding of the translators.study from the right sources so you dont get limited by the understanding of the translators.

there are wise men that have done nothing with the wisdom they have, how is that practical? wethere are wise men that have done nothing with the wisdom they have, how is that practical? we

hear of only a few that have demostrated their wisdom according to history. Even Aristotle andhear of only a few that have demostrated their wisdom according to history. Even Aristotle and

prof Barry have shared light on practical wisdom, it will pay to buy and study this material.prof Barry have shared light on practical wisdom, it will pay to buy and study this material.

4h4h

Ashish Kumar M.Ashish Kumar M.

Project Engineer at Wipro Technologies | Domain and Technology polyglotProject Engineer at Wipro Technologies | Domain and Technology polyglot

Almost every moment in our life, we make a choice. I chose to both "comment and like" on thisAlmost every moment in our life, we make a choice. I chose to both "comment and like" on this

post, someone else would have chose to do the same thing I did, or just "like" or justpost, someone else would have chose to do the same thing I did, or just "like" or just

"comment". The variables that lead to the same choice, would be quite different for every"comment". The variables that lead to the same choice, would be quite different for every

individual, even though they ended up as same result. Practical wisdom is just one of thoseindividual, even though they ended up as same result. Practical wisdom is just one of those

millions of variables, but worth putting effort upon. I hope your book will assist people in makingmillions of variables, but worth putting effort upon. I hope your book will assist people in making

more conscious choices and a better life, eventually.more conscious choices and a better life, eventually.

4h4h

Maria R.Maria R.

Private Secretary at Ministry of EducationPrivate Secretary at Ministry of Education

Hmmm, life is full of suprises, so try to be your best self as an individual at every opportunity.Hmmm, life is full of suprises, so try to be your best self as an individual at every opportunity.

4h4h

Alex K.Alex K.

Consultant at Karales Inc. www.karales.comConsultant at Karales Inc. www.karales.com

KISKIS

4h4h

Alex K.Alex K.

Consultant at Karales Inc. www.karales.comConsultant at Karales Inc. www.karales.com

Just because the Greeks come up with something, doesnt mean, they got it right, in fact thisJust because the Greeks come up with something, doesnt mean, they got it right, in fact this

would be a good example of complicating something simple with flavors.would be a good example of complicating something simple with flavors.

4h4h

Alex K.Alex K.

Consultant at Karales Inc. www.karales.comConsultant at Karales Inc. www.karales.com

Shalom Shalom.... Great comment about the flavors of wisdom, but when you use the termShalom Shalom.... Great comment about the flavors of wisdom, but when you use the term

practical in front of wisdom, you are making a redundant statement. Wisdom is inherentlypractical in front of wisdom, you are making a redundant statement. Wisdom is inherently

practical, it doesn't matter if its Strawberry or Vanilla flavored.practical, it doesn't matter if its Strawberry or Vanilla flavored.

4h4h

Anand S.Anand S.

Physics Learner & Science CommunicatorPhysics Learner & Science Communicator

Becoming the Buddha....Practical Wisdom....Wisdom with Compassion....Choosing betweenBecoming the Buddha....Practical Wisdom....Wisdom with Compassion....Choosing between

right things...Truly thought provoking sir.right things...Truly thought provoking sir.

6h6h

Shalom Stanley O.Shalom Stanley O.

Site Representative for EPC of OFON2 Technical Rooms at Nigerdock PlcSite Representative for EPC of OFON2 Technical Rooms at Nigerdock Plc

knowledge (Gnosis-Grk: scientific knowlegde, all knowledge that can mentally be assembled)knowledge (Gnosis-Grk: scientific knowlegde, all knowledge that can mentally be assembled)

can be gotten from studying books! books!! but this has been proven not adequate otherwisecan be gotten from studying books! books!! but this has been proven not adequate otherwise

the world would have been a better place.... the world would have been a better place.... Beyond knowledge is WISDOM, english is limitedBeyond knowledge is WISDOM, english is limited

in the true meaning of wisdom originating from the greek (no thanks to our english translators).in the true meaning of wisdom originating from the greek (no thanks to our english translators).

wisdom is not a kind of knowledge, it is a force that makes you do what you should do, howwisdom is not a kind of knowledge, it is a force that makes you do what you should do, how

you should do it and at the time you should do it. you should do it and at the time you should do it. 3 important kinds of widom are sophia,3 important kinds of widom are sophia,

sunesis and phronesis... these cannot be gotten in the classroom..lol Sophia (theoriticalsunesis and phronesis... these cannot be gotten in the classroom..lol Sophia (theoritical

wisdom): this means insight into reality, collection of all knowledge and wisdom, this kind iswisdom): this means insight into reality, collection of all knowledge and wisdom, this kind is

generic, so you need more than sophia to deal with specific issues in your field, carreer, lifegeneric, so you need more than sophia to deal with specific issues in your field, carreer, life

etc.- so you need sunesis etc.- so you need sunesis Sunesis (Critical wisdom): this means comprehension; perception;Sunesis (Critical wisdom): this means comprehension; perception;

understanding, the ability to understand concepts and see relationships between them.. itunderstanding, the ability to understand concepts and see relationships between them.. it

suggest a quickness of apprehension, the penetrating consideration that precedessuggest a quickness of apprehension, the penetrating consideration that precedes

action..sunesis is exploring into sophia to develop an unique understanding of a subject that isaction..sunesis is exploring into sophia to develop an unique understanding of a subject that is

beyond the natural interpretation of that same subject. sunesis comes from another greek word-beyond the natural interpretation of that same subject. sunesis comes from another greek word-

suneimi which means "to deal wisely". But you may have an understanding and yet not actsuneimi which means "to deal wisely". But you may have an understanding and yet not act

