A new study by the University of Waterloo identifies the core characteristics that people across the globe associate with wisdom. Reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness are key traits found in wise individuals, shaping how leaders are judged and supported worldwide.
What makes someone appear wise? According to a recent study led by researchers at the University of Waterloo, the answer lies in the combination of logical thinking and emotional sensitivity. The research, encompassing 12 countries across five continents, delved into how people perceive wisdom in various contexts, including political leadership, science and daily life interactions.
Unveiling two primary dimensions guiding perceptions of wisdom — reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness — the study sheds light on universal principles that could influence leadership, education and cross-cultural communication. Reflective orientation involves logical thinking, emotional control and the application of knowledge, while socio-emotional awareness pertains to empathy and sensitivity towards others’ feelings and social contexts.
“To our surprise, the two dimensions emerged across all cultural regions we studied, and both were associated with explicit attribution of wisdom,” Maksim Rudnev, lead author and postdoctoral research associate in psychology at Waterloo, said in a news release.
The implications of this discovery are profound, especially in how people might judge and trust leaders. For instance, consider the contrasting perceptions of former U.S. President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. The study posits that individuals often rate reflective qualities higher than socio-emotional ones when attributing wisdom.
“While both dimensions of wisdom work together, people associate wisdom more with the reflective orientation. If someone is viewed as not able to reflect and think logically, then perceptions of them as socio-emotionally competent and moral won’t compensate,” Igor Grossmann, senior corresponding author and director of the Wisdom and Culture Lab at the University of Waterloo, said in the news release.
The study’s findings were corroborated by data from 2,707 participants representing diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds across the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. The participants evaluated 10 individuals, including scientists, politicians and teachers, during a difficult decision-making scenario without a clear right or wrong answer. They then rated these individuals’ wisdom along with their self-assessment.
“Interestingly, our participants considered themselves inferior to most exemplars of wisdom in regard to reflective orientation but were less self-conscious when it comes to socio-emotional characteristics,” Rudnev added.
This comprehensive international collaboration was orchestrated by the Geography of Philosophy consortium and involved 26 research institutions. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study not only deepens our understanding of wisdom but also underscores its diverse yet unifying themes globally.
Understanding these dimensions holds significant potential for improving leadership and educational frameworks, enhancing cross-cultural dialogues and fostering a more inclusive, empathetic global society. As societies worldwide navigate complex challenges, these insights into the nature of wisdom could prove invaluable.