1 April 2006 

"In the pursuit of knowledge, everyday something is acquired;
In the pursuit of wisdom, everyday something is dropped."
Lao Tzu

These words apply very much to the field of Leadership Studies at present.  The reason why those who pursue wisdom in leadership and leadership development are able to reduce what they believe is explained by the roman writer Lactantius.  "The first point of wisdom," he writes, "is to discern that which is false;  the second to know what is true."

What has struck me during the last month when I have attended some conferences where authors, gurus and academics have spoken on leadership, is how rare it is to find a person in this field who actually thinks for themselves.  People rattle off Powerpoint presentations of so-called psychological research, but they never seem to ask themselves whether or not their bullet points are true.  In other words, they don't think.  So no wonder there are so many speakers, writers, consultants and coaches indulging in what the Americans call 'bullshitting'. The subject of a recent book by a Harvard professor of philosophy,  'to bullshit' is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as 'to talk nonsense or as if one has specialised knowledge.'  Is it not now time to abandon this practice?

Quotable Quotes
The wise person reads both books and life itself.
Lin Yutang

We cannot be taught wisdom, we have to discover it outselves by a journey which no-one can take for us, an effort which no-one can spare us.
Proust