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accordingly thats why you need the third kind of wisdom-phronesis. accordingly thats why you need the third kind of wisdom-phronesis. Phronesis ( PracticalPhronesis ( Practical

wisdom): this means a mind-set: a fixed mental attitude that predetermines a person'swisdom): this means a mind-set: a fixed mental attitude that predetermines a person's

response to situations and his interpretation of those situations. it determines your responses,response to situations and his interpretation of those situations. it determines your responses,

makes you make the right choices and do the right things at the right time. with phronesis youmakes you make the right choices and do the right things at the right time. with phronesis you

can tell the difference between the "good" and the "best" and then it makes you do withoutcan tell the difference between the "good" and the "best" and then it makes you do without

reasoning it out first..another translation for phronesis is prudence.. reasoning it out first..another translation for phronesis is prudence.. To fully understand theseTo fully understand these

concepts, you must first understand the trio nature of man as a spirit, having a soul(mind, will,concepts, you must first understand the trio nature of man as a spirit, having a soul(mind, will,

emotions) and living in a body.. we already know how the mind can be schooled to gainemotions) and living in a body.. we already know how the mind can be schooled to gain

knowledge but we were not informed that the human spirit can be schooled to gain wisdom..knowledge but we were not informed that the human spirit can be schooled to gain wisdom..

wisdom is cultivated in the human spirit and expressed through the mind but unfortunately thewisdom is cultivated in the human spirit and expressed through the mind but unfortunately the

best schools of the world are only limited to training our minds to gain knowledge. You needbest schools of the world are only limited to training our minds to gain knowledge. You need

another kind of school to learn how to gain wisdom.another kind of school to learn how to gain wisdom.

7h7h

mark J.mark J.

at Megabyte Limited Maltaat Megabyte Limited Malta

This is interesting on several levels. In terms of disappointment I think the real issue isThis is interesting on several levels. In terms of disappointment I think the real issue is

unrealistic expectations, by all of us. Behind this is that systems and institutaions have evolvedunrealistic expectations, by all of us. Behind this is that systems and institutaions have evolved

into highly complex entities the level of burocracy has literally strangled them, paralysed byinto highly complex entities the level of burocracy has literally strangled them, paralysed by

budgets and many power groups all demanding they have the right to decide. We havebudgets and many power groups all demanding they have the right to decide. We have

introduced such a level of control and are now so incapable of accepting 'risk' as part of life thatintroduced such a level of control and are now so incapable of accepting 'risk' as part of life that

we all have to live with emasculated institutions, that deliver what can be signed of and proved,we all have to live with emasculated institutions, that deliver what can be signed of and proved,

rather than what is needed. What does everybody else think I wonder?rather than what is needed. What does everybody else think I wonder?

7h7h

KATERINA H.KATERINA H.

Managing Director at VECHRO SA Managing Director at VECHRO SA PAINTS &VARNISHES MANUFACTURERPAINTS &VARNISHES MANUFACTURER

I 100% agree. Proud to be Greek!I 100% agree. Proud to be Greek!

8h8h

Harvey S.Harvey S.

CSSL Genré Defing, Radion Unfriendly Music By MusiciansCSSL Genré Defing, Radion Unfriendly Music By Musicians

I learned how institutions, especially multinationals, are more untrustworthy than crack addictsI learned how institutions, especially multinationals, are more untrustworthy than crack addicts

with ones credit cards, usually subtly. The axiom by which I live, is "trust yourself - most of thewith ones credit cards, usually subtly. The axiom by which I live, is "trust yourself - most of the

time, all others hold in abeyance awaiting supporting or negating information. You can stilltime, all others hold in abeyance awaiting supporting or negating information. You can still

enjoy them in areas under the overall rubric of affection. One's left brain, the latter ir right ANDenjoy them in areas under the overall rubric of affection. One's left brain, the latter ir right AND

left brain. Trust the left, I think it boils down to.left brain. Trust the left, I think it boils down to.

8h8h

Dedan K.Dedan K.

Property OfficerProperty Officer

I agree 100%. Know yourself. Happiness leads to flourishingI agree 100%. Know yourself. Happiness leads to flourishing

9h9h

Neil W.Neil W.

Communications services at Computershare - INTERESTED IN TRADING/ANALYST ORCommunications services at Computershare - INTERESTED IN TRADING/ANALYST OR

LEGAL/COMPLIANCE POSITIONLEGAL/COMPLIANCE POSITION

Agree wholeheartedly. With the heart and the head. Aristotle is a guiding light for me..Agree wholeheartedly. With the heart and the head. Aristotle is a guiding light for me..

9h9h

Sandra T.Sandra T.

Interactive Digital Media Teacher - GCITInteractive Digital Media Teacher - GCIT

I love the concept, it sounds a lot like common sense... with integrity. Simply the 'right' way toI love the concept, it sounds a lot like common sense... with integrity. Simply the 'right' way to

do things.do things.

10h10h