Why oh why can't wisdom automatically be coupled with perceptiveness?

Using the definitions of wisdom arrived at here, wisdom does generally correlate with perceptiveness. As for intelligence, there is such a broad range of traits that can be considered signs of intelligence that it would be odd if common sense were linked to all of them. And, of course, the cockiness that can go with intelligence might blind one to some obvious blunders that a less confident person would be careful to avoid.

@Jayne: I like this take on it, “Wisdom is the judicious application of intelligence”

Yep…and that ‘judicious’ caveat, I guess, implies perceptiveness and common sense.

@Vzzbzz, can you give us an example of a case where you see wisdom without perceptiveness? It is very hard for me to thiink of them apart; or, that is to say, to think of a person who is wise and not also perceptive.

I can imagine someone who’s perceptive but does not have the experience and maturity to interpret the perceptions and shape them with wisdom into understanding.

@Jeruba Looking at my question, I should’ve written perceptiveness not equating to wisdom but… I failed.

@VzzBzz, are you saying that you meant this: “Why oh why can’t wisdom be equated to perceptiveness?” Just trying to understand your real question. “Why, oh why” sounds like a plea, so I’m not sure I’m reading you right. There’s still time to restate if you’d like us to tackle it.

feel free to correct me if I’m wrong…I believe he is lamenting the fact that- and is wondering why- innate talents, such as perception and intelligence, do not always translate into practical qualities like wisdom and common sense that are essential for a truly balanced intellect.

@Jeruba Jayne nailed it below.

@Jayne I’m female ;)

Ah. I see. Well, I think the answer is of the nature/nurture variety, if we can define “nurture” very broadly as life experience, as opposed to inborn traits. This would include not only the example and precept of others but also the ability to profit from experience and assimilate life lessons in such a way that they can be turned into accessible and even usable understanding.

And that second ability, the ability to profit (etc.)—mightn’t that be another inborn trait, one that is as independent of intelligence as eye color? It might be sort of like an intellectual enzyme that enables you to process incoming information and experience in a certain way. Without it, you may stockpile knowledge but you are not truly gaining wisdom.

Just theorizing here. Feel free to take and run or just toss.

I think wisdom requires perceptiveness, but the reverse is not necessarily the case.

I would theorize that the ability to profit from perception is simply a matter of turning your perception on yourself, and recognizing that you are imperfect and need to develop wisdom. I imagine this is largely a function of environment; if you are consistently told that you are brilliant, a wonderful human being, then you might never realize that you are as much in need of criticism as those around you- and any subsequent criticism might be taken as an affront rather than as a warning. So ultimately, it takes a bit of strain on the ego to turn perception and intelligence into wisdom.
Now, back to my English paper. About that wisdom thing…