Some say wisdom is gained by keeping an open mind while living a long time so life’s experience have a chance of soaking in. Others say wisdom is acquired by listening more than talking.

Either way, wisdom is a gift that can enlighten our souls and strengthen our spirit – and the spirit of others when it is shared.

If you need some wisdom right now – some enlightenment gained by others, here are 12 wise old sayings that resonant with truth, hope and inspiration:

1. “When you are in doubt, be still, and, and wait; when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage. So long as mists envelope you, be still; be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists — as it surely will. Then act with courage.” ― Ponca Chief White Eagle

2. “When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary projects, all of your thoughts break their bonds, your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction and you find yourself in a new great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.” ― Patanjali

3. “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” ― Marcus Aurelius

4. “We can’t have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.” ― Thomas Aquinas

5. “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” ― Confucius

6. “Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.” ― Pythagoras

7. “That the path to personal happiness and inner peace is through the extinguishing of all desire to have or to affect things beyond ones control and through living for the present without hope for or fear of the future; beyond the power of opinion.” ― Zeno

8. “Remember, no human condition is ever permanent. Then you will not be overjoyed in good fortune nor too scornful in misfortune.” ― Plato

9. “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so let us be thankful.” ― Buddha

10. “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.” ― Lao Tzu

11. “Angry people want you to see how powerful they are. Loving people want you to see how powerful YOU are.” ― Chief Red Eagle

12. “Those who are unaware they are walking in darkness will never seek the light.” ― Bruce Lee

Image Source: Google images

About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.